Pioneers Lose to UW-Eau Claire in Regular Season Finale

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team wrapped up the regular season with a five-set loss, 25-23, 22-25, 25-9, 18-25, 15-10, to host UW-Eau Claire on Saturday afternoon.

The Pioneers (20-14, 4-4 WIAC) were led by senior Briana Kaiser, who had 12 kills and hit .478 in the loss. Kaiser also had five block assists in the contest. Sophomore Stephanie Kirchner had eight kills and eight blocks in the defeat and Emily Kaiser added seven kills and eight blocks. Ali Sikic nearly had a double double with 41 assists and nine digs.

The BluGolds (20-13, 7-1 WIAC) forged a three-way tie for the WIAC with the win and were led by Laura Slinger, who had 16 kills in the win. UW-Eau Claire out hit UW-Platteville by a .169 to .085 margin in the win.

Despite the loss, the Pioneers clinch a berth in the upcoming WIAC Tournament for the eighth-consecutive year. The Pioneers, who enter the tourney as the No. 5 seed will be back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 1 when they face No. 4 seed and host UW-Oshkosh at 7 p.m.