Teamwork was a key element in Milwaukee’s womens’ volleyball team Saturday at the Klotche Center. With a 3-0 sweep against the Wright State Raiders, they proudly achieved another win for their league play, now 2-0.
“It really feels good (to start league play 2-0) and this team is getting better every time we play,” said Coach Susie Johnson.
The match started in favor of the Panthers with a large lead 17-10 after an ace by Jenn Dore (9). The Raiders pressed forward to close the gap by just three, but with an impressive back-to-back showcase of kills by Caitlin Schultz (17), Milwaukee took their first win.
The second game was closer in score than the first, tying up 20-20 towards the end. Milwaukee took this challenge and made the next five points their own, ending with one of Jess Kalous’s (9) incredible five blocks of the match.
With the adrenaline of their intense victory in the second game, they pulled their way to the lead in the third. After a 9-9 tie, Mykie Olsen (11) fired off three aces. Though Wright State came to a two-point gap later in the game, Milwaukee once again pulled through, earning their 3-0 win.
“We’ve had some challenges in games that we maybe can’t simulate in practice,” said Johnson. “I’m really proud of them for being able to make those adjustments in the game.”
Jenn Dore (9) offensively ended the match with 40 assists.
Leading the kills for the Panthers was Caitlin Schultz (17) with 13. Jess Kalous (9) and Bridge Wallenberger (12) both came through with 9 kills each, followed by Kylie Wilks (14) with 8.
For defense, Teagan Taylor (4) led the Panthers with 13 digs, followed by Mykie Olsen (11) at 11 and a tie between Jenn Dore (9) and Kylie Wilks (14) with 9 each.
Milwaukee finished the match with 52 digs, while Wright State finished with 41. Outhitting their opponents, the Panthers won .268 to .154. Milwaukee also had three more service aces than Wright State, tallying five in the sweep.
Milwaukee will continue a four-game home stand this weekend, playing UIC on Saturday and Green Bay on Sunday. Both matches are scheduled for 4 pm.