Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team achieved a significant victory in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship. The Blugolds defeated the University of Northwestern (Minn.) with a score of 3-0 at Russell Volleyball Arena, advancing to the second round and marking head coach Kim Wudi's 400th career win.

Wudi is now the second volleyball coach in UW-Eau Claire history to reach this milestone and the sixth in WIAC history. She is among only 52 active coaches in NCAA Division III to achieve 400 career wins.

This victory was the Blugolds' first NCAA Tournament win since their national championship in 2021. Facing Northwestern for the first time in an NCAA Tournament, they displayed a strong performance, hitting .333 to secure their spot in the next round.

"I thought that we executed the game plan exactly how we wanted to," Wudi said. "We wanted to come out and win the serve and pass game…I was really excited about the way that we passed the ball."

The match saw UW-Eau Claire (21-8) defeat Northwestern (24-9) with set scores of 25-16, 25-16, and 25-18. Mya Cinnamo led with a match-high of 13 kills, while Kaitlyn Erickson recorded a match-best of 14 digs. Ella Kiebel contributed with 36 assists.

Erickson commented on their approach: "I think how we went into this was just talking about how Northwestern is a great opponent, and it was going to take all we've got."

The Blugolds excelled during serves, achieving 13 aces with Elli Amjadi leading by serving five aces. Amjadi noted their strategy: "I think the game plan was for all of us to go after it."

UW-Eau Claire started strong by scoring early points and maintaining their lead throughout each set. They will face either UW-Whitewater or Ohio Wesleyan in Friday night's regional semifinal at Kris Russell Volleyball Arena.

Cinnamo reflected on their mindset: "I just think we went out there to play not to (not) lose, but to win."

Fans can follow UW-Eau Claire's progress through various platforms including Blugolds.com and social media channels.