Conference Play Up Next For Pioneers Athletics

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville athletic teams move into conference play this week, with women's soccer, football, and volleyball all facing WIAC opponents. Men's soccer plays two more home matches this week, and volleyball hosts the UW-Platteville Triangular this weekend.

Women's Soccer Hosts Dubuque Tuesday

The Pioneers women's soccer team will play a pair of games this week, starting with a home matchup against Dubuque on Tuesday at 5 p.m. UW-Platteville will then begin conference play on Saturday with a 2 p.m. road contest against UW-River Falls.

The Spartans have won six straight contests for a 6-2-0 record, including a 2-1 victory over Wartburg on Saturday afternoon. Emma Kober has provided most of the offense for Dubuque with nine goals and three assists across the eight games played.

UW-River Falls holds a 4-2-2 record and have won back-to-back matches. Three players have scored at least four goals for the Falcons, led by Ellie Ketcher, who has tallied five. Lexi Peterson has four goals of her own along with a team-high six assists.

Men's Soccer Ready for Two Home Contests

After picking up a 4-0 win on Saturday, the Pioneers men's soccer team will host Dubuque on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Simpson on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Dubuque sits at 2-6-1 on the year and most recently dropped a 3-0 match to Wartburg. Carson Kowalski leads the Spartans with four goals, while Gavin Wooldridge has four assists on the season.

Simpson is 4-4-0 so far and won 3-1 over Central (Iowa) on Sunday afternoon. The Storm will travel to play UW-Eau Claire on Tuesday evening before heading to Platteville for Saturday's match. Ronaldo Ordaz paces the team with nine goals in eight games played.

Volleyball Prepped for Home Opener Saturday

Following a road conference match against UW-Eau Claire on Wednesday at 7 p.m., the Pioneers volleyball team will play its first two home games on Saturday against Carroll (Wis.) at 12:30 p.m. and Macalester at 4:30 p.m.

UW-Eau Claire is 6-5 on the year and 1-0 in conference after winning 3-2 against UW-Eau Claire last week. Bailey Leeke leads the team with 2.60 kills per set, while Mya Cinnamo (2.56 kills per set) and Avery Pennekamp (2.45) contribute to the Blugolds attack.

Carroll has won five of its last six matches to sit at 8-6 overall. Carroll will play North Central and Dubuque before heading to the UW-Platteville Triangular where they will face Macalester and UW-Platteville.

Macalester holds a 6-7 record and will play Gustavus Adolphus and Carroll before facing UW-Platteville. Adisa Preston leads the team with 3.08 kills per set.

Cross Country Heads to UW-Eau Claire

The Pioneers cross country teams will send runners to the UW-Eau Claire Blugold Invite on Friday evening. The race is set to begin at 4:15 p.m. from Whitetail Golf Course in Colfax, Wisconsin.

Football Kicks Off WIAC Slate

Fresh off the bye week, the Pioneers football team begin conference play on Saturday with a 1 p.m. against UW-River Falls.

The Falcons are 3-0 on the year with convincing wins over Mary-Hardin Baylor, Ohio Wesleyan, and Northwestern. Currently ranked no. 6 in the d3football.com Top 25, UW-River Falls boast the top scoring offense (52.3 points per game) and defense (11.7 points) in the WIAC. Quarterback Kaleb Blaha has thrown for 744 yards and eight touchdowns while adding another 244 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Women's Golf Competes at Mad Dawg Invite

The Pioneers women's golf team will tee off at the Mad Dawg Invite on Saturday. The two-day meet takes place at Sentry World Golf Course in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.