By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team wrapped up the Augsburg Invitational on Saturday, highlighted by defeating the second-ranked team in the nation. In the morning's match, UW-Eau Claire defeated 2016 national semifinalist University of Northwestern-St. Paul in four sets, but they would fall in as many sets to St. Thomas later that afternoon.
Against the Eagles, set one was the largest difference in score and only by four points. The Blugolds won 25-21. They followed it up with a closer 25-23 set two victory. After dropping set three to Northwestern 22-25, Eau Claire finished off the upset with another 25-23 winner in the fourth set.
Madelyn Pashibin (Jr.-Minneapolis, MN/Minneapolis Southwest) continued her early-season tear, collecting 16 kills in the match with an impressive .406 clip. As was the case the night prior, Makenzie Bachmann (Fr.-Chaska, MN) and Jessica Coyne (Jr.-Verona, WI) joined Pashibin in having double-digit kills. Both scored ten put-aways in the win. Bachmann also tied for the team-best digs with 20 alongside Kelsey Kowitz (Jr.-Inver Grove Heights, MN/Saint Croix Lutheran).
Madison Surprise (Jr.-Appleton, WI/Kimberly) and Emma Richter (So.-Mahtomedi, MN) split the setting duties; Surprise finished with 30 assists and Richter with 21.
In the final match of the tournament, the Tommies were victorious by scores of 27-25, 17-25, 25-14, and 25-11. The Blugolds hit .127 to St. Thomas's .261, and that showed on the scoreboard.
Surprise led Eau Claire with 35 set assists, successfully connecting with Pashibin and Mackenzee Pierog (Sr.-Eau Claire, WI/North) for 12 kills apiece. Kowitz tallied 18 digs to lead the squad, while Amber Karn (Jr.-Middleton, WI) finished with 13 to finish second in the defensive category.
In addition, Kowitz was named to the All-Tournament Team.
The volleyball team has a quick turnaround following this weekend, traveling to Edgewood College in Madison on Monday night for their next contest.
Follow all the action on Blugold Game Day.
