BY Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball dropped to UW-Stevens Point in the semifinals of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championship (presented by Culver's), 3-1.
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The Blugolds fell behind early in the first game, and despite a furious late comeback attempt they lost 25-17. Arianna Barrett (So.-Lakeville, MN/North) kept Eau Claire in it with five kills during the set.
Eau Claire once again had a rough start to the set, falling behind 3-0 in the second. The Pointers would close out the set 25-12.
Despite the early struggles, the Blugolds put together a strong third game. A kill from Sarah Kuchcik (Fr.-Naperville, IL/North) opened up the scoring off an assist from Abbey Pederson (So.-Canby, MN). Pederson was influential in the deciding point as well, as she had the final kill to help the Blugolds take the set 25-21.
A kill from Barrett opened things up in the fourth for Eau Claire, and neither team was able to take control of the game. A run in the middle of the set to put them up 16-15 fueled an eventual Stevens Point win, 25-21.
Despite the loss, Barrett and Kendra Baierl (Jr.-Marshfield, WI/Columbus Catholic) both finished the night with 14 kills. Pederson also added 36 assists in total.
With their ten-match win streak now snapped, the Blugolds will await to see whether they get an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. They currently sit at 20-9 overall and 5-2 in the WIAC. Follow the Blugolds on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.
