St. Olaf Volleyball Team Shines in Rankings
The St. Olaf College volleyball team continues to make waves in the Division III rankings. Recently, they received votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll for the seventh consecutive week. In this latest poll, they earned 98 points, placing them just outside the top 25.
With a strong season record of 22-7 and a perfect 10-0 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), St. Olaf has secured at least a share of the MIAC regular-season title for the first time since 2010. Their impressive performance includes a recent 2-1 week, marked by wins against Saint Mary’s University and Augsburg University.
Despite this success, their 18-match winning streak came to an end with a hard-fought loss to UW-Eau Claire, ranked No. 4 at the time. This streak was the longest for St. Olaf since 1996 and brings attention to their exceptional talent this season.
As the team looks ahead, they’re gearing up for a pivotal match against Bethany Lutheran on Senior Night, scheduled for November 5 at 7 p.m. Head coach Alicia Wood’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the team to this point.
It’s worth noting that teams that perform well in conferences like the MIAC often see opportunities for at-large bids in the NCAA Tournament, determined by the NCAA Power Index (NPI). Currently, St. Olaf is ranked No. 27 in the NPI, which puts them in a solid position for potential postseason play.
Volleyball is not just a game but a community. St. Olaf’s achievements are celebrated by fans and alumni alike, illustrating how sports can unite people and create shared stories. As they push towards the playoffs, the team is not only playing for themselves but also for their supporters, who are eager to cheer them on.
For updates on the AVCA rankings, you can visit their site here.
