By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
ST. PAUL, MN (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's volleyball team took to the road on Wednesday to continue their win streak after an impressive win on Saturday against the University of St. Thomas. The Eau Claire Blugolds found themselves back in St. Paul, MN but would have the tough task of facing the No. 21 ranked (AVCA Coaches Poll) University of Northwestern Eagles.
The Blugolds started fierce and ready as they took the first set with confidence, winning 25-10. The momentum started strong with a service ace from Madison Surprise (Sr.-Appleton, WI/Kimberly) and would continue throughout the match with Surprise recording 34 assists on the night.
The second set was a different story. The Blugolds and Eagles traded the lead 12 different times and it would be the Blugolds coming out on top 25-21. Madelyn Pashibin (Sr.-Minneapolis, MN/Southwest) would lead Eau Claire in kills once again with a nightly total of 13, but it was Arianna Barrett (Fr.-Lakeville, MN/North) and Kendra Baierl (So.-Marshfield, WI/Columbus Catholic) who put up eight kills each to also add to the Blugold offensive attack.
The third and final set was yet another close one. With both teams trading points all night, it wasn't until mid-set when the Blugolds took a 6-point slide and would go up 18 to 15. The Eagles would battle back but would never get close enough to shake Eau Claire as the Blugolds would take down the Eagles in a clean sweep.
The Blugolds (8-1) are back in action this weekend as the host the Sandy Schumacher Memorial Tournament presented by Nike/Eastbay. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.