By Matt Halverson, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - Coming into their homecoming matchup this weekend, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's volleyball team (16-6, 2-1 WIAC) looks to add to their already impressive record.
Eau Claire will host the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on Saturday night, kicking off just after the homecoming football game at 6:00p.m. in the McPhee Center. The red-hot Blugolds come in riding a six-game winning streak, including both of their most recent conference games against the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
This weekend provides an extra challenge to the team, as the Titans sit squarely atop the conference standings with a 3-0 record in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). Oshkosh is led by senior Katelyn Malcheski, ranked third in the conference with just over three kills per set. Eau Claire's Katrina Raskie (Jr.-Weston, Wis/D.C. Everest) is tenth on that list, averaging 2.71 kills per set.
The Blugolds will face a tall order against the stiff Titan blockers as well. They lead the conference in blocks, a statistic Eau Claire has struggled with so far this year, and also second in digs. The Titans defense will certainly have its hands full on Saturday, however, against offensive machine Eau Claire has been bringing in the past several weeks. Senior Hannah Theisen (Sr.-Rochester, Minn/Mayo) has come up big as of late, averaging over 13 kills in each of their last four games. With a win this weekend (accompanied by a UW-La Crosse loss), the Blugolds could move into outright first place in the WIAC for the first time this season.
The team is also looking forward to a different kind of homecoming on Saturday. Head coach Kim Wudi expects close to 50 alumni to turn out for the big game.
"Our alums are a huge extended family, and even those who didn't play together share a common bond that is really special," said Wudi.
Eau Claire will also be honoring their five seniors after the match.
"Each of them will leave their mark on our program," said Wudi. "And they have been outstanding performers in the classroom as well as on the court."
