By Matt Halverson, UWEC Sports Information
DULUTH, Minn. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's volleyball team (7-4, 0-0 WIAC) came out strong in their mid-week matchup with the College of St. Scholastica, winning 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-15).
After a hard fought first set, the Blugolds pulled out to an early 1-0 lead, led by sophomore Emily Miller (So.-Prior Lake, Minn./Prior Lake) who recorded several key kills late in the set.
Set two was all UW-Eau Claire, as the Blugolds had the Saints on the ropes early, up 7-2. Eau Claire was able to keep their entire offense involved, with kills coming from all parts of the roster as their lead grew larger. The third set was no different as the offense continue to flourish, completing their three game sweep of St. Scholastica.
Eight different Blugolds recorded kills in the match, led by Kelly Reisgraf (Sr.- Chaska, Minn./Chaska) at 11 and Emily Miller with 9. Sophomore Talia Jaskulske (So.- Maplewood Minn./North St. Paul) came up big on the defensive side of the floor, tallying 20 digs on the night.
"When we saw an open spot, we just killed it and the energy just rose from there," said Keagan Kinsella after the Blugold victory. Their defense was also key throughout the match, displaying a new level of consistency on the floor. "It's been a goal of ours to get more blocks, and we blew our goal out of the water tonight," added Kinsella.
The win puts the Blugolds at 7-4 on the season before heading to the Carthage College Tournament this weekend, kicking off against Carroll University at 4 p.m. on Friday.