WAUKESHA, Wis. - Cathleen Flannery finished with a team-high nine kills and nine digs as the Carroll University women's volleyball team swept Wisconsin Lutheran College 25-21, 25-22, 25-20 in a season-opening nonconference dual meet at Van Male Field House on Thursday night.
It was the second consecutive victory in a season opener for Carroll, which earned its first home-court sweep since September 1, 2021 (a 25-19, 25-13, 25-17 victory over Ripon College).
Ashley Konecki contributed six kills, one service ace and one block for the Pioneers, who generated 45 points, 44 digs, 40 kills, 36 assists, three service aces and two blocks in the dominant, statement-making effort. Katie Jensen had six kills and a block with Kaitlin Gawelski following with six kills, eight digs and one block.
Leading 21-20 in the opening set, Carroll showcased its composure by responding with a decisive 4-1 run capped on a kill by Flannery.
Tied 21-21 in the second set, the Pioneers again answered with a late 4-1 run to seize the momentum (capped with a crucial unforced error by Wisconsin Lutheran followed by a set-clinching kill from Jensen).
Carroll led 24-19 in the final set and put an exclamation point on the season-opening victory with a kill from Grace Perret.
Maggie McGough collected 15 digs, two assists and one block for the Pioneers, who amassed 17 kills with a .239 hitting percentage in the critical second set.
Lindsey Diep registered 17 assists and an ace with Cora Riffle adding 15 assists.
Jenna Charron had a meet-high 13 kills and nine digs for Wisconsin Lutheran.