Ashland University's volleyball team remains unbeaten in 2026 in the friendly confines of the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium – and has earned a regular-season conference championship in the process.
 
On Friday (Nov. 6) night, the Eagles defeated Ohio Dominican, 3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19) to finish off not only an 8-0 regular-season home slate, but a Great Midwest Athletic Conference regular-season championship – giving AU the No. 1 seed for the upcoming league tournament.
 
The Eagles are 20-5 overall and 14-1 in the Great Midwest. It is the program's first 20-win season in three years.
 
"It has been a dream to say the least," said Ashland head coach Alicia Wood. "Our girls are just amazing. Our staff is amazing. Everybody has continued to have a growth mindset, and work through getting to know each other, building relationships and connections, and getting better on the court.
 
"I'm not surprised, because we have a lot of talent, and a really good program."
 
Fittingly on Senior Night, the Eagles' three seniors led the way against the Panthers (21-7, 11-4):

• Libero Abbey Queen led Ashland with 19 digs, and added four assists and a service ace.
• Both setters finished with double-doubles. Kylee Urban collected 22 assists, 11 digs and four service aces, while Marin Dixon added 15 assists, 11 digs and a service ace.

"Very proud of the seniors. They've been great leaders, very selfless leaders all year long," Wood said. "And really had great energy and great court communication tonight."
 
Junior outside hitter Sara Krizsa paced the offense with 11 kills and a .500 hitting percentage, and five Eagles ended with double-digit digs – Queen, Dixon, Urban, junior outside hitter Samantha Young (10) and sophomore defensive specialist Sydney Weickert (10).
 
The Eagles' 11 service aces as a team tied a season-best in a match.
 
Ashland will end the regular season on Saturday (Nov. 7) at 5 p.m. at Walsh (14-14, 10-5). The Eagles then will play host to a 2026 Great Midwest Tournament quarterfinal on Tuesday (Nov. 10) at 6 p.m. against an opponent to be determined.
 
A win in the quarterfinal would give Ashland the right to host the tournament's Final Four on March 13-14.
 
"Such a rare position to be in, and just grateful to be in this spot," said Wood.