On Saturday, Nov. 4, The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Volleyball team defeated the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the WIAC Conference Championship. With the win, the Eagles remained undefeated in conference and earned a place in the NCAA Division III Tournament.  

This is the 15th time UWL has competed in the NCAA Division III Tournament and the third time in the last three seasons according to uwlathletics.com. 

“In set one we came out a little nervous and timid. Playing in the conference championship on our own floor had a lot to do with it, but once we got rolling we started to figure it out” UWL Head Coach Amber Dunn explained. 

After the victory on Saturday, the Eagles took to the gym to prepare for their next match-up against the University of Saint Benedict. “St. Benedict will be tough. They are a younger squad, but have had some significant improvements throughout their season” Dunn mentioned. 

“We have to take advantage of their weaknesses while playing to our strengths. We just have to do what we do best. Success is a team effort, so we stress the concept of keeping everyone involved” noted Dunn, “We want to be unpredictable to other teams. If we have the support all around its hard for other teams to figure us out. 

As for their approach and mentality in preparation for the tournament, Dunn explained that the team will continue to do what they have always done. “What we have been doing is working. We want to stay consistent and continue doing all the same stuff”. 

The Eagles are not only victorious in winning matches, but also in supporting each other like family. “When I first started playing volleyball for UWL, it was like walking into a family” stated UWL Senior Halle Barnabo. “There are a bunch of different personalities, but we all work together as one because we know who we are as individuals and as a team.” 

The hard work, consistency, and team-bond continues to prove successful for the team as the Eagles defeated Saint Benedict 3-1 this past Thursday in the first round at the NCAA tournament.  

After achieving their goal of an undefeated conference season, their goal was to stay consistent and practice how they plan to play. They won the first match of the tournament and advanced to the Regional Semifinal against number nine ranked University of Northwestern (Minn.). 

Unfortunately, the Eagles were bested by the University of Northwestern 3-0 on Friday, Nov. 10. Though a disappointing loss, it is the end to another successful season for Eagles Volleyball.