WHITEWATER, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team competed at the UW-Whitewater Dig Panici Classic on Saturday with two nonconference matchups against the Wheaton College Thunder and the Cornell College Rams. Both games were tough battles between the three visiting teams, but UW-Eau Claire would come away with 3-0 wins in both matches.
Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
The first game of the afternoon was taken control of early by UWEC with a five-point run that featured two of the team's eight service aces by Taylor Scalia (Sr. – Lake Elmo, MN/Stillwater). Scalia held her own on the defensive side tallying 7 of her 11 total digs in the 25-16 set win.
The middle frame would be the closest one of the sets as both sides would trade the lead twice and force five tie scores. Six of the 12 total team blocks game in the second set with Mauren Saunders (Jr. – St. Michael, MN) leading the way with four block assists. The final set of game one was the Blugolds' most efficient attacking set. With a swinging percentage of .652, UWEC came away with the 25-18 win and 12 kills to conclude the first 3-0 sweep.
In game two, UWEC continued their momentum and aggressive offense posting 40 kills in the 3-0 sweep over Cornell College. Bachmann started strong once again connecting on four of her five attacks and tallied 4.5 points in the frame. She led all Blugolds with 10.5 points during the match.
Eau Claire never trailed in set number two backing a fast start with multiple three point runs to keep the Blugolds ahead. Arianna Barrett (Sr. – Lakeville, MN/North) commanded the net with five of her ten kills coming in the middle set.
Th final set would go to extra points, but Jordan Witzel (Jr. – Woodbury, MN/East Ridge) sealed the deal with the 27th point and the game-winning kill to earned UWEC their 25th win on the season.
The Blugolds return home on Tuesday, October 26th as they host nonconference opponent, Hamline University. The team will celebrate Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night with first serve scheduled for 7 PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
