DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque added to their 2023 American Rivers Conference Championships with at least a share of the league after sweeping past the Buena Vista University Beavers in three straight sets to remain unblemished in league play and collecting their 20th win of the season. The Spartans won the opening set 25-14, captured the second 25-16,  and breezed through the third and final set 25-9.

"This is something these seniors have talked about since their freshman year," commented head coach April Elsbernd. "We have incredible leadership and a culture they have facilitated is a big reason we're having the season we are experiencing. To watch them rise to the challenge, I'm just so happy for our team to be able to experience winning a conference championship in the regular season."

This is the Spartans first conference title since Connie Bandy-Hodge in 1995 went 10-1 in conference play and finished the season 37-7 overall. Head coach April Elsbernd's best finish prior was second in 2018 when she finished 6-2 in conference and 24-9 overall and won the conference tournament to qualify for the NCAA Division III National Championships.

The Spartans hit nearly .300 on the afternoon and were led in offensive by Emma Powell and Ashlee Adler who both finished with nine kills each. Alexis Kammerer assisted on 19 attacks. Six Spartans collected an ace in the victory and had just one receiving error. A trio of Spartans led in defensive digs: Katie Wright and Emma Powell each tallied 11, while Ashlee Adler ended with 10 and served up two aces.

UD is ranked among seven schools in NCAA IX Region latest rankings with a 20-8 overall record and 7-0 in A-R-C action will host their final regular season conference game on Wednesday, Nov. 1 when Wartburg College travels to Dubuque in a match scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast live across the tri-states by local Mediacom affiliate.