Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team began their 2024 season on Friday afternoon at the Battlefield Classic hosted by Gettysburg College. UW-Eau Claire split the day with a 3-0 sweep over Susquehanna University and a hard-fought 3-1 defeat to Eastern University.

In the first game against Susquehanna, junior transfer Abby Stanwood and Bailey Leeke led the Blugold offense, each tallying 11 kills. Lilli Hagg also recorded double-digit kills, opening the season with ten of her own. Defensively, UW-Eau Claire dominated the front line, outblocking Susquehanna 8-1. Leeke, Hagg, and Makina Larson combined for ten block assists. Stanwood captured a solo block and Hannah Thole earned two block assists. The Blugolds put together five separate four-point scoring runs during the game, including the final point in the third set on a tip by Darienne Andre. First-year libero Kaitlyn Erickson recorded 13 digs in her first collegiate match to stifle the River Hawks' attack.

In the second game against Eastern University, both teams went kill for kill in a four-set thriller as they combined for 105 successful attacks. Leeke and Stanwood led UWEC's offense again, combining for 30 of their team's 49 kills. Thole completed her first collegiate competition day with 81 assists across both games. Late three-point rallies from Eastern secured them two sets that surpassed the 25-point mark and ultimately gave them victory over UW-Eau Claire.

Next up for the Blugolds (1-1) is day two of the Battlefield Classic with matches against host Gettysburg College and Dickinson College. Game one against Gettysburg is set for 11 a.m., followed by game two versus Dickinson at 1 p.m.

Follow UW-Eau Claire's season at Blugolds.com or on social media platforms Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.