Pioneers Split Two Matches Saturday

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team (18-6) hosted the Pioneer Invitational on Saturday afternoon and split a pair of matches. The Pioneers beat Augustana 3-1 before dropping a match to Carthage 3-0 later in the day.

In the opening match, the Pioneers and Vikings traded points for much of the first set until UW-Platteville scored four straight points to take a two-point advantage late. Augustana answered with a four-point run which helped clinch a 25-23 set one victory for the Vikings. The Pioneers started strong in the second set, taking a quick 11-4. UW-Platteville maintained control for the entirety of the set, winning 25-14 to even the match at one set apiece. The Vikings scored the first four points in set three, but the Pioneers answered with six straight points to force an Augustana timeout. UW-Platteville pulled away late in the set with a 6-0 run to win 25-16. The Pioneers went on a 13-1 run early in set four and ultimately won 25-18 to win the match 3-1.

Sophomore Emma Carlson posted a team-high 14 kills while adding 11 digs four a double-double. Junior Camryn Johnston was second on the team with 13 kills while sophomore Madilyn Schultz totaled 11 kills. Freshman Bri Gartner led the team with 20 digs while senior Sam Rossetti finished with 42 assists. The Pioneers posted eight total blocks and 10 service aces, with Gartner and Carlson tallying three each.

Against Carthage, the Firebirds won the first set 25-16 after closing the set on a 9-1 run. A mid-set run propelled Cartage to a 25-21 second set victory and the Firebirds wrapped up the sweep with a 25-21 set three win.

Schultz and Carlson tied for the team lead with eight kills while freshman Kierney McDonald finished with seven. Gartner posted a team-high 12 digs and Rossetti led the team with 22 assists.

The Pioneers host UW-Stevens Point on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.for a conference matchup