By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team upset No. 1 Chicago in their regular season finale Saturday afternoon.
Box Score | WIAC Tournament Webpage
The Blugolds dropped a hard-fought first set, 25-23. However, they responded with a win in the second game, taking it 25-21. Arianna Barrett (So.-Lakeville, MN/North) had the final two kills to finish the set, both coming off assists from Abbey Pederson (So.-Canby, MN).
Eau Claire was able to take control of the match by winning the important third game. A kill from Kendra Baierl (Jr.-Marshfield, WI/Columbus Catholic) opened the scoring, and the Blugolds finished things 25-17. A block from both Baierl and Barrett was the deciding point.
The Blugolds were able to win a back-and-forth final set, 25-22. Baierl once again played a crucial role, as she had the final two kills once again from Pederson. A kill from Barrett was what triggered Eau Claire's scoring to begin the game.
Barrett led all players with 21 kills, while Baierl and Sarah Kuchcik (Fr.-Naperville, IL/North) also added 12. Pederson also added 55 assists.
The victory gives Eau Claire a landmark win as they head into postseason play. Now 20-8, Eau Claire has won ten-straight. They are currently second in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as conference tournament begins with the first round on Tuesday, November 5th. The Blugolds will have a bye in the First Round and host the winner of the #6/#3 seed game on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 PM.
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