By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The No. 16 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team came away with an important conference win over UW-River Falls on Wednesday night, 3-2.
Even though the Blugolds were able to jump out to an early lead in the first set, River Falls put together a comeback, winning the set 26-24. Eau Claire still managed 12 kills on the set, with Makenzie Bachmann (Jr.-Chaska, MN) doing most of the work.
The Blugolds came out firing the next two sets, winning both of them in impressive fashion, 25-19 and 25-17. Arianna Barrett (So-Lakeville, MN/North) and Leah Witzel (Jr.-Woodbury, MN/East Ridge) were two of their top performers during the sets, with Barrett finishing both with powerful kills.
After the Falcons were able to steal one more set in the fourth, Eau Claire was able to jump out to an early lead in the fifth and never looked back. Bachmann had a number of crucial digs to keep the Blugolds firing, while Sarah Kuchcik (Naperville, IL/North) and Kendra Baierl (Jr.-Marshfield, WI/Columbus Catholic) recorded the final two kills.
On the night, Kuchcik and Barrett led with 15 and 14 kills apiece, while Witzel set up her teammates to the tune of 29 assists.
The victory moved Eau Claire to 9-6 on the season and 1-1 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Winners of three straight, they will hope to keep their momentum going as they square off against UW-La Crosse next. That match will be on the road on Friday, October 4th at 7 PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
