Body paint and costumes adorned the fan section of the second-largest crowd in UW-Platteville volleyball history. The Homecoming Yell volleyball game drew in a total of 1094 fans to help cheer on the Pioneers as they defeated Ashford University, 25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 25-13.

Photograph by Karmen Mallow
Senior middle hitter Lisa Bell serves up the ball during the Homecoming Yell match against Ashford University.

“Any win brings confidence. Ashford was good competition, and it was a great atmosphere,” head coach Deb Schulman said. “It was a fun win.”

Schulman said that most of the girls get excited for the game during Homecoming week and that some of the freshmen tend to get a little nervous.

The first game was an even matchup against the Saints, with the Pioneers keeping ahead during the game. Ashford handed over the victory when the serve went out of bounds, giving the Pioneers their first set win.

Ashford scored the first point in the second match, but the Pioneers quickly came back to take the game. The Saints fell short of victory after narrowing UW-P’s lead from eight to two points. Ashford managed to upset the Pioneers by taking one victory during the third match-up in the four games played.

During the fourth set, the Pioneers jumped back with kills from junior Melissa Hillebrand, 17, and freshman Samantha Rampart, 13. Hillebrand finished the night for the Pioneers with the final kill.

Photograph by Karmen Mallow
The team huddles together before beginning play. The Pioneers defeated the Saints in four sets.

Following the victory, the volleyball team holds a 14-7 record. The Saints fell to a 16-11 record. UW-P is currently ranked fifth in the WIAC, with a conference record of 2-2. Hillebrand led the ladies with 19 points, followed by Rampart with 13.5 points; both players are outside hitters.

“I think the team did really well,” freshman Sara Beran said. “We tried new lineups, and everyone stepped up and worked really hard.”

Coach Schulman said the team will continue working on passing, which has consistently improved this season.

“With good passing, there’s good offense,” Schulman said.

The Pioneers will host UW-River Falls at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 in the Williams Fieldhouse.