DUBUQUE, IOWA – The Edgewood College Eagles entered the final portion of their six-match road trip Tuesday evening. They faced the Dubuque Spartans in a non-conference showdown. The Eagles (11-4) took down a tough Spartans (13-5) squad in a 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-22) battle for their seventh-straight victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The two squads set the expectations for the evening after a 3-0 Dubuque run tied the match up at six apiece. A team effort in all facets of the game propelled a 7-2 rally for Edgewood College for a crucial 13-8 advantage. The Spartans ground down the edge with a 5-2 reply, but a crucial 3-1 stretch with a pair of
Ashley Bruehlman kills put the Eagles in an advantageous position up 20-17. They matched the hosts point for point the rest of their way to claim the first match point.
- Four unanswered Eagles points early gave them a boost in frame two, but a 6-1 run that saw Dubuque's offense in sync and Edgewood College's struggle gave the hosts an 11-8 lead. A 9-5 stretch ground the Spartans lead down to nothing, but Dubuque bounced back with a 5-1 sprint that was all offense. In a precarious situation down 21-18, the Eagles roared to life. Turning the tables on the Spartans, a 7-2 run that showcased a pair of aces and three kills from Edgewood College sent them flying past Dubuque for a 2-0 lead.
- After matching blow for blow early, a pair of kills and an ace left the Eagles with an 8-5 advantage. The Spartans struggled in the middle of the set and the visitors used the opportunity to grind out a 6-3 stretch for an imposing 16-11 lead. Dubuque clicked late, a 4-0 rally putting them within striking distance at 20-19. Edgewood College kept them at arm's length, however, as a
Katie Borchert kill followed by a
Kate Gunderson ace gave them enough breathing room to take home a hard-fought sweep.
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Abigail Hoffmann shined in the victory. She hit .417 on 24 swings with 13 kills, 13 assists, three blocks, and six digs to her name.
- The Eagles had a key advantage in blocks, winning the battle 7-to-3 over the Spartans. Borchert posted three to her name alongside eight kills, while
Abbey Falk added on a pair.
- Bruehlman tacked on another double-double to her tally with 10 kills and 10 digs.
- Gunderson posted a team-high three aces.
Abbey Eivins led the way with 19 assists, while
Jennacy Wille earned 19 digs.
- The Eagles outhit Dubuque .291 to .220 in an offensive showcase.
- Emma Powell hit 12 kills, while Ashlyn McGinnis earned 24 assists for the Spartans.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Hoffmann hit 100 service aces for her career with her ace tonight.
- The .291 hitting percentage as a team is their second-best in a match all season. Three of their top four hitting percentages have come in their seven-match winning streak.
- Edgewood College leads the all-time series over Dubuque 10-8 and have won three straight.
- Bruehlman has now posted six double-doubles in the Eagles' seven-match winning streak.
UP NEXT
Edgewood College wraps up their six-match road trip Thursday evening. They head down south to face the Concordia Chicago Cougars in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) action. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in River Forest, Ill. The Eagles lead the series 12-7 over their conference foes.
