RV Carthage 3, Augsburg 0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-17)
RV Carthage 3, Wis-Stevens Point 1 (25-23, 16-25, 25-22, 27-25)
STEVENS POINT, Wis. - The Carthage women's volleyball team opened the weekend with a pair of matches against Augsburg and Wis-Stevens Point at the 2025 Papa John's Invite, hosted by Wis-Stevens Point. The Firebirds cruised to a three-set victory over Augsburg for the second time this season, before battling for a four-set victory over the host UWSP.



VS AUGSBURG
The Firebirds came out strong in the opening set, using kills from Kristina Manojlovic and Madilyn Danielson along with a service run by Tatum Kebisek to build an early cushion. Katie Boston and Hailey Wierzgac controlled the net as Carthage pulled away for a 25-15 win.

Augsburg responded in the second with a steadier attack, forcing six ties and two lead changes. Carthage turned to Manojlovic and Ava Dettwiler down the stretch, while Boston and Emma Crow combined for a late block to seal a 25-20 decision.

The Firebirds wasted little time closing it out in the third. Dettwiler spread the offense effectively and added two kills of her own, while Manojlovic stayed hot at the pin. Damon anchored the back row and Wierzgac added to her block total as Carthage cruised to a 25-17 victory.

VS WIS-STEVENS POINT
The first set featured 10 ties as the two teams traded points throughout. Kills from Manojlovic and Dettwiler highlighted a late push for the Firebirds, who secured the opener 25-23. In the second set, Stevens Point capitalized on Carthage errors and used a 6-1 run to gain control, eventually taking the frame 25-16 to even the match.

Carthage bounced back in the third set behind strong offensive play from Dettwiler and Manojlovic, who combined for multiple kills down the stretch. Key defensive stops at the net helped the Firebirds hold off the Pointers for a 25-22 win and a 2-1 lead in the match.

The fourth set was another close battle, with five lead changes as both teams pushed past 25 points. Back-to-back kills from Dettwiler and Danielson put the Firebirds on top late before a Stevens Point attack error sealed the 27-25 set win and the match for Carthage.



Combined Stats

• Kristina Manojlovic - 30 kills, 3 blocks
• Tatum Kebisek - 40 assists, 4 service aces
• Hailey Wierzgac - 13 blocks, 7 kills
• Ava Dettwiler - 37 assists, 26 digs, 20 kills
• Jenna Damon - 31 digs, 11 assists

Very good day on the road against some solid teams," said Head Coach Leanne Ulmer. "Emma [Crow] and Tina [Manojlovic] both had strong play on offense. Emma also had a great blocking match!  I thought our passers did a great job in serve receive. The second match against the home team Wis-Stevens Point was hard fought. It was a strong team effort with some clutch play at the end of sets. Tina, Ava [Dettwiler], Katie [Boston] and Hailey [Wierzgac] came up with some clutch kills in big moments. Jenna [Damon] was all over the court. Quick turnaround to play a very tough Wis-Eau Claire team in the morning!"




The Firebirds (13-5) return to action on Saturday, Oct. 4 as the squad competes in the Papa John's Invite against No. 5 Wis-Eau Claire at 10 a.m. Carthage women's volleyball returns to Tarble Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 8 as the Firebirds host No. 8 Illinois Wesleyan at 7 p.m. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.