Three Pioneers Earn WIAC Postseason Awards

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Freshman Kierney McDonald of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team was named 2022 WIAC Newcomer of the Year and earned a spot on the All-WIAC Team on Thursday afternoon, the league announced. Sophomore Emma Carlson joined McDonald on the All-WIAC Team, while junior Taylor Blake was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.

McDonald put together an impressive freshman campaign, finishing second on the team in kills (228) while placing third in the WIAC in hitting percentage at .306. The Taylor Ridge, Ill., native started 23 of 30 matches for the Pioneers, and led the conference in blocks per set at 0.93 and ranked second overall with 98 total blocks. McDonald recorded a season-high 19 kills in a win over Rose-Hulman on Sep. 17 and totaled a season-best seven total blocks against MSOE on Sept. 24.

Carlson played in all 30 matches for the Pioneers, finishing fifth in the conference in kills at 381 and third in kills per set at 3.63. The outside hitter posted a .195 hitting percentage and was second on the team with 269 digs. The sophomore tallied double-digit kills in 23 matches and recorded 11 double-doubles throughout the season. Carlson's 27 kills in a five-set win over UW-La Crosse on Oct. 14 is tied for the third-most kills in a single match in program history.

Blake played in 18 matches, totaling 19 kills and 11 total blocks. The junior posted a season-high six kills on a .545 hitting percentage and added four block assists in a 3-0 win over MSOE on Sept. 24.

The Pioneers season continues in the WIAC Tournament Semifinals on the road against UW-Whitewater on Thursday night. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.