Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team secured its 13th consecutive win with a 3-1 victory over the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Wednesday at the Sonnentag Event Center. The Blugolds won by set scores of 25-16, 25-20, 25-27, and 25-16.

UW-Eau Claire outperformed UW-La Crosse in several statistical categories, finishing with 66 kills to the Eagles' 40 and nine total blocks compared to six for La Crosse. The Blugolds also registered seven service aces during the match.

In the opening set, UW-Eau Claire established an early lead with a strong offensive showing led by Alex Kiebel's setting and key kills from Lili Hagg and Bailey Leeke. Defensive contributions included a block from Leeke and Hagg, while Mya Cinnamo ended the set with a kill.

The second set saw UW-Eau Claire maintain control through effective serving and blocking. Four service aces helped build momentum, including a block by Hagg at 10-8 and back-to-back blocks from Leeke that extended the lead to 15-8. Despite a late effort from UW-La Crosse, UW-Eau Claire closed out the set at 25-20.

UW-La Crosse managed to take the third set after an extended battle, winning it 27-25 following an 8-2 run that overcame early defensive efforts by Hagg and Cinnamo for UW-Eau Claire. Norah Erickson contributed important kills for the Blugolds but could not prevent La Crosse from securing their only set win.

In the fourth set, UW-Eau Claire responded with another dominant performance. Service aces from both Cinnamo and Abby Stanwood helped fuel a decisive run as Stanwood added four late kills. The Blugolds built a significant lead behind consecutive kills from Cinnamo at 15-5 before Stanwood finished off the match with three straight kills.

Abby Stanwood recorded her third straight double-double in this match, posting totals of 17 digs and 14 kills. Norah Erickson added 14 kills on .324 hitting along with contributing to the team's points total. Lili Hagg led defensively with five blocks while Hannah Thole and Alex Kiebel combined for 58 assists.

With this result, UW-Eau Claire improved its overall record to 13-1 (2-0 WIAC), while UW-La Crosse fell to 10-6 (0-2 WIAC).

UW-Eau Claire is scheduled to play next against UW-Stout in Menomonie on Wednesday, October 1 at Johnson Fieldhouse.

More information about upcoming matches can be found at https://blugolds.com or through their official app and social media channels.