COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire had a successful day at the Pikes Peak Challenge, edging the Milwaukee School of Engineering in a thrilling five-set match, 25-22, 25-12, 23-25, 23-25, 16-14, before later sweeping Edgewood 3-0 with set scores of 25-21, 25-16, and 25-21 at El Pomar Sports Center.
In the first match against MSOE, the Blugolds capitalized on a strong start, taking the first two sets before MSOE rallied to force a decisive fifth set. UWEC's offensive efficiency was evident with 60 kills, overcoming 22 errors, while MSOE managed 47 kills and 28 errors. Both teams recorded nine service aces, but UWEC's defense proved crucial, contributing 66 digs to MSOE's 65.
The Blugolds opened the first set with a strategic lineup, with
Katie Mercure providing critical assists, including one to
Darienne Andre for a kill at 5-2. Despite a strong start from MSOE, UWEC rallied from a 21-18 deficit with a significant 6-1 run, highlighted by
Abigail Wherland's consecutive service aces at 21-21 and 21-22, to take the set.
Emma Peterson sealed the victory at 25-22 with a kill, capitalizing on an MSOE attack error.
In the second set, UWEC displayed a strong offensive performance, starting with a kill by
Izzy Grace, assisted by Mercure, to take the initial lead. The Blugolds maintained momentum with a service ace by
Hannah Thole at 4-3, followed by a substantial scoring run that included five consecutive points, making it 15-9. Wherland's block and Peterson's kill further extended the advantage. The team continued to capitalize on MSOE's errors, closing the set with a decisive service ace from
Sasha Bovard to secure the set 25-12.
The third set featured a competitive back-and-forth battle between the teams, with scoring runs and key plays punctuating the action. UW-Eau Claire, despite an initial deficit, tied the score at 3-3 with a service ace by Wherland. Grace contributed significantly with three kills, including a crucial one at 22-22, to keep the score close. However, MSOE managed to pull ahead in the final moments, clinching the set 25-23 after a service ace and kill by Alyssa Rusch.
The fourth set saw intense action with MSOE initially taking a 4-1 lead, thanks to kills from Rusch and a service ace. The Blugolds responded with a series of plays, highlighted by a run of five consecutive points, including kills by Peterson and
Autumn Stream, giving them a brief 7-5 lead. Later in the set,
Norah Erickson contributed with back-to-back kills, narrowing MSOE's lead to 24-23. Despite the late rally by UWEC, MSOE secured the set with a final score of 25-23.
The fifth set opened with Andre's kill, assisted by
Alex Kiebel, setting the tone for a competitive frame. The Blugolds quickly advanced to a 3-0 lead with contributions from Wherland and Andre, again aided by Kiebel. Midway through the set, Erickson and
Lili Hagg's block helped regain the lead at 7-5, and Grace's effective kills kept the momentum. The set remained tightly contested, tying at 13-13, but Andre's crucial kill and Erickson and Hagg's block sealed a 16-14 victory for UWEC.
Wherland and Grace were pivotal for the Blugolds, each contributing 16 points over five sets. Wherland added 11 kills with a .250 hitting percentage and led the team with three service aces. Grace recorded 16 kills on 37 attempts, achieving a .324 hitting percentage.
Mary Zettle played a crucial role in defense, amassing 21 digs, while Mercure facilitated the offense with 24 assists, leading the team in that category.
With the win, the Blugolds improved to 2-1 overall. The loss left MSOE at 0-3 overall.
In the second match against Edgewood, UW-Eau Claire secured the victory with a solid performance, highlighted by a .245 hitting percentage and 47 digs. The team also recorded five service aces, while Edgewood managed 25 kills but struggled with a .103 hitting percentage. The match concluded in 1 hour and 16 minutes.
The first set began with a strong start from UWEC, as
Norah Erickson landed a kill early at 1-0, followed by a service ace from
Abby Stanwood to extend the lead to 3-0.
Alex Kiebel played a pivotal role, contributing multiple assists that helped maintain the momentum, including a service ace at 10-8. Stanwood was instrumental, with a crucial kill from Kiebel's assist that brought the score to 22-20. The set concluded with
Lili Hagg sealing the victory at 25-21 with a decisive kill, assisted by Kiebel.
The Blugolds started the second set strong against Edgewood, quickly capitalizing on an attack error to secure the first point. Stanwood contributed key kills at 2-1 and 7-4, helping the team maintain momentum. A crucial service ace by
Kaitlyn Erickson at 4-3 further bolstered the score, leading to a 25-16 victory in the set. Throughout the set,
Hannah Thole effectively facilitated the offense with multiple assists, ensuring a steady offensive flow for UWEC.
The third set began with a quick start as Hagg secured the first point for the visiting team.
Bailey Leeke demonstrated her offensive prowess, recording multiple kills, including one that tied the game at 4-4 early on. Later in the set, Leeke continued to shine, contributing significantly with a streak that extended the lead to 21-19. In the closing moments, Kiebel sealed the set with a service ace, securing a 25-21 victory for the visitors.
Stanwood contributed significantly to the Blugolds' effort, amassing 15 points over three sets. Leeke was efficient with a .464 hitting percentage, recording 14 kills and adding 14.5 points. Thole led the setting duties with 18 assists, while Kiebel supported with 19 assists and two service aces. Hagg added six kills and three blocks, accumulating eight points.
With the win, UW-Eau Claire improved to 3-1 overall. The loss left Edgewood at 1-2 overall.
The next challenge for the Blugolds takes them to the Windy City, where they will face the University of Chicago at the Rosalie Resch Invitational. The match is set for Friday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Ratner Athletics Center in Chicago, Ill.
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