Wittenberg Volleyball Falls in NCAA Second Round

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Wittenberg volleyball team fell 3-1 to Wisconsin Eau Claire in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Friday, November 21, in Pittsburgh.
 
UW-Eau Claire carries a 29-4 record into the second round, while Wittenberg finishes the 2025 season with a 21-8 record. The Blugolds will face the winner of the Carnegie Mellon (25-8) and Hope (23-6) second-round matchup on Saturday, November 22, at 5:00 p.m.
 
WISCONSIN EAU CLAIRE (29-4) 3, WITTENBERG (21-8) 1
(23-25, 25-15, 14-25, 18-25)
 
  • Wittenberg came out competitive in the opening set, paced by senior Kaili Worcester (Powell, OH/Olentangy Liberty), who recorded multiple kills, with assists from sophomore Mary Sulfridge (South Charleston, OH/Southeastern), senior Ally White (Harrison, OH/Harrison), and senior Alana Bartulovic (Cleveland, OH/Notre Dame Cathedral Latin). Junior Kait Colahan (Vermilion, OH/Vermilion) and Worcester also contributed offensively, while sophomores Clare O’Malley (Avon, OH/St. Joseph's Academy) and Madelyn Luers (Liberty Township, OH/Lakota East) added timely blocks. Despite Wittenberg’s early efforts, UWEC pulled away to take the set 25-23.
  • The Tigers bounced back in the second set with a balanced attack, led again by Worcester and Colahan, with Bartulovic, White, and sophomore Bryn Wilhelmus (Louisville, KY/Mercy Academy) contributing kills and service aces. Sulfridge orchestrated the offense with precise setting, and senior Piper Ricketts (Morrow, OH/Little Miami) anchored the defense. Wittenberg built an early lead and maintained control, securing the set 25-15.
  • In the third set, Worcester and Sulfridge again fueled Wittenberg’s offense, supported by Bartulovic, Colahan, and Wilhelmus, but UWEC pulled away mid-set and captured it 25-14. The fourth set saw a similar pattern, with Worcester, Bartulovic, and White leading offensively and Wilhelmus adding aggressive serving, yet UWEC held on to win 25-18, clinching the match.
  • Overall, Wittenberg was paced offensively by Worcester (15 kills) and Colahan (13), with Bartulovic adding nine kills. Sulfridge led the team with 45 assists, Ricketts contributed 22 digs and three aces, and O’Malley and Luers each recorded two blocks.

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