DUBUQUE, Iowa - After the Spartans spent their first eight games of the year on the road, the University of Dubuque women's volleyball team finally returned home. Tuesday evening, the Spartans battled against cross-state rival, University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers inside a vibrant Stoltz Sports Center. The match needed all five sets as the Spartans fell to the Pioneers 3-2.

The Spartans jumped out early grabbing the first set 25-19. A total of five Spartans recorded kills in the opening set. Senior, Emma Powell who recently surpassed 1,000 career kills and digs led the charge with four kills including the final point of the first set. The Pioneers answered backed as they never trailed in the second set on their way to evening the match at 1-1. 

In the third set, the Spartans trailed 7-3 early on but rallied back taking a 14-9 lead forcing the Pioneers into a timeout. Out of the break, both teams were knotted at 20-20. In a set that featured eight ties and four different lead changes, the Spartans fell 25-23. Ashlee Adler, recorded six of her 16 kills in the third set. In a must win fourth set, the Spartans answered the bell in a dominating 25-16 win. Offensively, the Spartans posted their best attacking percentage of 24% and capitalized on six service aces. Alexis Adkins and Powell each had two aces, while Ashlyn McGinnis and Morgan Hunter's ace resulted in a set win. In the determining fifth set, the Spartans trailed 6-5 before the Pioneers used a 5-0 run to take control as the Spartans lost 15-9. 

On the night, the Spartans totaled 50 kills. Powell and Adler combined for 33 kills while Alexis Bedier along with Delaney Dietz finished with six each. Sharing time at setter, McGinnis dished out 23 assists while Alexis Kammerer finished with 16. A trio of Spartans recorded multiple digs as Katie Wright led with 16, followed by Powell with 14, and McGinnis with 10.

Up Next
The Spartans will enter the Loras Invitational this weekend with a record of 6-3. The University of Dubuque will be serving as a second host site for the tournament. On Friday, September 15, the Spartans will play two games starting first against St. Scholastica at 3:00 p.m. and then will finish the evening with a matchup against Westminster at 7:00 p.m.