Jacksonville, Ill. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse volleyball team dropped its 2024 season opener by the score of 3-1 (19-25, 25-13, 19-25, 17-25) to Webster University (Mo.) Friday night at the Illinois College Invitational in Sherman Gymnasium. 

The Gorlocks scored the first eight points in the opening set as the Eagles could get no closer than four points the rest of the way. UWL scored five of the first six points in the second set. Webster (Mo.) later cut it to 12-9 when UWL used a 5-2 run to lead 17-11. 

UWL trailed 11-10 in the third set, but Webster (Mo.) went on a 5-1 run to lead 16-11 and UWL could get no closer than two points the rest of the set. The Eagles took a 9-6 lead in the fourth set when the Gorlocks later forced a 10-10 tie. The set was tied four more times, including 14-14. UWL trailed 19-17, but Webster (Mo.) scored the final six points to earn the overall victory.

The Eagles hit .205 (43-20-112) in the match, including .519 (16-2-27) in winning the second set. The Gorlocks hit .180 (44-21-128). 

Individual UWL Leaders:
Gabby Johnson led UWL with 10 kills while hitting .389 (10-3-18).
Reese Yocum 9 kills; Bella Kottke 6 kills
Kayla Sexton 6 kills, 10 digs
Hally Holker 18 assists; Jackie Oetterer 15 assists, 9 digs
Megan Jasperson 10 digs

Individual Webster (Mo.) Leaders:
Grace White, Megan Zablonski, Lauren Harms 8 kills
Ellie Biedenstein 16 assists; Delaney Morio 14 assists
Jaycee Lewis 11 digs

UWL returns to action Saturday, August 31 with a pair of matches at the Illinois College Invitational, facing Adrian College (Mich.) at 12 p.m. and Carroll University (Wis.) at 2 p.m.