The UW Oshkosh women’s volleyball team earned its second straight Elite Eight appearance two weeks ago in the 2024 NCAA Division III tournament. After winning the Marietta Regional on Nov. 21-23. The Titans took down Marymount University (Virginia), University of Chicago (Illinois) and Illinois Wesleyan University to earn its trip to Salem, Virginia to compete in the Elite Eight.
Coach Jon Ellmann is excited about the fact that the team knows what to expect in the Elite Eight this time around.“Each season is unique, and we’re excited that we’ve earned an opportunity to play in Salem this year,” he said. “We have a better idea as to what to expect, we feel prepared and supported and we can’t wait to get back on the court again.”
UWO won nine of 10 sets in the regional rounds. UWO won their opening game against Atlantic East Conference champions Marymount 3-0. The Titans dominated the match against the Saints with set scores of 25-9, 25-17 and 25-10 to advance to the regional semifinal match.
In the regional semi-final round, UWO faced off against the Chicago Maroons the Titans swept on Nov. 2. This time, Chicago won the first set 25-18, but a rally that UWO had to end the first set propelled the Titans to win the next three sets. UWO topped the Maroons 3-1 in the rematch of the two teams to advance to the regional final.
The Titans faced Illinois Wesleyan in the Regional Final. IWU beat host school Marietta in their previous match but UWO swept IWU 3-0. IWU fought in all three sets as UWO won the sets with scores of 25-19,25-19 and 25-20.
Ellmann credited the team’s ability to bring their best in any situation as the root of their success in the regional rounds of the tournament.“This group has committed to the idea that in order to bring our best when it is demanded, that you need to be willing to face challenge after challenge,” Ellmann said. “Focusing on things like our ability to stay calm, play with confidence and respond productively has really been the story line of this squad.”
The Titans now have their mind focused on the Elite Eight where they will begin their run at a National Title on Wednesday, Dec. 4 as UWO will face off against Johns Hopkins University (Maryland) to start off its time in the final three rounds. The Titans will hope to avenge its loss in the Elite Eight round to Claremont Mudd-Scripps (California) last season.
Ellmann said that the only difference with preparation for the Elite Eight was family time for the holiday last week.“Besides some quality time at home with family and good meals, preparation hasn’t looked any different this week than previously in the season,” Ellmann said.
The message that Ellmann gave to the team for this week is to not get away from what they have done all year.“Do us. There is no need to do more than what we’ve already done this season,” Ellmann said. “We just need to play loose and colorful, and do so while illuminating others or celebrating all of the amazing things those around us bring to the table.”
The Titans took on Johns Hopkins University Dec. 4 at the Creeger Center in Salem, Virginia at 2 p.m. Find the results at UWOshkoshtitans.com.
