Kirchner powers Pioneers over UW-Stout
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior middle hitter Stephanie Kirchner led the Pioneers (15-15, 3-4 WIAC) over UW-Stout (14-14, 2-6 WIAC) Saturday, posting 18 kills in a five-set victory.
Written by: Colten Bartholomew, UW-Platteville Sports Information
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior middle hitter Stephanie Kirchner led the Pioneers (15-15, 3-4 WIAC) over UW-Stout (14-14, 2-6 WIAC) Saturday, posting 18 kills in a five-set victory.
UW-Platteville overcame an up-and-down performance to defeat the Blue Devils 3-2 (25-11, 18-25, 25-12, 17-25, 15-10).
Kirchner was joined in double-digit kills by sophomore Jennifer Schmidt, who added 14, and junior LeeAnn Mizgalski, who tallied 11.
The Pioneers dominated the first set, jumping out to a 9-3 lead before the Blue Devils called a timeout. UW-Platteville went on a 14-6 run before closing out the set.
In the second set, the Blue Devils used solid service play to build a lead the Pioneers were unable to overcome. Despite the loss, the Pioneers began showing their blocking prowess, which ended up being the key to the match.
UW-Platteville racked up two solo blocks and 30 block assists.
In the third set, the Pioneers built 15-9 lead and used their block to carry them to a 25-12 win. Three of the last five Pioneer points came from off blocks.
Freshman Amber Williams teamed with Schmidt for a block, then Schmidt and freshman Lidia Frias blocked a Blue Devil attack to take a two-point lead. Mizgalski tacked on a kill before junior Haley Jansen served an ace to give the Pioneers the win.
The Pioneers hit the court on Wednesday, Oct. 30 on the road against UW-Whitewater. This match will be the last WIAC matchup for the Pioneers this season, and will be vital to the Pioneers' push for the WIAC Championship Tournament.
