Blugolds prepare to host Titans in key WIAC volleyball match-up

EAU CLAIRE, Wis.- Two of the top NCAA Division III volleyball programs meet Saturday at the Sonnentag as UW-Eau Claire hosts defending champion Oshkosh.

Tickets are $5 for Chippewa Valley Night. The match starts at 5 p.m., before Game 2 of the World Series.

Oshkosh is ranked third in the nation. UW-Eau Claire is ranked 14th. Head coach Kim Wudi and her team want to increase their home court advantage against Oshkosh.

“We really do want numbers in this case,” Wudi said. “And obviously we want the energy and the crowd to be into the match. I don’t think that’s going to be a problem with the high level of volleyball that is coming in tomorrow. So yeah, lots of people would be awesome. And the more energy they can bring the better.”

Senior outside hitter Izzy Grace said the atmosphere will be similar to last year’s match against Whitewater.

“I mean, it’s kind of similar to last year when we played Whitewater,” Grace said. “It’s just, it’s an electric atmosphere and having that many people and fans and other athletes and students support us is just a really fun experience. And then also obviously playing Oshkosh, it’s always a fun battle between them. So I’m really looking forward to it.”