CHICAGO, Ill. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire defeated the University of Chicago in four sets, 23-25, 25-15, 25-16, 25-16, on Friday at Ratner Athletics Center. UW-Eau Claire secured the victory with a potent attack, recording 46 kills and 8 service aces. A standout defensive effort included 12 total blocks, which stifled UChicago's offense, limiting them to a .024 hitting percentage.
The first set saw a tightly contested battle with both teams exchanging leads.
Abby Stanwood and
Bailey Leeke were instrumental for the team, each securing multiple kills, with Stanwood recording crucial points during pivotal moments. The Blugolds managed a late rally, tying the score at 22-22 with
Norah Erickson's kill from
Hannah Thole. However, the set concluded with UChicago edging out a 25-23 win after a decisive kill by Caroline Sele from Kennedy Cheung's assist.
The second set began with
Darienne Andre securing an early lead for the Blugolds with a kill from
Alex Kiebel at the start. UW-Eau Claire gained momentum midway through as Stanwood delivered a series of decisive plays, including a crucial service ace that sparked a six-point streak, significantly widening the gap. The set concluded with
Mya Cinnamo sealing the win with a kill, finalizing the score at 25-15 in favor of UWEC, effectively capitalizing on UChicago's errors throughout the set.
UWEC began the third set with a decisive opening, highlighted by Leeke's early kill, setting the tone for the visitors. Stanwood was instrumental in maintaining momentum, recording multiple kills from Thole's sets, contributing to a 7-4 lead. A series of errors by UChicago, including attack errors and a service ace by the Blugolds, extended the advantage to 13-5. Despite a brief rally from UChicago, UW-Eau Claire closed the set 25-16 with Stanwood securing the final point, demonstrating effective teamwork and execution.
In the fourth set, the Blugolds established dominance with an impressive opening streak, highlighted by Cinnamo's service ace and a series of kills from Stanwood and Andre, pushing the score to 4-0 early on. Stanwood continued her strong performance, contributing multiple kills, including a crucial one at 16-5, while Thole's setting facilitated several scoring opportunities, including a decisive assist to
Lili Hagg. Despite UChicago's attempts to rally, UWEC maintained control, capitalizing on errors and service aces to secure a 25-16 victory in the set.
Stanwood led UW-Eau Claire with 19 kills and added four service aces, contributing significantly to her total of 24.5 points. Andre posted an impressive attack percentage of .714 by recording five kills without an error on seven attempts, and she contributed three total blocks. Erickson added seven kills on 18 attempts, posting a .333 hitting percentage while also leading the team with four block assists. Hagg was a key defensive presence with five total blocks, including two solo efforts.
UWEC holds a 4-1 overall record as they continue their season in non-conference play. UChicago stands at 2-2 overall, also competing in non-conference matchups.
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