UWM volleyball’s season came to a screeching halt as they were upset 3-1 against third-seeded Cleveland State in the Horizon League’s conference tournament.
Milwaukee finished their regular season with a 15-3 Horizon League record. They entered the conference semifinals, hosted by Wright State in Dayton, Ohio, ranked as second seed.
“I told them how proud of them I am of them,” said head coach Susie Johnson. “With 20 wins a season, 15 in conference, they should be proud of themselves. They grew as people and players and in their career”.
Prior to the matchup against Cleveland State, No. 4 seed Green Bay defeated No. 1 Wright State 3-2 to advance to Sunday’s championship.
The Panthers led with 64 kills over Cleveland State’s 56 but recorded 26 hitting errors over the Vikings’ 18 and a total off 111 digs over Cleveland.
Milwaukee was able to secure a victory in first set 25-18, but Cleveland State came back on top winning the following three sets after a tough back and forth scoring battle. The last three sets were 25-23 for both the second and third set and 27-25 in the fourth set.
“We have six seniors so it’s really hard,” said Johnson. “Hats off to Cleveland State for battling and just competing the whole time”.
Cleveland State sophomore outside hitter Nia Hall had an outstanding game, leading with 23 kills. Senior defensive specialist Emma Walker finished with 47 digs.
Milwaukee senior outside hitter Madi Malone finished the match up with a lead of 19 kills, and career-high of 30 digs.
“Just the fact that she stepped up in such a way in her senior year was great,” said Johnson.
Junior defensive specialist Kara Erdmann led the team with 34 digs, junior setter Josie Johnson assisted 23 kills, and junior outside hitter Natalie Schmitz senior middle blocker Alexis Lewis combined for 23 kills.
Four Panthers receive Postseason Honors
Kara Erdmann and Madi Malone were named to the All-Horizon League First Team, Natalie Schmitz was named member of the second team and Milica Tomic was included in the All-Freshman team.
Erdmann was also named Defensive Player of the Year, leading in digs (685) and digs per set (5.76). Erdmann became the third Panther to win the award.
“Kara getting Defensive Player of the Year is so deserving,” said Johnson. “She is an excellent player. She has grown so much in the last year, and she is a good leader for us”.
Milwaukee finished 20-12, the first time the Panthers scored back to back 20 win seasons since 2010.