The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women’s volleyball team advanced to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Tournament after defeating St. Mary’s College of Maryland in straight sets on Thursday at the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics in Pittsburgh.
UW-Eau Claire won by scores of 25-13, 25-23, and 25-13. The Blugolds posted a .297 hitting percentage with 42 kills and 15 errors on 91 total attacks. They also recorded 40 assists, 43 digs, five service aces, and six blocks.
In the opening set, Bailey Leeke led with six kills as UW-Eau Claire established an early lead. Both Leeke and Lili Hagg contributed two block assists each. Alex Kiebel had nine assists in the first set, helping teammates Mya Cinnamo and Lili Hagg score key points.
The second set was closely contested. Bailey Leeke added eight more kills while Abby Stanwood provided four kills, including the final point to secure the set. A block by Kiebel tied the score at 23 before UW-Eau Claire closed out with consecutive kills.
The third set saw UW-Eau Claire maintain control throughout. Alex Kiebel distributed several assists while Leeke continued her strong performance with a .429 hitting percentage in that set alone. Mya Cinnamo and Lili Hagg combined for five kills, while Hannah Thole contributed two aces and four assists from serving and setting positions. The final block came from Hagg and Abigail Wherland to complete the sweep.
Bailey Leeke finished with a match-high 19 kills on 29 attempts for a .517 hitting percentage and totaled 21 points. Alex Kiebel recorded 29 assists along with nine digs. Abby Stanwood had seven kills, ten digs, and one ace; Mya Cinnamo added ten kills on nineteen swings (.316). Kaitlyn Erickson led defensively with eleven digs without any reception errors and added six assists offensively.
With this win, UW-Eau Claire improved its overall record to 28-4 while St. Mary’s College of Maryland ended its season at 17-15.
UW-Eau Claire will next play Wittenberg University in the tournament’s second round on Friday, November 21 at 4:30 p.m. ET at the same venue in Pittsburgh.
More information about UW-Eau Claire athletics can be found at Blugolds.com or through their official app and social media channels.
