Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 8, 2025
News Summary
The Marquette Golden Eagles women’s volleyball team began a crucial 13-match homestand with a commanding 3-0 victory over Western Kentucky. This triumph comes during a period of mourning for the university following the loss of two athletes. The win elevates Marquette’s unofficial ranking to 29th in the AVCA top 25 poll, an improvement from their previous position. With strong performances from key players and a promising start to their homestand, the Golden Eagles demonstrate resilience as they prepare for upcoming matches against Ball State, James Madison, and Milwaukee.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – The Marquette Golden Eagles women’s volleyball team launched a significant 13-match homestand with a decisive 3-0 victory over Western Kentucky (WKU). This win comes amid a challenging backdrop, as the university mourns the recent loss of two men’s lacrosse players, which impacted the team’s match schedule last week. Only one match was played during this period.
Marquette’s performance against WKU reflects their steadily improving form, as the win propelled them to an unofficial rank of 29th in the AVCA top 25 poll, an increase from the previous week’s 31st position. The Golden Eagles garnered 37 voting points, a significant rise from the 18 points they had accumulated before the match. The victory is particularly notable considering that WKU had received votes in the top 25 poll earlier in the season, bolstered by their previous victory over then-#25 Dayton.
Following the win, the Golden Eagles are now sitting at 3-1 overall for the season, showcasing a promising beginning to their homestand. The team is now set to face Ball State on September 12 at 7 p.m., followed by matches against James Madison on September 13 at 6 p.m., and Milwaukee on September 14 at 3 p.m., all of which will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Marquette’s match against WKU featured strong individual performances. Freshman setter Bella Haggard marked her presence with a double-double, tallying 24 assists and 10 digs. The offensive effort was led by senior Natalie Ring and grad student Elena Radeff, both contributing 15 kills each in the competition. Their offensive strategy highlighted a robust start, where they recorded 13 kills in the first set and achieved a nearly .400 hitting percentage in the second set.
A pivotal moment in the third set came when redshirt sophomore Calli Kenny entered the match. Her effective serving was instrumental in overcoming a 17-15 deficit, helping the team secure the win. The victory also marked Tom Mendoza’s first home win as head coach of the Golden Eagles, further solidifying the team’s cohesive performance.
As the Golden Eagles continue their homestand, they aim to capitalize on their momentum against upcoming opponents. Additionally, a T-shirt giveaway is planned for fans attending the first home match, adding an element of community engagement during this period of reflection for the university.
Upcoming Matches
- Ball State – September 12 at 7 p.m.
- James Madison – September 13 at 6 p.m.
- Milwaukee – September 14 at 3 p.m.
Current Rankings Overview
| Team | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 6 |
| Florida | 11 |
| Minnesota | 13 |
| Creighton | 18 |
Key Player Statistics – Match against WKU
| Player | Kills | Assists | Digs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natalie Ring | 15 | – | – |
| Elena Radeff | 15 | – | – |
| Bella Haggard | – | 24 | 10 |
FAQ
- What is the current record of the Marquette Golden Eagles women’s volleyball team? The team holds a 3-1 overall record after their recent match against WKU.
- When is the next home match? The next home match is scheduled against Ball State on September 12 at 7 p.m.
- Who were the standout players in the match against WKU? Notable performances came from Natalie Ring and Elena Radeff, both with 15 kills, and Bella Haggard, who had a double-double with 24 assists and 10 digs.
- How did the team’s ranking change after the match? Marquette improved their ranking to 29th in the AVCA top 25 poll, up from 31st.
- Is the match against Western Kentucky available for viewing? Yes, all matches during the homestand will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WKU Volleyball Prepares for Marquette Invitational
High School Football Weekend in Bowling Green
Bowling Green Volleyball Team Secures Ninth Consecutive Win
WKU to Host UAB in Women’s Soccer Match
WKU Athletics Update on Volleyball and Football Seasons
WKU Volleyball Competes at Marquette Invitational
Western Kentucky University Volleyball Schedule Announced
Additional Resources
- Marquette Volleyball Opens 2025 Home Slate with a Sweep of WKU
- Golden Eagles AVCA Top 25 Poll Rankings
- WKU Sports: Marquette Tournament Update
- Marquette Begins 13 Match Homestand on Friday
- Golden Eagles Recap: WKU Match Review
- Wikipedia: Marquette University
- Google Search: Marquette Golden Eagles volleyball
- Google Scholar: Marquette Golden Eagles volleyball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marquette University
- Google News: Marquette Golden Eagles volleyball
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