By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com)- The No. 22 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team lost a close match to UW-Stout Wednesday, 3-2.
The Blugolds dropped the first two sets in close fashion, losing both 25-23. Eau Claire came roaring back in the third set, coming out on top. Kendra Baierl (Jr.-Marshfield, WI/Columbus Catholic) had the decisive kill.
The fourth set was another exciting one, with the Blugolds able to win it 25-22. Eau Claire jumped out to an early 15-6 lead before finishing things off with a kill from Abby Volk (So.-Willmar, MN) and a ball-handling error from the Blue Devils.
The fifth and final set was taken by Stout, 15-13. The set was tied seven different times, but the Blugolds were unable to complete the comeback.
Four different Blugolds had double-digit kills on the night, led by 15 from Sarah Kuchcik (Fr.-Naperville, IL/North). Arianna Barrett (So.-Lakeville MN/North) had 14, Makenzie Bachmann (Jr.-Chaska, MN) added 11 and Volk finished with 10. Bachmann also led all Blugolds with 20 digs.
The loss dropped Eau Claire to 10-8 overall and 2-2 in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play. They will travel to Chicago over the weekend to square off in the Elmhurst College Tournament. Their first game will be against North Central (Ill.) on Saturday at 2 PM.
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