WINONA, Minn. - After a strong showing against nationally ranked competition last week, the Winona State University volleyball team earned a #8 ranking by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) in the most recent Division II poll.
The Warriors defeated Concordia-St. Paul 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18) at the Gangelhoff Center on Tuesday, Oct. 5, handing the Golden Bears a rare home loss. WSU then hosted - and defeated - Minnesota Duluth 3-1 (27-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-17) to open the 2021 Homecoming festivities on Friday, Oct. 8th in front of a raucous home crowd in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court. On Saturday, Winona State and St. Cloud State slugged it out in a five-set match, the first such contest of the season for the Warriors. The match did not go the way of the Warriors with the Huskies claiming a 3-2 (25-19, 20-25, 27-25, 25-21, 11-15) win, but Winona State finds itself at 16-2 overall and poised to tackle the second half of the always-competitive NSIC schedule.
On the year, Winona State has claimed wins over five opponents who were nationally ranked on the date of competition. WSU defeated (RV) Ferris State, #13 Hillsdale College and #9 Oklahoma Baptist in their first tournament action of the 2021 campaign. On Friday, Oct. 15, the Warriors will have the opportunity to add to that list when they host #10 Southwest Minnesota State at 6pm.
As a league, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) remains well-represented in the AVCA Poll. Five NSIC teams are in the Top-25 this week, while three teams are found in the 'Receiving Votes' category.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit:
www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and
@WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words:
Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.
