UW-Oshkosh Claims WIAC Women’s Volleyball Tournament Championship

OSHKOSH, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh secured the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Women’s Volleyball Tournament title on November 15 with a remarkable 3-2 victory over UW-Eau Claire. The final score of the match was 18-25, 21-25, 25-21, 26-24, 15-13, and this victory not only marked the Titans’ fifth tournament title but also their first since 2008.

Historic Win

This dramatic win at the Kolf Sports Center also earned UW-Oshkosh (28-3) an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, showcasing their determination by executing the first reverse sweep in a WIAC championship match since 1998.

Key Performers

The match featured outstanding performances, including five double-doubles:

• Samantha Perlberg recorded 21 kills and 17 digs, hitting .283.
• Grace Juergens contributed equally with 18 kills and 18 digs.
• Jaclyn Dutkiewicz delivered 30 assists alongside 12 digs.
• Izzy Coon led the Titans with 31 assists.
• Callie Panasuk achieved a match-high with 27 digs.
• Emmy Wizceb registered five blocks, including one solo, and added four kills to her performance.

Match Progression

The competition began intensely, with both teams trading points in the first set. UW-Eau Claire ultimately secured the set by closing out with four consecutive points. The Titans initially took a lead in the second set but were soon overtaken by a 7-1 run from the Blugolds, ending with UW-Eau Claire going into the third set with a 2-0 advantage.

In a strong comeback, UW-Oshkosh began the third set by scoring four successive points, thanks to a series of effective plays from Wizceb. After narrowly overcoming a tie at 20-20 with a kill from Perlberg, the Titans won the set 25-21.

The fourth set was fiercely contested, featuring multiple ties. After trading points, a pair of kills from Wizceb and Maren Motz helped UWO tie the match at two sets apiece.

Fifth Set Decider

In the final set, UW-Eau Claire surged ahead but UW-Oshkosh quickly rallied to reclaim the lead, extending it through effective hitting from Perlberg. An important kill from Motz sealed the championship—marking the Titans’ 68th kill of the match—capping off an exhilarating finish.

Standout Contributions from UW-Eau Claire

On the opposing side, UW-Eau Claire’s Abby Stanwood and Bailey Leeke also shone with excellent performances. Stanwood recorded 21 kills and 22 digs, while Leeke recorded 23 kills and 17 digs throughout the match.

Conclusion

The victory represents a significant milestone for the UW-Oshkosh volleyball program, heralding a promising future as they prepare for their upcoming appearance in the NCAA tournament.