Pioneers win five-set thriller against Texas Lutheran

DELAWARE, Ohio – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team preserved its 9-0 record Friday night after a 3-2 victory over Texas Lutheran (5-4) at Ohio Wesleyan's Bishop Invite in Branch Rickey Arena.

After breezing to a 25-11 win in the opening set, the Bulldogs took the second set 25-22 before capturing a fiercely contested third set which ended with a final score of 29-27.

The Pioneers dug deep and pulled out a 25-21 win in set four and used that momentum to take the final set 15-9.

Senior Emma Carlson finished with a season-high 27 kills and a .257 hitting percentage. Junior Kierney McDonald also finished in double-digits with 15 kills and four block assists.

Junior Gracie Gibbens had a second consecutive career-high with 52 assists. Junior Bri Gartner also finished with a career-best 38 digs.

Overall, the Pioneers totaled 64 kills while posting a .162 kill percentage. In comparison, Texas Lutheran combined for 48 kills and a .069 hitting percentage.

The Pioneers will return to action on Saturday when they take on Ohio Wesleyan at 9:30 a.m. and Case Western Reserve at noon in the second day of the invitational.

*As with every UW-Platteville win this year, the Platteville A&W will be offering a $3 Pioneer burger the day after the win and the Platteville Taco John's will be offering 10 tacos for $10 the day after each Pioneer win.