It's one thing to beat a rival twice in one season.
 
It's one thing to sweep a rival twice in one season.
 
And it's yet another thing to do both in the span of less than two weeks.
 
Ashland University's volleyball team opened Great Midwest Athletic Conference and Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium play in 2026 on Friday (Sept. 11) night, defeating Findlay, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 27-25). The Eagles are 6-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference, and are in the midst of their best seven-match start since 2018 (7-0).
 
"I couldn't have asked for a better night in all aspects," said first-year Eagle head coach Alicia Wood. "The energy was so loud, I think I'm not going to have a voice tomorrow.
 
"I'm so proud of our girls for how they handled playing a big opponent in the G-MAC, a rival for us."
  
This is the first time the Eagles have swept the Oilers (3-5, 0-1) twice in the same season in 13 years. Ashland topped Findlay 3-0 on Aug. 29 in a non-conference match at the Findlay Classic.
 
Sophomore outside hitter Jenna Shedden recorded a team-high 10 kills, while sophomore right-side hitter Kelsey Lykins finished with seven kills, a .600 hitting percentage, and four block assists.
 
"Once you get Kelsey lit up and started, there's no stopping her," Wood said. "She's a very competitive and gritty kid."
 
The Eagles' senior tag-team setters combined for 30 assists – Kylee Urban had 16, and Marin Dixon finished with 14.
 
Ashland kept Findlay to a .061 hitting percentage, as Shedden and senior libero Abbey Queen each ended with 13 digs.
 
"Our defensive players were scrappy today," Wood said. "We were getting a lot of great touches out of the back row."
 
The Eagles are 6-0 in Great Midwest openers since joining the league in 2021.
 
Ashland will remain at home for its second Great Midwest match of the campaign on Saturday (Sept. 12) at 1 p.m. vs. Kentucky Wesleyan – in the Eagles' Family Day / Parent Appreciation match.