WAUKESHA, Wis. - Carroll University women's volleyball opened their home schedule Wednesday night at Van Male Fieldhouse with a spirited performance against Millikin University, falling in three tightly contested sets (23-25, 29-31, 20-25). The Pioneers moved to 7-6 overall and 0-2 in CCIW play, while Millikin improved to 6-5 (1-0 CCIW).

The match featured 22 tie scores and 13 lead changes, highlighting Carroll's ability to stay in step with a strong Millikin squad. This was a match that truly could hvae went either way, with both teams showing fire throughout. The second set was a thriller, with the Pioneers pushing the Big Blue to extra points before narrowly dropping the frame 31-29.

Bronwyn Rowse led Carroll with 14 kills and 14 digs, while Kylie Wittnebel added 9 kills and hit .500. Carly Hicklin contributed 8 kills and 8.5 points, and Audrey Rosenbaum chipped in 7 kills and 6 digs.

Setter Payton Depies paced the offense with 35 assists and 7 digs. Defensively, Maggie McGough anchored the back row with 17 digs, and Samantha Miserendino added 7.

Carroll totaled 42 kills and 62 digs, hitting .105 as a team. Their most efficient set came in the second, where they hit .190 and recorded 19 kills.

Though the final result didn't favor the Pioneers, their energy, execution, and ability to challenge Millikin point-for-point made for an exciting home debut in front of 133 fans. Carroll will look to carry that momentum into its next CCIW matchup, as they head to Chicago this Friday at 7pm to take on North Park.