WAUKESHA, Wis. - Dana Voltolina's killer instinct took over.
Voltolina, a 5-foot-11 senior outside hitter from St. Charles, Ill., emphasized that point by finishing with a 
team-high seven kills as the Carroll University women's volleyball team swept Finlandia University 25-15, 
25-20, 25-15 to cap the final round of its own triangular at Van Male Field House on Saturday afternoon.
It was the third victory by sweep for Carroll, which split in the one-day tournament and improved to 8-11 overall.
The energized, dominant performance took on added significance as it was the first home-court win of the season and eclipsed last year's season total for victories.
Voltolina had four kills in the pivotal, momentum-shifting second set, highlighted by a thunderous left-handed spike to extend the lead to 24-20 and help power a decisive run of three straight points for the enthusiastic Pioneers.
"I was glad that we were able to pull out a victory and finish the day on a strong note," said a smiling Voltolina, the lone senior on the roster who recently earned all-tournament honors at the Ripon College Red Hawk Invitational and currently leads the team with 175 kills. "It felt great to be able to come back after a close, five-set loss in the opener, show our resilience and bounce back with a sweep to earn our first victory of the season on our home court.
"Since the start of the year, we've continued to grow and make strides forward. We've had our share of ups and downs but for the most part have continued to come together as a team. Being the only senior, it's been exciting watching so many of the younger players begin to play up to their potential. At this point, I'm just trying to play hard, enjoy every moment of my final season as a collegiate athlete and make the most of the experience. We've been in a lot of close matches so this victory should act as a good confidence builder as we prepare for the matches to come."
Freshman outside hitter Sam Penzkowski (Racine, Wis.) followed with five kills, three blocks and nine digs for the Pioneers, who generated 35 assists, 36 kills, 47 digs and eight service aces. Junior outside hitter Josie Wierzal (Frankfort, Ill.) chipped in five kills and freshman middle blocker Rachel Noonan (Crystal Lake, Ill.) had six blocks.
Junior defensive specialist Bridget Hujik (Eau Claire, Wis.) collected 13 digs and two aces for Carroll. Sophomore setter Emma Przeslicke (Evergreen Park, Ill.) added three aces, nine digs and 20 assists. 
Carroll head coach Becca Saal was happy with her young, determined team's ability to shake off a challenging first-round, five-set loss to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and finish the day off with authority.
"Collectively, it was a good team effort where everyone stepped up and contributed to the victory," said Saal, whose squad has showcased its ability, progress and heart by competing in five, five-set matches this season. "Throughout the course of the match, we were able to use a lot of different combinations, gain valuable playing experience and use it as a confidence builder.
"Our goal remains to get consistently better each day and make progress every time we step on the floor whether it be in practice or a game situation. If we can continue to maintain that focus, it should only help to prepare us for the challenges ahead."