Pioneers Come Away With Hard-Fought Victory

Morgan Liebetrau (Sr. • West Bend) totaled 46 assists, but so did Katie O'Malley in UW-Platteville's five-set women's volleyball win over UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday (Sept. 19) in Platteville. It was the WIAC opener for both squads.

The Pioneers (10-3/1-0 WIAC) took the match with set scores of 18-25, 25-16, 25-23, 19-25 and 15-12.

UW-Oshkosh (11-6/0-1 WIAC) hit .400 during the first set, but posted a negative percentage in the second. The Titans' loss in the second set was their first in the last 17 games. UW-Platteville then pulled out a close third set before UW-Oshkosh rallied with 15 kills in the fourth.

The Pioneers out-hit the Titans, .261-.000, to overcome an 8-3 deficit in the deciding fifth set.

Both teams compiled 55 kills on the night. Katelyn Malcheski (Fr. • Little Suamico) posted 12 for UW-Oshkosh, while Danielle Cushley had 16 for UW-Platteville.

The Pioneers owned five players with double-digit digs, featuring 17 by Brooke Nichols. The Titans received 23 digs from Robyn Eggert (Jr. • Woodridge, Ill.) and six blocks from Larissa Krumplitsch (Sr. • Appleton).

UW-Oshkosh has a home match against UW-Stevens Point on Wednesday (Sept. 26).