Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team extended its winning streak to ten matches after sweeping both Lakeland and Carleton in straight sets at the Sandy Schumacher Memorial Tournament held at the Sonnentag Event Center.

In their match against Lakeland, UW-Eau Claire posted nine service aces and took advantage of the Muskies’ eight attack errors. The Blugolds edged out a close first set 25-23, with Abby Stanwood contributing four kills and Bailey Leeke adding three, including a crucial point that brought the score to 24-23. Norah Erickson and Darienne Andre combined for a key block at 21-20, while Mary Zettle provided two important service aces during the middle portion of the set.

During the second set, UW-Eau Claire capitalized on several Lakeland service errors to win 25-21. Leeke made multiple kills and Erickson also contributed as the team rallied from an early deficit. Alex Kiebel’s assists played a significant role in setting up successful attacks. In the third set, Katie Mercure delivered several assists as UW-Eau Claire won 25-18. Zettle continued her strong performance with two more service aces, while Leeke added three kills.

Leeke led all players with 13 kills on 24 attempts for a .542 hitting percentage and contributed two service aces. Zettle finished with 16 digs and four service aces, while Stanwood had 11 kills and eight digs over three sets. Andre recorded five kills without an error on ten swings for a .500 hitting percentage.

Facing Carleton later in the day, UW-Eau Claire maintained its momentum by posting a .279 hitting percentage along with six service aces. The Blugolds took the first set 25-20 behind key plays from Stanwood and Hannah Thole’s serving run that included three service aces. In the second set, Mya Cinnamo led offensively as UW-Eau Claire secured a 25-16 victory despite some interruptions from service errors; consistent assists from Thole helped maintain control.

The Blugolds completed their sweep by winning the third set 25-18 after contributions from Thole in setting up attacks for Lili Hagg, Norah Erickson, and Leeke. Carleton narrowed the margin late but Cinnamo closed out with two of the final three points.

Leeke again led offensively against Carleton with 12 kills on 18 attempts (.556 hitting). Thole contributed with 23 assists and four service aces; Cinnamo had eight kills on nineteen attempts plus one ace; Zettle collected another sixteen digs defensively across three sets.

UW-Eau Claire improved its overall non-conference record to 10-1 this season. Lakeland moved to a record of 4-7 while Carleton stands at 2-8.

The Blugolds will next travel to face College of Saint Benedict at Claire Lynch Hall in St. Joseph, Minnesota on Wednesday, September 17 at 7 p.m.

Fans can follow updates throughout the season via Blugolds.com or through social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook under “Blugold Sports.”