2008 WIAC Women's Volleyball Season Headlines
Russell Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
RELEASED: Tuesday, March 17, 2009
WHITEWATER, Wis.--Former University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s volleyball head coach Kris Russell was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Women's Sports Advocates of Wisconsin (WSAW). The WSAW bestows the honor on just one recipient each year. The award was presented at the WSAW banquet in February.
Over the course of a coaching career at UW-Whitewater that spanned 1981 to 2004, Russell won over eight hundred matches (815-231) and won almost 80 percent of her matches (.779). She accumulated 10 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) regular-season championships, 12 WIAC tournament titles and 15 NCAA Division III championship appearances. That string of national prominence included five appearances in the finals ("Final Four") of the championship, concluding with second place finishes in 2000 and 2001, and a national title in 2002.
Individual honors followed, for Russell and her players. Russell was named WIAC Volleyball Coach of the Year seven times and American Volleyball Coaches Association NCAA Division III Coach of the Year five times. UW-Whitewater had seven individuals earn the WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete Award under Russell's mentorship, and Warhawk players earned a total of 43 All-American honors in those years.
Russell also influenced a number of young women in sport through her teaching in UW-Whitewater's physical education department and as director of highly successful volleyball camps through the University's Continuing Education office.
Former UW-Whitewater women's basketball coach and women's athletic director Dianne Jones was the 1995 recipient of the WSAW Lifetime Achievement Award. Jones, now retired, introduced Russell at the 2009 banquet.
WIAC’s “Dig for the Cure” A Huge Success
RELEASED: Tuesday, December 2, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--In its inaugural year hosting the event, the women’s volleyball teams from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) raised $17,347 for the Madison Area Susan G. Komen Foundation through the “Dig for the Cure” program.
The nine conference teams raised money throughout October in a variety of ways, including monetary donations and t-shirt sales. During designated matches, WIAC volleyball players also wore pink warm-up shirts featuring the WIAC “Dig for the Cure” logo, pink shoe laces and pink hair ribbons.
The following WIAC matches during the 2008 season featured the “Dig for the Cure” promotion: UW-Oshkosh at UW-Superior (Oct. 3), UW-River Falls at UW-Stevens Point (Oct. 3), UW-Whitewater at UW-Platteville (Oct. 7), UW-Eau Claire at UW-River Falls (Oct. 8), UW-La Crosse at UW-Oshkosh (Oct. 8), UW-Superior at UW-Stout (Oct. 8), UW-Platteville at UW-La Crosse (Oct. 15), UW-Stevens Point at UW-Whitewater (Oct. 15) and UW-Stout at UW-Eau Claire (Oct. 15).
“Given the incredible time demands associated with being a student and an athlete, it never ceases to amaze me as to how much our student-athletes give back to their communities and those less fortunate than themselves through efforts such as the ‘Dig for the Cure’ promotion”, commented WIAC Commissioner Gary Karner.
“Dig for the Cure” was started in 2003 by University of North Carolina-Charlotte volleyball coach Lisa Marston as a way to raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, a national organization that raises money for breast cancer research.
Since its inception, “Dig for the Cure” has become a nationwide event, with college conferences throughout the country raising money for their local Susan G. Komen affiliate.
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Seven Claim AVCA All-America Honors, UW-Oshkosh’s Schaefer Named Midwest Region Coach of the Year
RELEASED: Friday, November 21, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--Seven Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) individuals have been named to the 2008 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) NCAA Division III All-America Team.
UW-La Crosse’s Brianne Stankus and UW-Oshkosh’s Christina Cahoon were first team selections, while UW-Eau Claire’s Abby Freiborg was a second team choice and UW-Oshkosh’s Jacque Ray was a third team pick. UW-Eau Claire’s Emily Haese, UW-La Crosse’s Amber Schoonover and UW-River Falls’ Kelsey Scheele claimed honorable mention status.
Stankus, a junior rightside hitter from Burlington, Wis., claimed All-America status for the second straight year. She was a honorable mention choice a year ago. Stankus is the third first team selection in program history, joining Angela Muenkel in 1999 and Laura Wagner in 2004.
A sophomore libero from Watertown, Wis., Cahoon is the 12th Titan to secure first team All-America accolades.
This marks the third straight year that the WIAC has placed two individuals on the first team.
Freiborg, a senior outside hitter from Sacred Heart, Minn. (Renville County West), secured second team recognition for the second consecutive season. She is the second player in Blugold history to receive All-America status in multiple years, joining Kristi Griggs who was a second team choice in 1987 and a first team pick in 1988. Freiborg was named the WIAC Player of the Year this season.
A junior middle blocker from Richland Center, Wis., Ray claimed her first career All-America accolade.
All seven WIAC individuals were recently named to the All-Midwest Region First Team, while UW-Whitewater’s Alyssa Bauer and Keri Klotzbuecher were honorable mention selections. UW-Oshkosh head coach Brian Schaefer was recognized as the region’s coach of the year.
Schaefer directed the Titans to the WIAC Tournament title, a share of the regular-season championship and a spot in the NCAA Division III Championship quarterfinals. UW-Oshkosh accumulated a school-record 40 wins, while losing only three matches. Schaefer is in his fifth season in charge of the Titans and owns an 150-26 record.
The All-Midwest Region Team included individuals representing the WIAC, College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, Midwest Conference, Northern Athletics Conference and University Athletic Association.
Juniata Ends UW-Oshkosh’s NCAA Volleyball Journey
RELEASED: Thursday, November 20, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh had its season end in the 2008 NCAA Division III Women’ Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals after a 25-23, 25-15, 25-22 loss to Juniata College (Pa.) in Bloomington, Ill.
UW-Oshkosh ended the year with a 40-3 record and made the first NCAA quarterfinal appearance since the 1996 campaign. The Titans were making the 13th NCAA tournament showing in program history.
This marked the ninth straight year a team from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Championship.
Titans Earn Spot In NCAA Women’s Volleyball Quarterfinals
RELEASED: Saturday, November 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh earned a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2008 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship with a thrilling 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 20-25, 15-10 victory over Carthage College at Kolf Sports Center Nov. 15.
The Titans (40-2) will face Juniata College (Pa.) (32-4) at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Ill., Nov. 20. The quarterfinal appearance for UW-Oshkosh is the first since the 1996 campaign when they reached the national semifinals. It also represents the ninth straight year a team from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Championship.
UW-Oshkosh Advances, Three Eliminated In NCAA Women’s Volleyball
RELEASED: Friday, November 14, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh won its second round match in the 2008 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship, while three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference teams had their season come to an end in matches played Nov. 14.
The Titans (39-2) defeated Heidelberg College (Ohio) 19-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-22 in the Oshkosh Regional and will face Carthage College (32-4) in the regional championship match Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in Kolf Sports Center.
The Lady Reds advanced to the title match with a 25-23, 25-17, 19-25, 23-25, 15-8 triumph over UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks were making their 17th straight NCAA championship appearance, and 21st overall, and finished the season with a 30-10 record.
UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse were competing in the St. Paul (Minn.) Regional hosted by University of St. Thomas (Minn.). College of St. Benedict (Minn.) dropped the Blugolds 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 28-26, while Concordia College-Moorhead (Minn.) earned a 25-22, 25-16, 25-18 victory over the Eagles.
UW-Eau Claire completed the year with a 24-12 mark and 11th NCAA showing in program history, while UW-La Crosse was making the 12th NCAA postseason appearance in school archives and concluded the 2008 campaign with a 28-12 record.
Four Capture Academic All-District Women's Volleyball Recognition
RELEASED: Friday, November 14, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--Four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) individuals have been named to the 2008 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Five College Division Women’s Volleyball Third Team.
UW-Eau Claire’s Abby Freiborg, UW-La Crosse’s Brianne Stankus and UW-Whitewater’s Stephanie Gardon and Kelly Sorensen received recognition.
The team is comprised of all NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA student-athletes from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota and is voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Freiborg, a senior from Sacred Heart, Minn. (Renville County West), maintains a 3.68 grade point average and is majoring in communication sciences and disorders. She was named the WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete this season.
A junior from Burlington, Wis., Stankus is double-majoring in exercise and sports science teaching and pre-school health education with a minor in adaptive physical education and carries a 3.49 grade point average.
Gardon, a senior from West Bend, Wis. (West), boasts a 3.94 grade point average and is majoring in elementary education with a minor in math education, while Sorensen is majoring in physical education with a minor in health/adapted physical education and owns a 3.93 grade point average.
All Four Advance In NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship
RELEASED: Thursday, November 13, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--All four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) teams competing in the 2008 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship won their opening matches held Nov. 13.
UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater earned victories in their first round matches and advanced to the second round.
UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater are participating in the Oshkosh Regional. The Warhawks earned a 25-18, 22-25, 25-18, 25-14 victory against Calvin College (Mich.), while the Titans secured a 25-19, 25-16, 25-19 win over intrastate foe Lakeland College.
UW-Whitewater (30-9) will face Carthage College (31-4) tomorrow at 4:30 p.m., while UW-Oshkosh (38-2) will meet Heidelberg College (Ohio) (31-7) at 7 p.m.
UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse are competing in the St. Paul (Minn.) Regional being hosted by University of St. Thomas (Minn.). The Blugolds claimed a 25-18, 25-21, 25-21 triumph against Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.). In the nightcap, the Eagles upended the host Tommies with a thrilling 25-22, 17-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-13 win.
UW-Eau Claire (24-11) will meet College of St. Benedict (Minn.) (27-6) at 4:30 p.m., while UW-La Crosse (28-11) will match up against Concordia College-Moorhead (Minn.) (21-5) at 7 p.m.
UW-Eau Claire’s Freiborg Leads All-WIAC Women’s Volleyball Team; Wudi and Schaefer Share Coach of the Year
RELEASED: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Abby Freiborg was voted the Player of the Year to lead the 12 individuals selected to the 2008 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Women’s Volleyball Team by the league coaches, while the Blugolds’ Kim Wudi and UW-Oshkosh’s Brian Schaefer were picked as Coaches of the Year.
Freiborg, a senior outside hitter, is the first player in program history to claim the award after she helped the Blugolds claim a share of the WIAC regular-season championship and earn a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament. She earned All-WIAC first team status for the second straight year and ranks second in the conference with 3.41 points per set, third with 64 service aces and fourth with 2.77 kills per set.
Freiborg has recorded double-digits in kills in 20 of 34 matches, including a season-high 17 kills against UW-Whitewater Oct. 18. She ranks fifth on the school’s all-time chart with 3,067 total attempts, 1,404 digs and 216 service aces.
Repeat selections on first team included UW-La Crosse’s Brianne Stankus and UW-River Falls’ Kesley Scheele.
A junior outside hitter, Stankus claimed first team laurels for the second straight year after receiving honorable mention accolades in 2006. She places sixth in the WIAC with a .258 hitting percentage, sixth with 45 service aces, eighth with 2.68 kills per set and 14th with 3.01 digs per set. Stankus is fifth in school history with 1,159 kills, sixth with 3,159 total attempts and 10th with 1,157 digs.
Scheele, a junior outside hitter, earned first team honors for the second consecutive season. She leads the league with 3.68 points per set, while ranking second with 3.19 kills per set, seventh with 44 service aces and ninth with 3.69 digs per set. Scheele is fifth on UW-River Falls’ all-time list with 1,527 digs, seventh with 3,240 total attempts and 12th with 1,064 kills.
Additional first team picks this year included: UW-Eau Claire’s Emily Haese, UW-La Crosse’s Amber Schoonover, UW-Oshkosh’s Christina Cahoon and Jacque Ray, UW-Platteville’s Rachel Chapman, UW-Stout’s Maggie Meixl, UW-Superior’s Jess Ebel and UW-Whitewater’s Caitlin Hogan and Keri Klotzbuecher.
UW-Eau Claire’s Kim Wudi and UW-Oshkosh’s Brian Schaefer were voted Co-Coaches of the Year, marking just the second time in the 30-year history of the award that it has been shared. UW-Stevens Point’s Nancy Schoen and UW-Parkside’s Linda Henderson split the honor in 1979.
Wudi and Schaefer directed their squads to the WIAC regular-season title and a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Wudi, in her second year with the Blugolds, claimed the prize for the first time in her career, while Schaefer won the award in 2005 and is in his fifth season with the Titans.
The league coaches also selected an all-defensive team that consisted of: UW-Eau Claire’s Lindsey Smith, UW-La Crosse’s Melannie Tate, UW-Oshkosh’s Christina Cahoon and UW-Whitewater’s Alyssa Bauer.
An All-Sportsmanship Team was chosen for individuals that displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season. It included one member from each school as selected by that school.
2008 All-WIAC Women’s Volleyball Team
First Team
Name, School, Year, Position, Hometown (High School)
Christina Cahoon, Oshkosh, Sophomore, Libero, Watertown
Rachel Chapman, Platteville, Senior, Outside Hitter, Endeavor (Portage)
Jess Ebel, Superior, Junior, Outside Hitter, Hermantown, Minn.
Abby Freiborg, Eau Claire, Senior, Outside Hitter, Sacred Heart, Minn. (Renville County West)
Emily Haese, Eau Claire, Senior, Setter, Mishicot
Caitlin Hogan, Whitewater, Sophomore, Outside Hitter, New London
Keri Klotzbuecher, Whitewater, Freshman, Outside Hitter, Clintonville
Maggie Meixl, Stout, Senior, Middle Hitter, Mankato, Minn. (West)
Jacque Ray, Oshkosh, Junior, Middle Blocker, Richland Center
Kelsey Scheele, River Falls, Junior, Outside Hitter, Norwood, Minn. (Mayer Lutheran)
Amber Schoonover, La Crosse, Senior, Outside Hitter, Tomah
Brianne Stankus, La Crosse, Junior, Outside Hitter, Burlington
Honorable Mention
Lisa Bell, Platteville, Junior, Middle Hitter, Dyersville, Iowa (Beckman)
Christina Degroot, Whitewater, Freshman, Setter, Kewaskum
Gina DeRosa, River Falls, Junior, Middle Hitter, Maplewood, Minn. (North St. Paul)
Katie Fox, Eau Claire, Senior, Middle Hitter, Chippewa Falls (Chi-Hi)
Melissa Hillebrand, Platteville, Sophomore, Outside Hitter, Davenport, Iowa (West)
Brittany Jarvis, Superior, Senior, Middle Hitter, Esko, Minn.
Pam Nora, Stevens Point, Junior, Outside Hitter/Middle Hitter, Forest Lake, Minn.
Jennifer Rueter, Stevens Point, Freshman, Outside Hitter, Burlington
Andrea Smith, Oshkosh, Sophomore, Outside Hitter, Fond du Lac
Kelly Sorensen, Whitewater, Junior, Outside Hitter, Madison (Memorial)
Nina Walch, La Crosse, Senior, Middle Hitter, Rollingstone, Minn. (Lewiston-Altura)
All-Defensive Team
Alyssa Bauer, Whitewater, Freshman, Libero, Naperville, Ill. (Central)
Christina Cahoon, Oshkosh, Sophomore, Libero, Watertown
Lindsey Smith, Eau Claire, Junior, Libero, Maple Lake, Minn.
Melannie Tate, La Crosse, Sophomore, Libero, Stanley (Stanley-Boyd)
All-Sportsmanship Team
Kristen Moore, Eau Claire, Senior, Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker, Green Bay (Ashwaubenon)
Elizabeth Carlisle, La Crosse, Senior, Outside Hitter, Durand
Valerie Yost, Oshkosh, Senior, Middle Blocker, Oshkosh (West)
Lisa Schumacher, Platteville, Freshman, Outside Hitter/Middle Hitter, Hazel Green (Southwestern)
Justine Speckel, River Falls, Senior, Middle Blocker, Buffalo, Minn.
Pam Nora, Stevens Point, Junior, Outside Hitter/Middle Hitter, Forest Lake, Minn.
Maggie Meixl, Stout, Senior, Middle Hitter, Mankato, Minn. (West)
Brittany Jarvis, Superior, Senior, Middle Hitter, Esko, Minn.
Stephanie Gardon, Whitewater, Senior, Outside Hitter, West Bend (West)
Player of the Year: Abby Freiborg of Eau Claire
Co-Coaches of the Year: Kim Wudi of Eau Claire and Brian Schaefer of Oshkosh
Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete: Abby Freiborg of Eau Claire
UW-Eau Claire’s Freiborg Claims Women’s Volleyball Scholar-Athlete Award
RELEASED: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Abby Freiborg has been named the 2008 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Judy Kruckman Women’s Volleyball Scholar-Athlete.
A senior from Sacred Heart, Minn. (Renville County West), Freiborg is majoring in communication sciences and disorders and carries a 3.59 grade point average. She was named to the 2008 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Five College Division Women’s Volleyball Third Team and is a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. Freiborg has been recognized on UW-Eau Claire’s Dean’s List numerous occasions and presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research.
Freiborg, a team captain, was named the WIAC Player of the Year this season and is a two-time All-WIAC first team selection. She helped the Blugolds win the WIAC regular-season championship in 2006 and 2008 and reach the NCAA Division III Tournament four straight seasons. Freiborg was named UW-Eau Claire’s Rookie of the Year in 2005 and Most Valuable Player in 2007.
She is a member of UW-Eau Claire’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has volunteered for a Reading Partners program.
Also nominated for this year’s scholar-athlete award were: UW-Eau Claire’s Jenna Weber (Sr., Antigo, Wis.), UW-La Crosse’s Emily Carroll (Sr., Plainfield, Wis./Tri-County) and Amber Schoonover (Sr., Tomah, Wis.), UW-Oshkosh’s Valerie Vost (Sr., Oshkosh, Wis./West), UW-Platteville’s Rochelle Ripp (Sr., Lodi, Wis.), UW-River Falls’ Drew Hample (Sr., Mahtomedi, Minn.) and Justine Speckel (Sr., Buffalo, Minn.) and UW-Whitewater’s Stephanie Gardon (Sr., West Bend, Wis./West).
The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is named after Judy Kruckman who served as Assistant Commissioner for the WIAC from 1996-98. Prior to this appointment, she functioned as Commissioner of the Wisconsin Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Conference from October, 1984 - September, 1996.
In order to be nominated for the scholar-athlete award, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average, be in their last year of competition, or on schedule to graduate this academic year, and have competed for a minimum of two years.
Four Teams Make NCAA Women’s Volleyball Field
RELEASED: Monday, November 10, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--Four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) women’s volleyball teams have been selected to participate in the 2008 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship.
UW-Oshkosh claimed one of 38 automatic bids into the 61-team field by winning the WIAC tournament, while UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater secured three of 19 available at-large spots. The four remaining berths in the field were awarded to teams from non-qualifying conferences and independents.
This marks the third time in the last four seasons the conference has sent at least four teams into the NCAA championship. A league-record five teams claimed bids last year.
UW-Oshkosh (37-2) will host an eight-team regional at Kolf Sports Center Nov. 13-15. The Titans are appearing in the championship for the 13th time in program history and will open against Lakeland College (25-10). UW-Whitewater will also compete in the Oshkosh Regional and opens against Calvin College (Mich.) (26-4). The Warhawks are making their 17th consecutive postseason appearance, and 21st overall, and own a 43-19 record in NCAA tournament contests.
UW-Eau Claire (23-11) and UW-La Crosse (27-11) will participate in an eight-team regional hosted by University of St. Thomas (Minn.) Nov. 13-15. The Blugolds, making their fourth straight NCAA appearance and 11th in program history, will open the tournament against Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) (26-4). The Eagles are appearing in the tournament for the 12th time in school history and open against St. Thomas (Minn.) (27-2).
The WIAC has claimed two national championships (UW-Whitewater in 2002 and 2005) and added 11 top-four finishes at the NCAA Division III Championship.
Oshkosh Regional Schedule
Thursday, Nov. 13
UW-Whitewater (29-9) vs. Calvin College (Mich.) (26-4), 1:00 p.m.
Carthage College (30-4) vs. St. Norbert College (30-3), 3:30 p.m.
Heidelberg College (Ohio) (30-7) vs. Hope College (Mich.) (26-6), 6:00 p.m.
UW-Oshkosh (37-2) vs. Lakeland College (25-10), 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14
Semifinal Match, 4:30 p.m.
Semifinal Match, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Championship Match, 7:00 p.m.
St. Thomas Regional Schedule
Thursday, Nov. 13
College of St. Benedict (Minn.) (26-6) vs. Simpson College (Iowa) (20-14), 1:00 p.m.
UW-Eau Claire (23-11) vs. Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) (26-4), 3:30 p.m.
Concordia University-Moorhead (Minn.) (20-5) vs. Loras College (Iowa) (32-4), 6:00 p.m.
UW-La Crosse (27-11) vs. University of St. Thomas (Minn.) (27-2), 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14
Semifinal Match, 4:30 p.m.
Semifinal Match, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Championship Match, 7:00 p.m.
Titans Win WIAC Tournament Crown
RELEASED: Saturday, November 8, 2008
EAU CLAIRE, Wis.--The UW-Eau Claire volleyball team fell short of capturing the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Tournament championship in five sets to 7th ranked UW-Oshkosh. With the win, the Titans receive the automatic bid into the NCAA tournament while the Blugolds will have to rely on one of the 19 at-large entries.
Oshkosh improves to 37-2 for the year and Eau Claire drops to 23-11 overall.
"Today was Oshkosh's day,” said Blugolds' Head Coach, Kim Wudi. “They came ready to play and just plain beat us.”
The opening set was neck and neck until midway through when the Titans produced a six point rally to take a 14-8 lead. The Blugolds were unable to recover, eventually dropping the first set by a score of 25-21. In what proved to be a back and forth second set, Eau Claire put together three major scoring outputs and took the set by the slimmest of margins, 25-23.
The third match found Oshkosh simply in the right place at the right times defensively. Several attack kill efforts by the Blugolds were dashed as the Titans back row came up with several huge digs. Wudi said the Titans were able to keep her team on its toes throughout the match.
“We just couldn't get over the hump offensively,” said Wudi. “They had us running all over the court, and when you exhaust so much energy on defense it's difficult to go for kills at full strength.”
Eau Claire would drop the third set 25-17 and faced elimination heading into the fourth set. Having to play from behind nearly the entire set, the Blugolds refused to lose, and with the Titans just four points away from the title, Eau Claire battled back to clinch the win and force the decisive fifth set.
Oshkosh jumped out to an early 6-3 lead in the set to 15 points, and Eau Claire was unable to make the complete comeback. Needed just one point to secure the win, the Titans closed the door and took and the championship, 15-12.
Leading the offense for Eau Claire with 14 kills was WIAC Player of the Year, Abby Freiborg (Sr.-Sacred Heart, Minn/Renville County West). Emily Haese (Sr.-Mishicot, Wis.) paced the offense with 38 assists, and Lindsey Smith (Jr.-Maple Lake, Minn.) contributed 19 digs.
The Titans were led by Katie Beining's 12 kills and 14 digs, while Katelyn Vara dished out a match-high 44 assists. Stealing the show on defense was Oshkosh sophomore libero Christina Cahoon. Cahoon picked up a match high 28 digs and made several big plays in the winning effort.
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UW-Platteville’s Schulman Earns 500th Career Victory
RELEASED: Monday, October 27, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Platteville women’s volleyball head coach Deb Schulman recorded her 500th career victory in the Pioneers’ 25-18, 26-24, 19-25, 25-16 win over Augustana College (Ill.) in Pella, Iowa, Oct. 24.
She became the 23rd coach in NCAA Division III history to win 500 matches and fourth coach in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference archives to achieve the milestone. In her 21st season at UW-Platteville, Schulman has a 501-273 record (.647 winning percentage).
UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh Share Women’s Volleyball Title
RELEASED: Thursday, October 23, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--For the sixth time in the last eight seasons, two teams will share the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) women’s volleyball championship after UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh earned wins in matches played Oct. 22.
UW-Eau Claire defeated UW-Superior 25-20, 25-16, 25-14 at Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium in Superior, while UW-Oshkosh beat UW-Platteville 25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-16 at Williams Fieldhouse in Platteville.
The Blugolds and Titans were the last two teams to split the crown in 2006. The conference championship for UW-Eau Claire is the third in program history, while UW-Oshkosh secured its ninth first-place trophy.
The Titans were the preseason choice of the league’s sports information directors to win this year’s title, while the Blugolds were picked to place third in the nine-team conference derby.
UW-Eau Claire also earned the top seed for the WIAC tournament based on a 25-23, 25-17, 25-20 dual meet victory over UW-Oshkosh on October 8. The Blugolds will host No. 8 seed UW-Stout in a quarterfinal match on November 4, while the No. 2 seed Titans will host No. 7 seed UW-Superior.
Additional quarterfinal matchups include No. 5 seed UW-Platteville at No. 4 seed UW-Whitewater and No. 6 seed UW-River Falls at No. 3 seed UW-La Crosse.
The winner of the conference tournament earns the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
WIAC Volleyball Set To “Dig for the Cure”
RELEASED: Friday, September 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) women’s volleyball teams will participate in a “Dig for the Cure” promotion during the 2008 season in cooperation with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support Breast Cancer Awareness.
Each of the nine WIAC teams will be involved in at least one “Dig for the Cure” event during the month of October. Student-athletes will solicit pledges for their own team’s digs with all of the proceeds being donated to the Madison Komen Foundation. The average digs for each WIAC team is close to 20 per set.
The following WIAC matches that will feature the “Dig for the Cure” promotion: UW-Oshkosh at UW-Superior (Oct. 3), UW-River Falls at UW-Stevens Point (Oct. 3), UW-Whitewater at UW-Platteville (Oct. 7), UW-Eau Claire at UW-River Falls (Oct. 8), UW-La Crosse at UW-Oshkosh (Oct. 8), UW-Superior at UW-Stout (Oct. 8), UW-Platteville at UW-La Crosse (Oct. 15), UW-Stevens Point at UW-Whitewater (Oct. 15), UW-Stout at UW-Eau Claire (Oct. 15).
During the designated matches, teams will wear pink warm-up shirts featuring the WIAC “Dig for the Cure” logo, pink shoe laces and pink hair ribbons.
“This promotion is another example of the emphasis that the WIAC and its member institutions place on the involvement of student-athletes in activities that benefit worthwhile causes”, commented WIAC Commissioner, Gary Karner. “Our volleyball teams are very excited to have the opportunity to partner with the Komen Foundation to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds that will hopefully lead to a cure of this dreaded disease”, added Karner.
Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Nearly $1 billion has been invested to fulfill the promise of finding a cure, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
UW-Oshkosh Tabbed Women’s Volleyball Preseason Favorite
RELEASED: Tuesday, September 2, 2008
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is the preseason favorite to win the 2008 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) women’s volleyball championship, according to the league’s sports information directors.
The Titans, ranked No. 15 nationally in the CBS College Sports Network/American Volleyball Coaches Association NCAA Division III Preseason Poll, received three first-place votes in the WIAC ballot. UW-Oshkosh has won eight conference titles in program history - with the most recent in 2006 - and made 12 NCAA tournament appearances, including three straight.
The Titans are seeking the sixth 30-plus win season in nine years and set a NCAA Division III record a year ago when they won 57 consecutive games. The streak is the fourth-longest in NCAA history, regardless of division.
UW-Whitewater, the defending conference champion and national runner-up, claimed four first-place selections and is picked to finish second in the nine-team league derby. The Warhawks, ranked ninth nationally, have secured a league-best 13 first-place trophies and made 16 straight NCAA tournament showings. The last three appearances have resulted in ‘Final Four’ spots (a national title in 2005, fourth-place finish in 2006 and second-place standing in 2007).
UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse each picked up one first-place vote and are slotted for third and fourth, respectively in the conference pecking order.
The Blugolds have won a pair of league championships - with the most recent in 2006 - and enter the 2008 campaign ranked No. 19 nationally. UW-Eau Claire reached the NCAA tournament for the ninth time in program chronicles last year and has emerged victorious in 20-plus matches nine straight years.
The Eagles are ranked No. 20 nationally and have secured nine WIAC crowns - with the most recent in 2003. UW-La Crosse appeared in the NCAA tournament for the 11th time in program history last season and has won 20-plus matches in 13 consecutive years. Junior outside hitter Brianne Stankus needs 214 kills to become the seventh player in school history to reach 1,000 in a career.
UW-Platteville appeared in the NCAA tournament for the fifth time in program archives a year ago. Head coach Deb Schulman needs 15 wins to reach 500 in her career and become the fourth coach in WIAC history to achieve the milestone. The Pioneers have won 20-plus matches in 15 of Schulman’s 20 seasons.
UW-Stevens Point has finished .500 or better in WIAC contests in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program chronicles. The Pointers must replace Shelly Maus who topped the league in blocks, points and kills a year ago, while finishing as the school’s all-time leader with 1,715 kills and 4,027 attempts.
UW-Superior upended three nationally ranked teams a year ago enroute to the most successful season in school history (.618 winning percentage). The Yellowjackets claimed three league wins for a sixth-place finish in the WIAC standings - the highest since 1996. UW-Superior has reached double-digits in wins for three consecutive seasons - the longest streak since 1992-96.
UW-Stout returns one senior in middle hitter Maggie Meixl who compiled a team-leading 96 blocks a year ago. Head coach Jill Jolliff is the winningest coach in program history with 303 victories and longest tenured with 15 seasons to her credit.
UW-River Falls will play 12 home matches during the 2008 campaign after playing just five home bouts in 2007. The Falcons will be led by junior outside hitter Kelsey Scheele who led the team with 532 digs and 445 kills in 2007. Head coach Patti Ford ranks fifth on the conference’s all-time wins list with 402 victories.
2008 Preseason Predictions (Voted on by WIAC Sports Information Directors)
2007 Record
1. UW-Oshkosh (3) 6-2, 32-6
2. UW-Whitewater (4) 8-0, 36-5
3. UW-Eau Claire (1) 6-2, 22-11
4. UW-La Crosse (1) 4-4, 24-10
5. UW-Platteville 3-5, 24-13
6. UW-Stevens Point 4-4, 23-12
7. UW-Superior 3-5, 21-13
8. UW-Stout 1-7, 10-18
9. UW-River Falls 1-7, 8-26
( )-First-place votes
Team Vitals
UW-Eau Claire
Head Coach: Kim Wudi; 2nd season at UWEC; 22-11
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 10/7
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2
Returning All-WIAC: Abby Freiborg, Sr., OH (2007-First); Emily Haese, Sr., S (2007-Honorable); Katie Fox, Sr., MB (2007-Honorable)
UW-La Crosse
Head Coach: Sheila Perkins; 15th season (21st at UWL); 441-252 (overall) / 339-141 (UWL)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 7/4
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/3
Returning All-WIAC: Brianne Stankus, Jr., OH (2006-Honorable, 2007-First); Amber Schoonover, Sr., OH (2007-Honorable)
UW-Oshkosh
Head Coach: Brian Schaefer; 5th season; 110-23
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 11/8
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/3
Returning All-WIAC: Katie Beining, Jr., OH (2005-Honorable, 2006-Honorable)
UW-Platteville
Head Coach: Deb Schulman; 21st season at UWP; 485-259
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 7/6
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2
Returning All-WIAC: Lisa Bell, Jr., MH (2007-Honorable); Rachel Chapman, Sr., OH (2007-Honorable)
UW-River Falls
Head Coach: Patti Ford; 17th season at UWRF; 402-197
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 15/10
Starters Returning/Lost: 6/0
Returning All-WIAC: Kelsey Scheele, Jr., OH (2007-First)
UW-Stevens Point
Head Coach: Stacey White; 8th season at UWSP; 111-125
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 7/11
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/4
Returning All-WIAC: None
UW-Stout
Head Coach: Jill Jolliff; 16th season at UWS; 303-199
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 8/6
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/3
Returning All-WIAC: Maggie Meixl, Sr., MH (2007-Honorable)
UW-Superior
Head Coach: Lynne Deadrick; 6th season at UWS; 77-92
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/3
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/3
Returning All-WIAC: Chelsie Christofferson, Jr., OH (2007-Honorable)
UW-Whitewater
Head Coach: Stacy Boudreau; 7th season (4th at UW-Whitewater); 181-53 (overall) / 111-16 (UWW)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 13/14
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/8
Returning All-WIAC: None
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