Pioneers Fall in Five Sets to Blugolds

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – After trailing two sets to none, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team rallied and forced fourth and fifth sets on Wednesday at Williams Fieldhouse. The Pioneers (19-3, 2-2 WIAC) comeback ultimately fell short as UW-Eau Claire (15-6, 2-2 WIAC) cruised to a fifth set victory. 

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Pioneers Fall in Five Sets to Blugolds
October 16, 2024

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – After trailing two sets to none, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team rallied and forced fourth and fifth sets on Wednesday at Williams Fieldhouse. The Pioneers (19-3, 2-2 WIAC) comeback ultimately fell short as UW-Eau Claire (15-6, 2-2 WIAC) cruised to a fifth set victory. 

After the Blugolds won the first set 25-20 and second 25-22, UW-Platteville rallied in the third set after trailing 19-14. A 7-1 run closed out the frame and a kill by senior Emma Carlson finalized the 25-23 victory. 

The fourth set stayed neck and neck once again as it featured 23 ties and 13 lead changes. The Pioneers held on to the narrow lead until once again, a kill by Carlson finished the second straight 25-23 set in favor of the Pioneers.

In the final set, the Blugolds took an early 5-0 lead and held control for the entire match as they cruised to a 15-3 win. 

Carlson had a match-high 24 kills, hitting .117 while also tallying 20 digs and one block assist. Sophomore Kelsey Drake had a team-high 19 assists and junior Bri Gartner paced the team with 29 digs. 

Overall, the Pioneers finished hitting .102 compared to the Blugolds .174. The Pioneers also held an advantage with 13 total blocks to UW-Eau Claire's nine.  

The Pioneers will return to action on Tuesday, October 22 when they travel to Coe College for a 7 p.m. match.