The Alicia Wood era is off to a fast start, as, on Day 1 of the 2026 season and the Findlay Classic on Friday (Aug. 28), the Ashland University volleyball team defeated both Davenport and California (Pa.).

Following a 3-1 (25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 25-15) win over Davenport and a 3-0 (25-19, 29-27, 27-25) victory against Cal, Wood becomes the fourth consecutive Eagle head volleyball coach to begin their tenure at 2-0.
 
The season-opener against the Panthers featured offensive prowess from both sides. Ashland hit .358 in the match (.475 in the fourth and final set), and Davenport hit .267. The Eagles' 70 kills in the season's first match also are a program best since 73 at Wheeling on Oct. 22, 2024.
 
Sophomore outside hitter Jenna Shedden paced AU with 20 kills, while sophomore right-side hitter Kelsey Lykins ended with a .650 hitting percentage and 14 kills. Junior outside hitter Sara Krizsa picked up a dozen kills in the victory.
 
The Eagles' two-senior setter approach worked to the tune of 51 assists between Kylee Urban (27) and Marin Dixon (24).
 
Defensively, senior libero Abbey Queen led the back with 24 digs.
 
Against the Vulcans, Krizsa paced the offense with 14 kills, and Shedden and junior middle blocker Myia Etzler each added 12. Urban (30) and Dixon (13) teamed up for 43 helpers.
 
Queen collected 28 more digs in the second victory of the day.
 
Ashland and Cal combined for 25 tie scores and 10 lead changes.
 
The Eagles will conclude the Findlay Classic against the host Oilers at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 29). The match will not count in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference standings.