The UW-Whitewater volleyball team, ranked seventh in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, defeated the eighteenth ranked UW-Eau Claire Blugolds in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship Saturday 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-22).

Box Score

UW-W defeated UW-Platteville 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-12) Friday to move into the title match Saturday. UW-Eau Claire was able to upset top ranked UW-Oshkosh in the nightcap Friday 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-13) to earn their spot in the tournament championship.

The Warhawks lost to the Blugolds in their first match of the 2009 season September 1, 1-3 (22-25, 16-25, 25-20, 19-25). However, UW-W came back and defeated UW-EC at home October 16, 3-0 (25-13, 25-22, 26-24).

Whitewater went on a 10-4 run to start the first set and never looked back. After putting together another 6-1 run later in the set, they had built a cushioned lead and rolled to a 25-17 win.

The Blugolds were able to keep the second set close and even tie the score at 8-8 until the Warhawks made their move going on a 7-2 run. Two more runs of three points each put the win out of reach for Eau Claire as Whitewater took set two 25-16.

The Warhawks jumped out to a 12-6 lead in the third set and built their lead to 22-15 before Eau Claire started to fight back. The Blugolds went on a 7-2 run to come to within two of the Warhawks 24-22, but Whitewater prevailed taking the set 25-22, the match and the WIAC tournament title.

Sofia Sanche (Janesville/Craig) led all hitters with 17 kills. Alyse Karls (Dane/Lodi) dished out 41 of Whitewater's 46 assists in the match. Melissa Zuleger (Little Chute/Little Chute) stood tall at the net totaling six blocks (four solo) which was also the match high. Defensively, Alyssa Bauer (Naperville, IL/Central) had 16 digs which also led all players and brings her season total to 683, just three away from tying the season dig record held by Stephanie Everett and Angie Wildish.

The win improves Whitewater's mark to 31-6 on the season as Eau Claire drops to 30-7.

Saturday's WIAC tournament title propels UW-W to their 22nd berth into the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III volleyball tournament. You can watch the NCAA selection show by going to http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=ncaa&media=144155.

For additional information Stacy Boudreau