Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team secured a straight-set victory over Bethel University on Wednesday at the Robertson Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Blugolds won by scores of 25-18, 25-15, and 28-26.

UW-Eau Claire outperformed Bethel offensively with a .205 hitting percentage compared to the Royals’ .086. The Blugolds also delivered eight service aces, twice as many as their opponents, and finished with six total blocks at the net.

In the first set, UW-Eau Claire overcame an early deficit. Abby Stanwood and Bailey Leeke helped tie the score at 3-3 before a key 5-0 run pushed the Blugolds ahead to a 16-10 lead. Norah Erickson added consecutive kills late in the set, and UWEC closed out with a 25-18 win after a Bethel attack error.

The second set featured steady play from Lili Hagg, who recorded crucial kills early on. The Blugolds capitalized on Bethel’s errors and maintained their advantage throughout the set. Stanwood sealed the frame with a kill from Alex Kiebel for a 25-15 result.

The third set was closely contested. After taking an early lead, UWEC saw Bethel respond to go ahead mid-set. A kill by Stanwood and several Bethel errors allowed UW-Eau Claire to even things at 20-all. Erickson tied it again at 25 before Leeke’s decisive kill ended the match at 28-26.

Statistically, Stanwood led with eight kills and six digs while Leeke contributed seven kills and four block assists. Erickson posted seven kills with a .385 hitting percentage, and Hannah Thole had 11 assists for UW-Eau Claire.

Following this win, UW-Eau Claire’s overall record improved to 7-1; Bethel dropped to 1-6.

Next up for the Blugolds is a home match against St. Catherine University during the Sandy Schumacher Memorial Tournament presented by BSN Sports/Nike at The Sonnentag Event Center on Friday, September 12, starting at 7 p.m.

Fans can follow updates on Blugolds.com or through social media channels including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or via the Blugold Sports app.