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The UW-Milwaukee volleyball team left the Windy City with its sixth-straight title under its belt. The regular season champs defeated UIC and Loyola to win the title outright and clinch the top seed in the Horizon League tournament.

Friday night the Panthers (20-8, 13-3) began the Chicago road trip with a 25-23, 25-21, 25-19 win over UIC (12-16, 5-10). Maddie Sueppel led the offense for Milwaukee with 15 kills with Natalie Schmitting adding 10 as well. The Panther’s defense was also on target, collecting 55 digs total. Lauren Felsing kept her streak alive by joining Kellye Zaporski at 12 digs apiece.

A nerve racking first game ended in the Panther’s favor after they went on a late run. A combination of UIC errors and smart offense by Milwaukee gave the Panthers the match advantage. The second set seemed in the bag for Milwaukee at the beginning. The Flames couldn’t keep up, despite fighting their way back within single-digits. The Panthers proved to be too hot to handle and went up two games to none.

The third set played similar to the second, in that the Milwaukee controlled the play. The Panthers maintained the lead throughout the match and would not give it up. Milwaukee easily wrapped up its first successful match in Chicago.

Saturday’s game against Loyola ended as well as Friday night’s match – in a win. Not only did it provide Milwaukee with another victory, but it gave them the outright Horizon League regular season title. The Panthers held onto a 26-24, 25-27, 25-17, 23-25, 15-8 match to win their sixth-straight title.

Three Panthers racked up double-digits in kills Saturday against the Ramblers. Leading the pack was Schmitting with 13, followed by Becky Peters (12) and Sueppel (11).

Milwaukee built a quick lead to start off the first set, but watched it crumble as quickly as it came. Loyola took advantage of the lead while they had it, but the Panthers wouldn’t give up. The set tied at 24 but Milwaukee pulled off the first game win.

Loyola quickly evened things out by winning the second set. The Ramblers built up a quick lead, but Milwaukee kept fighting within reach. Loyola finally closed out the set with a pair of kills and an ace.

A quick third game went to the Panthers. Milwaukee took control at the net with blocks and kills. The Panthers never looked back and kept focus throughout the set. A Schmitting kill gave Milwaukee the match advantage. Loyola answered with their own win in set four. The Ramblers worked hard to fight back from behind to pull out the win. The end of the set was all tied up, but two Loyola kills forced the fifth game.

Milwaukee controlled the fifth game much like the third. It was obvious that the outright title was on their mind and they wanted it badly. The Panthers knocked down the final five points to close out the night.

The Horizon League tournament will begin with first round matches starting Thursday in Cleveland. First seeded Milwaukee will play in the second round on Friday against the winner between No. 8 UIC and No. 9 Youngstown St.

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