Pioneers Win Conference Opener Against Eagles

LA CROSSE, Wis. – In the 2023 WIAC opener, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team (11-1, 1-0 WIAC) collected a 3-1 road win over UW-La Crosse (11-4, 0-1 WIAC) on Wednesday night inside Mitchell Hall in La Crosse. The victory extended the Pioneers winning streak to 11 games.

After the Eagles scored the first point of the match, the Pioneers never trailed for the remainder of the first set and won 25-20. UW-Platteville finished with 15 kills and a strong .313 hitting percentage in the opening set and added another 15 kills in a 25-20 set two win. UW-La Crosse responded by scoring the first eight points of the third set, but the Pioneers battled back and led 20-18 late. The Eagles rallied with five kills in the final six points to send the match to a fourth set behind a 26-24 set three score. UW-Platteville led throughout the final set for a 25-17 win to secure its first win of WIAC play.

Junior Emma Carlson recorded a match-high 19 kills, while seniors Claudia Johnson (11) and Camryn Johnston (10) also reached double digits in the match. Johnson finished with just two errors in her 21 attacks, posting a .429 hitting percentage. As a team, the Pioneers hit .169 compared to .136 for UW-La Crosse.

Sophomore Bri Gartner led the team with 17 digs and Carlson reached double figures for the sixth time on the season with 12. Carlson also finished with a team-high three service aces, as UW-Platteville tallied 10 as a team. Sophomore Gracie Gibbens paced the Pioneers with 23 assists with senior Sam Rossetti adding 17.

UW-Platteville will play three non-conference contests this weekend at the Calvin Invitational in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Pioneers begin with Concordia Wisconsin on Friday night at 5 p.m.