The UW-Platteville volleyball team traveled to Illinois Wesleyan University to defeat Millikin University in five games on Oct. 2. The Pioneers proceeded to wipe out Trine University in three games to complete the first night of victories.

UW-P defeated their opening opponents 25-18, 15-25, 25-21, 19-25, 15-13. The Big Blue dropped to 13-6 following the opening loss.

Junior Melissa Hillebrand led the Pioneers with 13 kills, followed by freshman Samantha Rampart with 12, and sophomore Breanna Kaiser with 10.

Junior Leslie White led the defense with 23 digs and senior Lisa Bell pounded back seven blocks to help secure the win.

UW-P built up momentum for the weekend by defeating the Trine Thunder 27-25, 25-16, 25-23.

Hillebrand led the way for the Pioneers with 14 kills, followed by freshman Melanie Bailiff with 12, and Rampart with 10.

The Pioneers ended the night with an 11-6 record.

Day two of the Invitational, the Pioneers faced off against the host Illinois Wesleyan. The Titans crumbled under UW-P in five sets 25-20, 20-25, 25-22, 20-25, 15-10.

According to the Sports Information Web site, Hillebrand recorded her career high of 23 kills against the Titans, followed by 22 against Hope.

Kaiser brought in 14 kills against IWU to help bring in the win for the Pioneers.

Sophomore Ali Sikic came within one assist of her career best with 55 against the Titans, according to the Sports Information Web site.

The Pioneers secured their fourth win of the Invite against Hope College 16-25, 25-18, 27-25, 25-13.
Bell helped lead the offense with 14 kills, followed by freshman Amanda Fisch with 12.

Junior Abby Carey helped shoot down the Flying Dutch with 28 digs and four aces. White and Bailiff added 20 digs each for the Pioneers.

UW-P improved to 13-6 for the season. The Pioneers will host UW-La Crosse on Wednesday, Oct. 14 for the Dig for the Cure game at the Williams Fieldhouse.