MADISON, Wis. – The University of Dubuque Spartans traveled to Madison, Wis., for a mid-week non-conference match-up against the Edgewood College Eagles. The Spartans battled with the Eagles, winning sets two and three, but unfortunately fell short in five sets (15-25, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 7-15).

Edgewood began firing on all cylinders by quickly running out to a 7-0 lead to help take the first set. The Spartans saw momentum shift over to their side in the second set. Emma Powell served back-to-back aces to help spark a 5-0 run to begin the set. The Eagles countered back with their own run to even the game at 16-16. Ashlee Adler and freshman, Payton Uptagraft provided key kills and blocks to give the Spartans the slight advantage in set two.

The Spartans captured the third set thanks to contributions from across the board. The Spartans tallied 13 kills in the set while hitting (.250%) and recording four blocks. Junior, Alexis Bedier led the Spartans with five kills and one block in the set.

The Spartans hitting percentages declined in the four and fifth sets which led to the Eagles winning 3-2. Powell led the team in kills with 15, followed by Darby Hawtrey with 10, as Bedier and Adler finished the night with seven kills. The Spartans provided a strong defensive force as Emily Swanson recording eight blocks, and Uptagraft and Bedier tallied six each.

Up Next
The Spartans return home to the Stoltz Sports Center for two pivotal conference matchups this weekend. On Friday, the Spartans will host Central College for a scheduled start at 6:00 p.m. Then a quick turnaround as the Spartans face Simpson College at 11:00 a.m. on University of Dubuque's Homecoming.