ST. LOUIS (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team is headed to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri for the 2021 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship. The Blugolds advanced passed the round of 64, 32, and 16 over the weekend with three wins in the NCAA Regional hosted by UW-Eau Claire. They begin play on Thursday, November 18th at 3 PM (CST).
New Faces in Neutral Places
UWEC is set to face the Tufts University Jumbos on Thursday, November 18th from the WU Field House on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. This will be the first meeting between the two teams in program histories. This marks the Blugolds' 19th tournament appearance and second time in past four seasons making it to the "Elite 8". The last time Eau Claire advanced past the round of 16, was in 2018 when they defeated Babson College (3-0) in the quarterfinals, but fell in the semifinals to Calvin University (3-2).
Road to the Show
The Blugolds enter the "Elite 8" after wins in their NCAA Regional Tournament over Greenville University (3-0), Gustavus Adolphus College (3-1), and Hope College (3-1). They earn the fourth seed after all remaining teams were reseeded by the NCAA Volleyball Committee. The Jumbos slot in as the fifth seed after winning their three victories in their NCAA Regional Tournament over Eastern University (3-0), SUNY Cortland (3-0) and Johns Hopkins (3-1).
High Flying Offense
For Eau Claire, Arianna Barrett (Sr. Lakeville, MN/North) led the host squad with 43 kills throughout the regional tournament. Barrett was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Makenzie Bachmann (Sr. – Chaska, MN) averaged a double-double (10k/s, 13 d/s) a game through the first three rounds of play and Kendra Baierl (Sr. – Marshfield, WI/Columbus Catholic) held the highest hitting percentage on the team with a .509 (33 kills) on 55 attempts.
Championship Admission
Tickets are available for the remainder of the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship in person and by cash purchase only. All ticket sales will occur inside the Athletic Complex lobby beginning 60 minutes prior to first match of the day. For more information, visit the Tournament Webpage.
Covid-19 Guideline & Mask Requirements (per Wash. U Guidelines)
All spectators will need to complete the daily visitor screening before gaining access to the competition venue. This must be completed each day. When indoors, all individuals and spectators are required to wear a face mask. Due to Covid-19 precautions, there will not be concessions available at the championship. For more information, visit the Tournament Webpage.
Parking Instructions
WashU encourages spectators to park in the following pay-to-park garages:
Snow Way Garage - Rooftop (Accessible Parking Available)
DUC Underground Garage - Level 1
For more information, follow the Campus Map/Directions or visit the Tournament Webpage.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
