The UW-Whitewater women's volleyball team, ranked twelfth according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, lost to the undefeated, number one ranked UW-Oshkosh team Wednesday, September 23 in Oshkosh 3-1 (22-25, 19-25, 25-20, 20-25.)
Box Score
The first set started with little runs from each team as the lead switched back and forth until Oshkosh went on a four-point run forcing a Whitewater timeout as they trailed 18-13.
UW-W scored five of the next seven points to cut the lead to just two 20-18. The Warhawks took their second timeout down four 22-18 to try and break UW-O's momentum but the Titans prevailed taking the first set 25-22.
UW-W jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second set. A defensive battle ensued with teams exchanging points to a score of 9-8 in favor of Oshkosh. The Titans would score nine of the next thirteen points to force Whitewater's first timeout down six, 18-12.
The Warhawks were able to cut the Titan lead in half but Oshkosh held enough momentum to take the set 25-19.
UW-W dominated the middle of the third set going on a 12-4 run that forced Oshkosh to take both their timeouts as the Warhawks took a 21-17 lead. Whitewater fought to hold on for the win 25-20.
The 'Hawks carried the momentum from the third set into the fourth, jumping out to an 8-2 lead. The Titans edged their way back into the set tying it up at 14-14. After an 11-4 run from Oshkosh, Whitewater trailed 17-15. UW-O took the next 8 of 12 points to take set four and the match 3-1.
UW-W led UW-O in kills (56-50), assists (51-45) and digs (83-76).
Keri Klotzbuecher (Clintonville/Clintonville) led the UW-W at the net with 16 kills. Caitlin Hogan (New London/New London) and Melissa Zuleger (Little Chute/Little Chute) added 13 kills each. Katy Krajnak (Racine/Case) also helped the Warhawks at the net with a solo and three assist blocks.
Defensively, four Warhawks had double-digit digs with libero Alyssa Bauer (Naperville, IL/Central) leading the pack with 24. Alyse Karls (Dane/Lodi) and Klotzbuecher added 14 apiece and Kelli Trautmann (Seymour/Little Chute) pitched in with 13.
The loss drops Whitewater to 9-4 overall and 1-2 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Oshkosh remains undefeated at 15-0 overall and 3-0 in the WIAC.
The Warhawks will host their second invitational this season with matches on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26. UW-W will play Illinois Wesleyan University, Friday at 3:00 p.m. and they'll take on seventh ranked Carthage College later at 7:00 p.m. Friday night. The Carthage match is designated Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night.
For additional information:
UW-W head coach Stacy Boudreau
