The University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team overpowered visiting St. Ambrose in a five-set victory Oct. 1, dubbed “Yell Night,” as a part of 2013 Homecoming week.

Bo Ryan Court inside Williams Fieldhouse was filled with 917 attendees, many of whom were representing student organizations. The organizaions were involved in a contest to out-yell the rest of student groups in the crowd.

The Pioneers started the match poorly, which has been a trend this season, losing the first two sets 25-17, 25-22, respectively.

UW-Platteville managed to get into a rhythm at the top of the third set to avoid the sweep.

The Pioneers stayed alive by avoiding attack errors and some terrific blocking.

The Pioneers had 18 total blocks to St. Ambrose’s three.

According to head coach Deb Schulman, the team had to completely rework the lineup due to the illness of junior LeeAnn Mizgalski.

With a new lineup and being down 2-0, Schulman had to keep her team’s morale from sinking.

“I told them they were playing well, to keep playing well and to keep on the offensive,” Schulman said.

Schulman also said that she was glad to see improvement in the amount of errors during the match, something that has challenged UW-Platteville so far this season.

Senior middle hitter Stephanie Kirchner said that she hopes to have everyone healthy and for the team to set and achieve goals.

Kirchner and freshman Lindsey Decker were tied for the team-lead with 14 kills in the match.

The Pioneers hit the road for two conference matchups starting Friday against the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

UW-Platteville was unable to keep the momentum from their “Yell Night” win as they were swept by the Blugolds 3-0 (29-27, 25-17, 25-17).

After going into extra points during the first set, the Blugold defense stifled the Pioneers with effective digging, tallying 72 total digs in the match.

On Sunday, the Pioneers got back into the win column after defeating the University of Wisconsin-Superior 3-1 (25-17, 25-22, 25-21, 25-21).

The Pioneers came back after losing the first set 25-17, behind 15 kills from Kirchner.

UW-Platteville returns to the court this weekend for a four-game tournament at North Central College in Naperville, Ill.