Pioneers take down Dubuque 3-1 in home opener

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team (8-0) remained undefeated after beating the University of Dubuque (5-3) by a score of 3-1 inside Williams Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.

UW-Platteville jumped out to an early lead in set one and quickly pulled away by scoring 11 of the last 13 points to win 25-9. 

In the second set, although the Pioneers never trailed, the Spartans were able to keep things much closer before a kill by senior Emma Carlson secured the 25-22 win.

The tides turned for a moment in the third set where the Pioneers found themselves digging out of 21-14 deficit. Dubuque went on to win 25-19 to keep the match alive and force a fourth set.  

In the final set, the Spartans led for most of the frame until a kill by junior Kierney McDonald tied the score 17-17. It was McDonald once again shortly later with the kill to win the set 25-23 and secure the match victory. 

The team had a season-high 55 total kills, while posting a .198  hitting percentage. Two pioneers reached double-digit kills with Carlson leading with 23 and McDonald finishing with 15. 

Junior Gracie Gibbens finished with a career-high 46 assists while junior Bri Gartner led the way with 25 digs. McDonald and junior Kelsey Drake both finished with four block assists while McDonad added another solo block.  

The Pioneers will return to action on Friday when they travel to Ohio Wesleyan for a weekend tournament. First up on Friday, Sept. 13 is Texas Lutheran at 6 p.m. CST. 

*As with every UW-Platteville win this year, the Platteville A&W will be offering a $3 Pioneer burger the day after the win and the Platteville Taco John's will be offering 10 tacos for $10 the day after each Pioneer win.