DUBUQUE, Iowa - The #23 ranked University of Dubuque women's volleyball team faced their toughest test yet and passed with flying colors in a 3-1 win over #13 UW-Platteville (25-20, 25-14, 22-25, 25-18). In the nations's only match across the country between two ranked teams, the Spartans dominated the match in front of a large crowd in Stoltz Sports Center Wednesday evening.

The first set began with each team trading points before a five-point run gave the Spartans a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Strong first set performances by Delainey Winkel and Taylor Bechen (American Rivers Conference defensive player of the week) helped the Spartans hold the Pioneers at bay for a 25-20 set victory. The Pioneers clawed back in the second set, taking an early 6-4 lead. From that point on, the Spartans dominated the rest of the set, scoring the next 10-11 points and cruised to a 25-14 win to take a 2-0 lead. Numerous Spartans contributed to a frenzy of which left the Pioneers without answers. The Spartans rode this momentum into the third set, taking a 10-5 lead. The Pioneers fought back and captured a 16-14 lead after a seven-point run. The Pioneers played sound defense and edged out a 25-22 third set victory to keep the match alive. The Pioneers led the fourth set 2-1 and wouldn't find the lead again. Massive kills by Winkel and Caitlin Jensen left the Pioneers a hole they couldn't climb out of, and the Spartans clinched the statement victory with a 25-18 win. The past seven days, UD has beaten #13 ranked, #17 ranked and three teams receiving votes and moved into the AVCA Top 25 coaches poll for the first time for head coach Karrah Davis.

The American Rivers Conference volleyball offensive player of the week, Winkel, continued to overpower the opposing competition, posting a team high 15 kills, two service aces, and leading the Spartans with 15 digs. Ashley Glennon and Megan Cooley added six kills each while Jensen tallied five of her own for a .500 hitting percentage. The Spartans were relentless on defense, with Jensen notching two solo blocks and Payton Uptagraft adding five block assists. Uptagraft and Halee Clare aided the offensive effort with five kills each. Alexis Kammerer once again led the Spartans with 17 assists on the night.

The Spartans off to an 9-0 start to begin their 2025 campaign will compete in the Loras Invitational at home this weekend with UD hosting three matches on Friday and Saturday. UD host UW-River Falls (3:00 p.m.) and St. Olaf College (7:00 p.m.) on Friday and Saint Mary's University (Minn).  UD continues play on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. against UW-River Falls. UWRF is 3-4 in 2025 with victories over A-R-C foes Nebraska Wesleyan University and Simpson College. St. Olaf College (3-4) who will look to get revenge on the Spartans after a five-set thriller just a week ago.