21st-Ranked Warhawks Scratch Out Victory Over Titans

UW-Whitewater scored 10 of the last 11 points to earn a 3-2 women's volleyball decision over UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday (Oct. 26) in Kolf Sports Center. The Warhawks (22-7/5-1 WIAC) entered the match ranked 21st in the NCAA Division III by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

During the fifth set, UW-Whitewater expanded on its 5-4 lead to win the game, 15-5. The Warhawks also captured the second set by a 25-13 score and the third by a 25-21 figure. UW-Oshkosh won the first (25-13) and fourth (25-19) sets to extend the match.

UW-Oshkosh (17-16/3-3 WIAC) started off on fire, bolting to cushions of 11-4 and 20-9 in the opening game. The second and third sets were close, but UW-Whitewater found a way to prevail in each. UW-Oshkosh posted an 8-1 scoring run late in the fourth set to obtain a 21-17 advantage.

Jordyn Bratel (So. • Milwaukee) led the Titans with 17 kills, in addition to her 16 digs. UW-Oshkosh also got a match-high 23 digs from Sarah Petermann (So. • Appleton) and 41 assists from Morgan Liebetrau (Jr. • West Bend). Larissa Krumplitsch (Jr. • Appleton) paced all players with eight blocks.

UW-Whitewater used 18 kills by Sofia Sanchez to compile a .143 hitting percentage. Kelsey Nobilio dug out 19 shots, while Heidi Buss led the Warhawks with 39 assists.

UW-Oshkosh has its next two matches on the road, beginning with UW-Stout on Friday (Oct. 28) in Menomonie.