9/23: The status quo returns

It was a predictable night in conference action. UW-Eau Claire beating UW-Stevens Point and St. Thomas downing Saint Benedict were the highlights.

The nonconference results included a Wartburg sweep of Millikin and Coe over Saint Mary’s in five.

WIAC: UW-Eau Claire wins its opener over the team that swept UW-Whitewater. UW-Platteville swept UW-Stout, UW-Whitewater swept UW-Superior, UW-River Falls beat UW-La Crosse in four, UW-Eau Claire beat UW-Stevens Point in five.

UMAC openers: Northwestern hit .417 in sweeping its sixth straight opponent. Northwestern swept Bethany Lutheran, Martin Luther swept Crown.

MIAC: St. Thomas and Bethel remain the lone MIAC unbeatens with wins. Bethel swept Carleton, St. Thomas beat Saint Benedict in four.

IIAC: Cornell hit .304 and is now 1-1 in conference. Cornell beat Buena Vista in four.

MWC: Last years champ, Beloit, remains winless at 0-13. Lake Forest hit .325. Lake Forest swept Illinois College, Monmouth swept Beloit.

SLIAC: Spalding remains the lone SLIAC unbeaten. Spalding swept Eureka, Spalding beat Principia in four.

Nonconference highlights:No. 24 Wartburg swept Millikin, Edgewood beat Carroll in five (EC’s Mallory Palmer had 27 kills), Coe beat Saint Mary’s in five, Saint Mary’s beat Lakeland in five, Wheaton swept Dominican, St. Norbert swept North Central (Ill.), Chicago swept Loras, Alverno swept Knox (AC snapped 11-match losing streak, Knox remains winless).

Around the country: Pacific beat No. 16 Puget Sound in four (UPS lost for the first time this season).

Speaking of, we’re down to eight contenders for 2011 Last Team Standing. Three undefeated teams went down tonight. At least one more will go down tomorrow because No. 25 Springfield (13-0) and Tufts (8-0) play at noon.

-Ricky Nelson