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Carroll University Athletics

Scoreboard

Scoreboard

Team block
Heather Taylor
3
Winner CARTHAGE CARTHA~1 20-1 (6-0 CCIW)
1
Carroll University CARROLL 11-11 (1-3 CCIW)
Winner
CARTHAGE CARTHA~1
20-1 (6-0 CCIW)
3
Final
1
Carroll University CARROLL
11-11 (1-3 CCIW)
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 F
CARTHAGE CARTHA~1 25 25 20 25 (3)
Carroll University CARROLL 15 17 25 15 (1)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | | By Jeff Hagenau

Carroll showcases determination in homecoming loss to No. 4-ranked Carthage College

Pioneers become first conference team to win a set versus Lady Red this season

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Tough, spirited conference matchups can often test the mettle of a hungry, determined team and bring out its true character.
The Carroll University women's volleyball team perfectly exemplified that point as it lost to fourth-ranked and fierce, in-state league rival Carthage College 25-15, 25-17, 20-25, 25-15 in a College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin dual meet at Van Male Field House on Saturday evening.
It was the second straight dual loss to a top-10 nationally ranked opponent for Carroll, which dropped to 1-3 in the conference standings and 11-11 overall following the inspired, hard-fought Homecoming/Family Day effort.
The gritty, resilient performance took on added significance as the Pioneers became the first conference team to win a set versus Carthage this season.
Senior outside hitter Erika Dunnam (Shawano, Wis.) finished with a team-high 10 kills with senior outside hitter Kylie Mueller (Fox Lake, Ill.) following with eight kills, 10 digs and four blocks for the Pioneers, who avoided a sweep by capturing the confidence-building third set.
Trailing 17-12 in the third set, Carroll demonstrated its focus, mental toughness and composure by responding with an energized, statement-making 13-3 run - highlighted by 10 unanswered points - powered on four kills and a block from Dunnam, two kills by Mueller, a kill and block by junior middle blocker Rachel Noonan (Crystal Lake, Ill.) and a service ace from freshman defensive specialist Emily Konop (Orgeon, Wis.).
Senior outside hitter Sydney Wilkins (Portage, Ind.) capped the inspired, third-set comeback victory with a strong cross-court spike from the left side.
"We knew coming into the third set that they had only lost six total sets this season and just approached it with the mentality that we had nothing to lose," said Wilkins, who contributed eight kills in the battle. "With it being homecoming, there was a lot of energy in the building, it carried over onto the court and led to an awesome victory. Even though we didn't win the match, it was the first time in my four years that we've won a set against Carthage so it was exciting to see it happen and made for a happy homecoming. With there being a lot of seniors on the team, we're just trying to make the most of every opportunity, play with a lot of heart and put it all out on the court."
Wilkins was quick to point out that the recent difficult stretch of matchups against Midwest Conference powerhouse St. Norbert, ninth-ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and fourth-ranked Carthage will serve as a good motivator moving into the next portion of the schedule.
"I think these last three duals were against the toughest teams we're going to face so if we can continue to compete at the level we've been playing at as of late it should really set the tone for the rest of the season," said Wilkins, one of six seniors on the battle-tested roster.
Noonan collected four blocks, freshman middle blocker MacKenzie Olson (Rock Falls, Ill.) had four kills and three blocks while junior outside hitter Sam Penzkowski (Racine, Wis.) added two service aces for Carroll. Konop finished with 22 digs and two aces with senior setter Emma Przeslicke (Evergreen Park, Ill.) adding 17 assists.
Junior outside hitter Haley Horner recorded 20 kills for high-powered Carthage, which improved to 6-0 in conference and 20-1 overall. Senior outside hitter Megan Behrendt had 11 kills, 18 digs, two blocks and two aces for the Lady Red, who have surrendered only seven sets this season.
"Our main focus is to get better each time we step in the gym whether its practice, in a dual against a nonconference opponent or in going up against a nationally-ranked CCIW team like Carthage and we accomplished that today," said Carroll head coach Becca Saal, in her 10th year at the helm. "Coming in, we knew they were a tough serving team that was going to be aggressive offensively so we just tried to control what we could and put ourselves in good position to create opportunities and capitalize on them. Overall, we made some mistakes but far fewer than we have in the past which is a positive.
"Looking back, in facing one of the best teams we've seen all season, we played our best volleyball. Being the first conference team to win a set against them, it will only help with our confidence moving forward. That said, we weren't content with just winning a set and wanted to win the match so if we continue to play like this, good things will continue to happen.
Stay up to date on Carroll women's volleyball this season by going online to www.gopios.com, or by following the Pioneers on Facebook (Carroll University Athletics), Twitter (@pio_athletics), and Instagram (@pio_athletics).


 
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