Today's On This Date feature, presented by Virginia Lottery, looks back at the 2016 volleyball team's performance against Washington University in the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals.
The Eagles entered play as a newcomer to the final championship site, making their first ever appearance as regional champions in the elite eight. Washington, however, entered as the winningest program in Division III history.
The margin either way was razor thin from the first serve until the end of the thrilling, exhausting five-game match. The Bears took the first game, 27-25, before UMW rallied to win the second, 26-24, and the third, 25-23. The Bears took the fourth, 25-23, before completing their comeback with a 15-9 win in the decisive fifth game.
Rachel Hendricks led the Eagles with 20 kills en route to all-championship team honors. All-America setter Emma Olson had six kills without an error, 59 assists, four service aces, and 15 digs, and future All-Americans Peyton Dunow and Savannah Powers added 13 kills and 19 digs and 12 kills and 12 digs, respectively.