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Carroll University Athletics

Scoreboard

Scoreboard

Leigh Emmett
3
Winner MILLIKIN MILLIKIN 6-4, 1-0 CCIW
2
Carroll University CARROLL 9-5, 0-1 CCIW
Winner
MILLIKIN MILLIKIN
6-4, 1-0 CCIW
3
Final
2
Carroll University CARROLL
9-5, 0-1 CCIW
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 5 F
MILLIKIN MILLIKIN 25 21 23 25 15 (3)
Carroll University CARROLL 22 25 25 14 8 (2)

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

Pioneers struggle to stay consistent in CCIW opener

Carroll falls to Millikin in five-set thriller

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Consistency.
That seemingly simple characteristic can often become the deciding factor when a victory is hanging in the balance.
The high-powered, experienced Carroll University women's volleyball team was reminded of that fact as it lost to Millikin University 25-22, 21-25, 23-25, 25-14, 15-8 in a five-set College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin opener at Van Male Athletic Complex on Wednesday night.
It was the first home-court dual of the season, first five-set loss and snapped a string of four consecutive victories for Carroll, which dropped to 9-5 overall in front of the large, enthusiastic crowd.
Tied 3-3 in the decisive fifth set, Millikin responded to the pressure-packed situation with a 12-5 run to end the marathon battle.
Junior middle blocker Rachel Noonan (Crystal Lake, Ill.) contributed 10 kills, four blocks and three service aces for the Pioneers, who showcased their resilience by overcoming an early one-set deficit to take a 2-1 lead after the opening three sets.
The momentum quickly shifted in Millikin's favor during the pivotal fourth set and carried over into the tension-filled final set as Carroll struggled to capitalize on several potential game-changing points down the stretch - ultimately resulting in a heart-breaking loss.
Senior outside hitter/middle blocker Erika Dunnam (Shawano, Wis.) followed with 10 kills, three blocks and an ace for Carroll, which finished with 48 kills, six service aces and 64 digs but committed an uncharacteristic 23 attack errors.
Senior outside hitter Kylie Mueller (Fox Lake, Wis.) collected nine kills, freshman defensive specialist Emily Konop (Oregon, Wis.) had 17 digs and five assists with senior setter Emma Przeslicke (Evergreen Park, Ill.) adding seven kills, 19 assists, 12 digs and an ace.
"We were glad to be home and playing our first conference match but needed to be a little more on top of our game at key times," said Carroll 10th-year head coach Becca Saal, who guided the Pioneers to a prestigious CCIW Tournament berth last year. "It's all about competing with confidence on our first, second and third contacts in order to finish points. When that didn't happen, we began to lose some momentum and they answered with the big runs.
"Regardless of the opponent on the other side of the net, we just need to focus on the fundamentals, play together as a team and continue to function within the system. It's not about relying on a superstar to make all of the plays but more about trusting in your teammates to execute, make good first contact and help create the opportunities to finish.
We've worked hard to establish a good, balanced attack so we have to get back in the gym, practice and do our best to make the adjustments. Every conference match is difficult so we just need to approach each competition like we are going against the No. 1 team. If we do that, good things will continue to happen."
Sophomore outside hitter Peyton Jackson finished with a meet-high 17 kills for Millikin, which claimed its first league victory and improved to 6-4 overall.
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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