Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team commenced their 11th annual Sandy Schumacher Memorial Tournament on Friday with two victories against teams receiving votes in the AVCA Coaches poll. Competing at The Sonnentag Center, UWEC showcased effective offense and defense to defeat Colorado College and the University of Chicago, each by a score of 3-1.

In the first game against Colorado College, the Blugolds maintained composure through extended sets, holding the Tigers to a swing rate below 18.8% to secure victory in the final two sets. Mya Cinnamo and Bailey Leeke contributed significantly with a combined total of 29 kills out of UW-Eau Claire's 60 for the day. Leeke also recorded her fourth consecutive double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs.

Kaitlyn Erickson and Hannah Thole played crucial roles defensively, combining for 41 digs while Thole added 51 assists. Lili Hagg and Bailey Leeke further bolstered the defense with a combined total of 13 block assists and one solo block each.

In their second match against Chicago, UW-Eau Claire maintained an attack rate above 19% in three out of four sets. Despite losing the opening set, they secured wins in the subsequent three sets, closing out each with a score of 25-23. A pivotal four-point run in the middle of the fourth set ended with a kill from Lili Hagg, giving UWEC a six-point lead. Hanne Johnson sealed the win over Chicago with her 11th kill.

The Blugolds (7-3-0) will return to The Sonnentag Event Center on Saturday for day two of the tournament, concluding with a nonconference match against St. Catherine University at 6 p.m.

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