FAYETTE, Iowa – Freshman libero Becca Pagel recorded 30 digs on Tuesday night as No. 9 Winona State University overcame an opening-set loss to defeat (RV) Upper Iowa University in four games.
Pagel was one of three Warriors to reach double-digits in the category as WSU totaled 93 digs in the match, their highest total in a four-set match this season.
Winona dropped the opening set, 25-18, before rattling off 25-18, 25-17, 25-19 wins to claim the match victory.
The Warriors committed nine attacking errors compared to just eight kills in the first game, while the Peacocks floored a match-best 13 kills to steal the opening set from Winona.
WSU quickly rebounded in the second set and hit a match-high .324. Upper Iowa led by a 2-1 count early, and after a four-point run, the Warriors never trailed again. Winona closed things out on a 7-2 run to even the match at one set apiece.
The pivotal third set was decided when Winona went on a seven-point run midway through the game to take the lead for good. Danielle Rampart floored one of her 10 kills to begin the stretch and knot the set at 7-7. An Upper Iowa hitting error capped the run and staked WSU to a 13-7 advantage. Lauren Kudronowicz added two service aces during the run.
The Peacocks committed seven attacking errors in the third set while the Warriors recorded three of their five blocks on the night.
WSU never trailed in the fourth set and went on to complete its comeback victory.
Upper Iowa took a combined 106 swings over the final two sets as Winona showcased its defensive prowess in the triumph.
Rampart posted her fifth double-double on the year with 10 kills and 19 digs. Freshman Bre Maloney recorded 15 digs while taking over at the setter position early in the match and registered 40 assists.
Maria Wrage led the offense with 14 kills to go along with three blocks, followed by Maria Fruechte who floored 13 kills.
Winona State improves to 8-3 (2-1 NSIC) with the win while Upper Iowa falls to 10-2 (1-2 NSIC).
The Warriors return home for two straight conference matches this weekend in McCown Gymnasium. WSU hosts No. 19 Northern State University on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Minnesota-Moorhead on Saturday at 2 p.m.
