On Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Volleyball team battled #9 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks in Mitchell Hall. Their three-set sweep of the Warhawks improves their record to 18-6 (4-0 in WIAC), while UW-Whitewater dropped to 20-5 (5-1 in WIAC). UWL hosted its annual “Playing For A Cause” event night during the contest.  

This year UWL is playing to benefit Alzheimer’s Awareness. All proceeds from their game will go to the Alzheimer’s Association to care for those who have and are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The Eagles Volleyball players supported this cause by wearing purple scrunchies during the game, the official color of Alzheimer’s Awareness.  

“I love that we were able to play for something larger than ourselves especially for a cause that hits home for me,” said UWL Senior Halle Barnabo, “I lost my grandmother to Alzheimer’s roughly six years ago so it was truly an honor to raise funds and awareness to a disease I have witnessed first-hand.” 

The Eagles started with 11-2 lead in the first set. UWL continued to pull away in the first set and at one point accumulated a 10-point lead with the score 20-10 in the first set. The Warhawks showed why there are ranked ninth in the nation and closed the gap going on an 8-0 run tying the set at 21-21.  But the Eagles had the last say winning the first set 25-23.   

Barnabo said, “It was very important for us to assert ourselves at the beginning of the match because we knew coming in that both teams were going to put everything out on the court tonight.” 

The break between sets allowed the Eagles to refocus and strategize. UWL attained a 9-2 lead early in the second set. The Eagles maintained their lead, never allowing the Warhawks to get within three points. The Eagles ended the set on a 6-0 run, winning the second set 25-15. 

“I felt very confident going into the third match that my team and myself could sweep Whitewater. We prepared starting last week to look at Whitewater as a good match for us, not what they are ranked,” stated Barnabo, “We knew it was going to be fun and intense, but going into the third match up two sets up was incredibly exciting and I think it pushed us that much harder because it solidified we could sweep the team we were tied in conference with.” 

The third set was more back and forth than the previous sets. The Warhawks held a 11-7 lead when UW-Whitewater called their first timeout.  

During that timeout, first year Head Coach Amber Dunn rallied the team.  

“She reassured us that we know how to play great volleyball especially in times where we are behind,” explained Barnabo. “She gave us words of encouragement that if we put our best skills forward and leave them all on the court we will be the team leaving with a win.” 

After the timeout, the Eagles tied the set at 12-12 and regain the lead a few points later with the score of 14-13. The third set was by far the closest with four lead changes and seven ties. The Eagles finished the game in three sets ending on a 6-0 run to win the set 25-19.  

With this win against UW-Whitewater the Eagles now hold at least a share in the WIAC title, according to uwlathletics.com. A win against the Pointers of the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point this Saturday would solidify the WIAC conference title for the Eagles.