OSHKOSH, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The no. 11 nationally ranked University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team began their weekend with a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) matchup against UW-Oshkosh. After falling in an extended first set, 25-27, UW-Eau Claire bounced back with stellar defensive play to earn their 15th victory of the season, 3-1.
The first set entailed a close battle between the two WIAC opponents with the largest of four points, gained by Oshkosh, late in the set. Five service errors, nine attacking errors, and only nine total digs put the Blugolds down by one after the opening frame.
With the initial set behind them, UWEC turn the tides on the game in the second with a quick 5-0 lead. Sheridan Dettmann (Jr – Watertown, WI) rallied off two service aces during the beginning run to help swing the momentum. Dettmann's work on offense, combined with her 14 digs on defense, kept the Blugolds rolling.
A separate four-point run in the middle of the set, started by a Makenzie Bachmann successful attack, kept Eau Claire with the lead for their first set win on the night. Bachmann finished the night with a double-double, recording ten kills and 15 digs.
The third set featured the mighty Blugold offense in full form. Bachmann and Arianna Barrett (Sr. – Lakeville, MN/North) both tallied five successful attacks each, adding to the evening team high 16 kills in the set. Along with Bachmann's double-double, Barrett scored 11 kills on the night off her 23 attempts. Jordan Witzel (Jr. – Woodbury, MN/East Ridge) led UWEC with 14 kills during the match.
The final set was a showcased the UW-Eau Claire strong defense with seven total blocks. Abby Volk (Sr. – Willmar, MN) was at the forefront of the Blugold wall with three and a half blocks. Taylor Scalia also contributed to the stellar defensive play with 13 total digs on the night.
The Blugolds will continue their road trip on Saturday, October 2nd with a triangular hosted North Park University. UWEC will play the hosts at 2 PM and then will face Greenville University at 4:30 PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
