MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee volleyball won its fifth straight match on Saturday, sweeping Robert Morris behind an overwhelming offensive performance.
 
The Panthers had 50 kills over three sets while holding RMU to just 35 for a season-best +15 differential. Annie Eschenbach led the way with 12 kills, while Sam Vanda also reached double figures with 11.
 
Milwaukee set the tone early with a match-high 21 kills in the opening set, earning a 28-26 victory before taking the second 25-21. The Panthers closed out the sweep with a dominant third set, tallying 14 kills against just one error and a .500 hitting percentage in a 25-13 win.
 
Milwaukee also held a 44-35 advantage in assists, led by the setting duo of Josie Johnson and Milica Tomic, who combined for 36. On offense, Ella Schuetz contributed with three of the team's five service aces.
 
"Our team had a great response today after a hard-fought win last night," said Susie Johnson. "We have a lot to be proud of following a big team effort with everyone ready to contribute when needed."
 
Defensively, Kara Erdmann paced Milwaukee with 14 digs, followed by Schuetz with 12 and Kati Goba with nine. At the net, Josie Noble led the blocking effort with four, while Eschenbach and Bella Lipski each added two.
 
The opening set was anything but easy for Milwaukee. After jumping out to an early 8-1 lead, Robert Morris rallied to tie the score at nine. The Panthers later found themselves playing from behind but tied it at 21 before a Noble kill put them back on top. RMU earned a pair of set points, but Vanda delivered clutch kills to even the score at 24 and 25. With the frame tied again at 26, Schuetz and Eschenbach sealed it with back-to-back kills.
 
The Colonials stayed close throughout the second set but never managed to overtake Milwaukee. Leading 21-20, the Panthers scored three straight points and eventually closed out the set 25-21 on a Noble kill.
 
Milwaukee never trailed in the third, using a late 9-1 run to take a 23-12 advantage. Fittingly, Vanda capped the match with back-to-back kills to secure the sweep.
 
For Robert Morris, Jocelyn Jourdan led the team with 12 kills, Kaitlyn Brown handed out 31 assists, and Jasmine Purakal recorded a match-high 17 digs.
 
Milwaukee will wrap up the regular season next weekend in Cleveland for a pair of matches against the Vikings. Friday's match will be at 5:00 p.m. (CT), followed by a 1:00 p.m. (CT) match on Saturday.