PLATTEVILLE, WIS. – Women's Volleyball hit the road for a non-conference showdown Tuesday night. They took on the UW-Platteville Pioneers, receiving votes in the latest Division III poll, in a rematch of last year's NCAA Tournament First Round match. The Eagles (12-6) fended off a Pioneers (9-8) rally, earning a hard-fought 31- (25-18, 26-24, 15-25, 26-24) victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Edgewood University started off strong in the first set, their defense holding UW-Platteville in check on route to a 7-3 edge. The Pioneers would draw even 13-13 off of a 6-2 run. Tied 16-16, the Eagles finished off the set with authority on a 9-2 burst to take a 1-0 lead.
- After Edgewood University started off the second set up 9-5, UW-Platteville clicked in all phases on a 5-1 rally to tie things up at 10-10. Four unanswered by the Eagles gave them breathing room with the Pioneers on their heels. UW-Platteville drew ahead on a 4-0 sprint late for a 22-21 edge, but a 3-1 response had Edgewood University at set point. While the Pioneers forced extra points, a key block error followed by a
Bella Braun ace had the Eagles flying high 2-0.
- UW-Platteville forced a fourth set decisively. They jumped out ahead 9-2 in the third frame and never looked back, outhitting the Eagles .314-to-.028.
- 6-1 and 5-1 runs early in the fourth set had Edgewood University back on course, but the Pioneers stormed back on an 11-3 run to hold a key 17-15 edge. The Eagles offense clicked on a 6-1 rally as they pulled ahead 23-20 late. A 4-1 response from UW-Platteville would force extra points yet again, but Edgewood University shut down any hopes of a comeback with back-to-back tallies.
- The two teams were fairly evenly matched, with the Eagles winning the hitting battle .209-to-.200. Edgewood University had a key 9-to-7 edge in blocks.
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Katie Borchert and
Nida Zukauskaite each hit double-digit kills for the Eagles with 14 and 10 respectively.
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Abbey Eivins and
Kate Gunderson continued to be an effective setter tandem with 21 and 19 assists apiece.
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Mia Hinkamper tallied 27 digs as she performed well as the libero once again.
Jennacy Wille earned 11 digs and 2 aces.
- Kierney McDonald and Brooklyn Radecke recorded 15 kills each for the Pioneers.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Hinkamper's 27 digs were a new season best for the libero. She is second in the NACC with 4.76 digs per set.
UP NEXT
The Eagles will return home for NACC action on Thursday evening. They'll face off with the MSOE Raiders at the Todd Wehr Edgedome. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
