Blugolds Conclude the Week with Victory Over Carthage College

The UW-Eau Claire volleyball team hit the road this past Friday, making the journey to Carthage College for a compelling clash against the Firebirds.

Despite a challenging start where they dropped the first set, the Blugolds displayed remarkable resilience and went on to secure a 3-1 victory in this non-conference matchup, according to Blugold Athletics.

The team initiated the game with a strong performance, quickly establishing an 11-6 lead in the first set. However, the Firebirds mounted a formidable comeback, ultimately clinching the first set with a score of 27-25. Following strategic adjustments, the Blugolds dominated the rest of the evening, securing victory in the next three sets with scores of 25-20, 25-23, and 25-22.

Assistant coach Alex Berger lauded the impact of freshman Lili Hagg, who contributed crucial points on both the offensive and defensive fronts, notably neutralizing the opposition's outside attackers.

Avery Pennekamp, a second-year pin, emerged as a formidable presence at the net, notching an impressive 16 kills, marking her highest tally for the season. Pennekamp conveyed her confidence and commitment to continual improvement, emphasizing her dedication to giving her all in every facet of the game.

Sophia Brown, a third-year middle hitter, delivered a dominant performance at the net, accumulating nine kills and leading the team with an impressive eight blocks throughout the match.

Sheridan Dettman, a fifth-year defensive specialist, played a pivotal role in the back row, amassing 26 digs to lead the Blugolds. Dettman, a consistent source of success throughout the season, expressed her enthusiasm for contributing to her team's scoring opportunities.

This victory marked a successful rebound following a challenging match against the No. 3 ranked Titans of UW-Oshkosh, where they faced a 1-3 defeat. The team's ability to quickly regroup and maintain focus demonstrated their resilience.

Dettman underscored the significance of non-conference matches in preparing for upcoming conference games, viewing these matchups as crucial steps in their season's journey.

Looking ahead to the upcoming week, Pennekamp expressed her excitement, emphasizing the importance of savoring every moment and expressing unwavering confidence in her team's capabilities.

With senior night approaching, Dettman took a moment to reflect on her volleyball journey as it draws to a close, focusing on cherishing the remaining days playing the sport she holds dear.

The Blugolds will be back on the road this Tuesday, traveling to St. Scholastica to face the Saints in another non-conference match in Duluth, starting at 7 p.m. They will return home to the McPhee Center gym on Friday to celebrate senior night, taking on UW-La Crosse in a conference game at 7 p.m.