The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team started its 2021 season Wednesday night with a thrilling 25-21, 25-14, 23-25, 20-25, 17-15 victory over ninth-ranked Chicago in a non-conference match at Russell Arena.
The Warhawks (1-0 overall) held a two-set lead before the Maroons (0-1) fought back to tie the contest at two sets apiece.
UW-Whitewater fell behind 5-1 in the fifth before fighting back to tie the set at 5-5. From there, neither team led by more than two points.
Chicago held a 13-11 advantage and had a match point at 14-13. The Warhawks won the next two points before the Maroons tied it at 15-15.
Sophomore outside hitter
Jenna Weinfurt (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial), who collected 16 kills and two blocks in her UW-W debut, posted the final two kills of the contest.
Senior middle hitter
Morgan Wardall (Merrill, Wis./Merrill) collected 12 kills and six blocks, while senior outside hitter
Erin McNeil (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge) recorded nine kills and three blocks. Senior outside hitter
Emma Aske (Aurora, Ill./Metea Valley) tallied seven kills, 13 digs and two blocks, sophomore right side hitter
Baylie Hansen (Bonduel, Wis./Shawano) finished with eight kills, four blocks and four digs, and sophomore middle hitter
Kirsten Anderson (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) added seven kills and five blocks.
Senior setter
KellyAnn Sotiros (New Berlin, Wis./West Allis Hale) totaled 32 assists, 12 digs and two service aces, and senior setter
Paige Manssen (Bull Valley, Ill./McHenry West) contributed 19 assists and eight digs.
Junior libero
Morgan Jensen (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun Prairie) led the defense with 26 digs and added five assists and one service ace. Senior defensive specialist
Hailey Mackenthun (Webster, Minn./Northfield) collected seven digs.
UW-Whitewater finished with 30 kills against only five attack errors over the first two sets, but was limited to 20 kills with 14 attack errors in the third and fourth combined. The Warhawks finished with 12 team blocks compared to six for the Maroons.
The Warhawks' weekend schedule has yet to be finalized. Please check back soon for the latest information.
