EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- The St. Catherine University volleyball team battled by came up short against nationally-ranked Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Friday, falling in straight sets at Sonnentag Event Center. The Wildcats pushed the Blugolds to the bring in the third set, forcing twelve ties and three lead changes, but the hosts' balance at the net proved decisive. 

St. Kate's opened strong with early blocks from Quinlynn Parish and Madison Fagan to take a quick 3–0 lead. Eau Claire responded with a six-point swing led by Abby Stanwood and Bailey Leeke, who combined for 10 kills in the set. The Wildcats rallied late, trimming the deficit to 19–24 with a kill from Alivia Hanover, but the Blugolds closed it out, 25–19.

The second frame was dominated by Eau Claire's efficiency. The Blugolds hit .333 as a team with just one attack error, while St. Kate's struggled to find rhythm offensively, committing seven errors. The Wildcats' highlights included a service ace from Parish and a pair of blocks by Fagan, but UWEC pulled away for a 25–16 win and a 2–0 match lead.

The Wildcats saved their best for last, battling point-for-point in a dramatic third set. Fagan delivered several key swings, finishing with seven kills and four blocks overall. Parish added six kills and two service aces, while setter Addison Preuss spread the offense with 14 assists in the frame.

St. Kate's led 24–23 after a Hanover kill, but Eau Claire answered with back-to-back points before closing on a block to seal the 27–25 win and the sweep.

The Wildcats continue non-conference play on Saturday with two matches in Eau Claire, looking to bounce back and build momentum before opening MIAC action next week.