WHITEWATER, Wis. – The UW-Stevens Point volleyball team (16-16) saw its season conclude with a 3-0 loss at No. 11 UW-Whitewater (25-6) in the first round of the WIAC Tournament (presented by Culver's).
 
Carly Thomka (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) led the Pointers with seven kills. Senior Olivia Paukner (Prairie Du Sac, Wis./Sauk Prairie) and Katie Larson (Hammond, Wis./St. Croix Central) added six and five, respectively. Hannah Strege (Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee) had a team-best 27 assists and Abby Nevins (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) had a team-high 10 digs.
 
Larson had a pair of kills and Tessa Erlandson (Kenyon, Minn./Kenyon Wanamingo) served two aces as UWSP used a 4-0 and an 8-0 run for a 12-7 lead. Thomka and Paukner had two kills apiece as the Pointers held an 18-13 advantage. Larson added a late kill as the Warhawks closed the first set with a 12-2 run for a 25-20 win.
 
Paukner had two kills and Bella Lucero (Antioch, Ill./Carmel Catholic) served an ace as the Pointers went ahead, 8-5, in the second. Lauren Shaw (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) had a pair of kills as the Warhawks again finished strong to take the second set, 25-16.
 
Shaw, Thomka and Logan Cregan (Little Canada, Minn./Roseville Area) each had two kills as the Pointers jumped out to a 12-8 lead. Cregan and Thomka added two more kills apiece and Erlandson served another ace, but UWW finished the sweep with a 25-22 win.