Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee's volleyball team achieved a 3-1 victory over Green Bay Phoenix at the Kress Center, marking their third consecutive win in Horizon League play. The Panthers won the first set 25-23, lost the second 25-20, but secured the match with two 25-19 victories in the last sets.

Natalie Schmitz led Milwaukee with 16 kills and a .516 hitting percentage. Milica Tomic contributed 23 assists, while Josie Johnson added 21, helping the team achieve a total of 53 assists on their 54 kills.

"It really helped that Natalie was able to contribute at a high level on the outside," said head coach Susie Johnson. "We also started to run the middle a little bit more and I think that made a difference when it came to holding their block."

The Panthers recorded a season-best .302 hitting percentage, improving significantly in the latter sets with a combined .444 hitting rate. They committed minimal errors during these sets.

"Statistically the match was similar … the difference was we were able to execute and compete at a high level down the stretch, where I felt we took better control of the match," Johnson added.

Green Bay ended with a .230 hitting percentage and nine service aces compared to Milwaukee's four. However, Milwaukee had an edge in blocks (5-3) and digs (59-52).

Kara Erdmann led defensively for Milwaukee with 18 digs. Tomic recorded her fifth double-double of the season by adding ten digs. Madi Malone and Kati Goba each contributed eight digs.

In key moments, Malone helped Milwaukee gain an early lead in set one before Green Bay briefly regained control. The Panthers eventually closed out this set thanks to Schmitz's decisive kill.

Despite falling behind early in set two, Milwaukee narrowed Green Bay's lead but could not overcome them as they finished strong with three consecutive points.

Set three remained tight until late errors by Green Bay allowed Milwaukee to take control. Czhen Beneby sealed this set for Milwaukee with a critical backline shot.

In set four, after being tied at eight points each, Milwaukee pulled ahead permanently following a five-point run capped by Graves' defensive plays and consistent scoring from other team members.

Malone finished with 13 kills; Rachel Scott added six; Beneby and Alexis Lewis both scored five; Bri Geurts had four kills.

For Green Bay, Katie Schulz led offensively with 19 kills while Calli Gentry provided 39 assists. Ellie Kurpeikis delivered four aces—most in-match—and Abby Gardner led defensively for her team tallying up nineteen digs overall.

"This team is gaining confidence," concluded Coach Johnson regarding their recent successes: "We had to fight for these wins... hopefully we can continue that momentum into weekend."

Milwaukee returns home soon hosting IU Indianapolis Jaguars starting Friday evening continuing through Saturday afternoon at Klotsche Center venue.

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