COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire opened their 2025 campaign in The Centennial State and had an arduous day at the Pikes Peak Challenge, starting with a five-set loss to East Texas Baptist University, followed by a commanding sweep over Colorado College.
In the first match, UWEC faced ETBU and fell short in a back-and-forth battle, losing 25-18, 25-23, 22-25, 24-26, 16-14. The Blugolds recorded 67 kills and 7 service aces, while the Tigers tallied 69 kills and 3 service aces. UW-Eau Claire showed resilience, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to force a decisive fifth set, but ETBU ultimately claimed the victory with a narrow 16-14 win.
The first set began with a strong performance by UW-Eau Claire, securing an early lead at 4-1 with kills from
Bailey Leeke and
Abby Stanwood. Stanwood continued to be a key player, contributing multiple kills to extend the lead to 10-4. Despite a series of successful plays, including service aces by
Alex Kiebel, ETBU narrowed the gap and took the lead at 13-12. The visiting team capitalized on a scoring streak, aided by Lara Hornsby's consistent attacking, to eventually claim the set 25-18.
The second set saw UWEC take an early lead highlighted by back-to-back kills from
Mya Cinnamo, assisted by
Hannah Thole. Despite this strong start, ETBU responded with a series of points, including a 6-0 run that put them ahead. Stanwood and Leeke contributed significantly, and the team managed to tie the score at 20-20 with a service ace from
Mary Zettle. However, the Tigers edged out the Blugolds, ultimately winning the set 25-23.
The third set began with UW-Eau Claire capitalizing on a service error by ETBU to take an early lead. The Blugolds responded emphatically with
Lili Hagg and Leeke contributing key blocks to spark a 7-0 run, giving them a 12-8 advantage. Cinnamo and Stanwood delivered crucial kills, while Hagg and Leeke sealed the 25-22 victory with strong defensive plays.
The fourth set was tightly contested, with several key performances from UWEC. Stanwood delivered crucial kills, including one at the 23-21 mark, while Cinnamo and Leeke added significant points. Kiebel facilitated the offense with timely assists, and the team capitalized on errors from the opposition to finally close the set 26-24.
In the decisive fifth set, the Blugolds started strong with Kiebel serving two aces, contributing to an early 3-0 lead. Despite this momentum, the Tigers closed the gap, eventually tying the score at 12-12. Stanwood kept the score tight with a crucial kill at 13-13, but ETBU pulled ahead with a service ace, closing the set at 16-14.
Stanwood led UW-Eau Claire with 23.0 points, recording 23 kills on 42 attempts for a .381 hitting percentage. Leeke contributed significantly at the net with eight blocks and 19.5 points. Hagg was a force defensively with nine blocks, while Cinnamo added 16.5 points, including 15 kills.
Kaitlyn Erickson anchored the back row with a team-high 26 digs. With the loss, the Blugolds fell to 0-1.
In their second match of the day, UW-Eau Claire rebounded with a 3-0 sweep over Colorado College, claiming set scores of 25-13, 25-19, and 26-24. The Blugolds controlled the match with a .306 hitting percentage, registering 49 kills to Colorado College's 26, along with eight service aces and 43 digs.
The first set saw the Blugolds surge ahead with a commanding 5-0 run, initiated by Kiebel's service ace. Powerful kills from Stanwood and Hagg contributed to a steady lead, and Leeke's service ace increased the advantage to 16-5, leading to a 25-13 set victory.
In the second set, an early exchange of points was interrupted by a series of key kills from Stanwood and Leeke, assisted by Kiebel, propelling the Blugolds to a 25-19 victory. Notable scoring runs included a 3-0 stretch midway through the set, featuring contributions from Hagg and Cinnamo, which allowed UWEC to gain a slight advantage.
The third set began with Kiebel serving an ace, setting an assertive tone. Stanwood and Cinnamo contributed significantly, and Zettle's service ace expanded the lead to four points at 8-4. In the closing moments, Leeke delivered crucial kills, ultimately securing a 26-24 victory for the Blugolds.
Leeke led UWEC with 15.5 points, recording 14 kills on a .429 hitting percentage and adding one service ace. Stanwood contributed 15 points, tallying 15 kills and seven digs. Kiebel was standout in serving, delivering four aces while setting up 20 assists and contributing 11 digs. Cinnamo added 11.5 points, collecting 10 kills with a .350 hitting percentage.
With the win, UWEC improved to 1-1 overall. The Blugolds will continue play in Colorado Springs and face the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Edgewood College on Saturday, Aug. 30. Game one against the Raiders is set for 1 p.m. CST with game two versus the Eagles scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CST.
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