ST. JOSEPH, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team continued nonconference play on Wednesday. The Blugolds, who were ranked #13 in the most recent avca.org top-25 poll, traveled to St. Joseph, MN to take on the #24 ranked Bennies from St. Benedict's. Jordan Witzel (Jr. – Woodbury, MN/East Rdge) had a career offensive night with 22 kills in UW-Eau Claire's 3-1 (25-11, 17-25, 25-21, 25-13) win.
Entering the match, Jordan Witzel's career high for successful attacks was 14. She broke that high in the third set with 16 kills in just 75 team points.
The Blugolds controlled the momentum from the beginning of the first set. Starting on a 5-0 run, UWEC would not waiver the lead on their way to a 25-11 set victory. Kendra Baierl (Sr. – Marshfield, WI/Columbus Catholic) brought the defense early with three block assists in the first frame.
Despite dropping the second set, Eau Claire bounced back in the third. The Blugolds rallied from a two point deficit halfway through the set and put together a four point run to maintain a lead all the way to end it 25-21.
The third set would resemble the first as UWEC started off with another 5-0 run. Arianna Barrett (Sr. – Lakeville, MN/North) closed out the set with two block assists and a solo block in the final five points to give the Blugolds the win over the #24 ranked Bennies and their sixth win in a row.
The Blugolds will be back on the court on Friday and Saturday, September 10th-11th, when they take part in the Auggie Invite hosted by Augsburg University. UWEC will face St. Olaf (MN) and Augsburg on day one, and will wrap up against Wartburg College on day two.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
