CHICAGO, Ill. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire delivered a dominant performance on the second day of the Rosalie Resch Invitational, sweeping both Lawrence University and Illinois Tech in straight sets. In their first match, the Blugolds defeated Lawrence 25-18, 25-19, 25-19, and followed it up with a decisive victory over Illinois Tech, winning 25-13, 25-17, 25-11 at Ratner Athletics Center.
In the match against Lawrence, UW-Eau Claire's efficient attack was on full display, highlighted by a remarkable .386 hitting percentage and nine service aces. The Blugolds quickly took control, capitalizing on early attack errors from Lawrence to claim a 2-0 lead in the first set.
Abby Stanwood was instrumental, leading the offense with multiple kills, including a decisive one at 24-18, set up by
Kaitlyn Erickson.
Mya Cinnamo also made significant contributions with kills and blocks, helping the Blugolds secure the first set with a score of 25-18.
The second set saw an explosive start from UW-Eau Claire, who established a 3-0 lead, thanks to a kill from
Bailey Leeke and a service ace by
Alex Kiebel. The Blugolds maintained control, with Leeke serving three consecutive aces that pushed the score to 9-3. Despite a brief rally from Lawrence, UW-Eau Claire's consistent play led to a 25-19 victory in the second set.
In the third set, Cinnamo opened with a quick point off an assist by Kiebel, setting the tone for another competitive set. Key contributions from Leeke, who delivered multiple kills and a service ace, helped the Blugolds maintain their lead. Although they faced some service errors, UW-Eau Claire capitalized on their opponent's mistakes, with
Lili Hagg sealing the set at 25-19 following a decisive kill from
Katie Mercure.
Leeke led the charge against Lawrence with five service aces, nine kills, and four digs. Stanwood recorded 11 kills on 18 attempts, achieving a .444 hitting percentage, while
Norah Erickson added five kills at a .500 clip. Kiebel provided 14 assists and tallied three service aces, enhancing the team's offensive efforts. UW-Eau Claire improved to a 5-1 overall record, while Lawrence fell to 6-2.
In their second match against Illinois Tech, UW-Eau Claire showcased their potent offense, achieving a .368 hitting percentage with 39 kills and only seven errors. Their service game added pressure with six aces throughout the match. The Blugolds seized control early in the first set, capitalizing on an initial kill by
Norah Erickson assisted by Kiebel, establishing a decisive pace. Stanwood widened the gap with multiple kills, contributing to a commanding 5-1 lead, and the Blugolds closed the frame confidently at 25-13, sealed by a kill from Erickson, aided by
Mary Zettle.
The second set saw consistent performance from the Blugolds, leading to a decisive 25-17 victory. Leeke and Erickson contributed significantly with a series of kills, while Zettle showcased her serving skills with back-to-back aces. Kiebel's assists proved pivotal throughout the set, facilitating key plays that helped maintain the Blugolds' momentum.
In the third set, UW-Eau Claire quickly established dominance, with Stanwood's early attacks and Kiebel's precise assists setting the tone. A pivotal stretch saw the visitors capitalize on Illinois Tech's errors, leading to an impressive 8-4 advantage. The Blugolds continued to extend their lead, including a service ace by Kiebel at 22-10, and closed the set decisively at 25-11, highlighted by a final kill from
Izzy Grace.
Leeke led the Blugolds against Illinois Tech with 10 kills and nine digs, showcasing a .409 attack percentage. Stanwood also made significant contributions with nine kills and eight digs, recording a .375 hitting percentage and serving one ace.
Darienne Andre was effective at the net, tallying three kills on four attempts and registering four total blocks. Kiebel facilitated the offense with 15 assists and two service aces, enhancing the team's distribution and scoring opportunities.
UW-Eau Claire now holds a 6-1 overall record as they compete in the WIAC conference, while Illinois Tech stands at 0-2 overall in the NACC conference.
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