(MARQUETTTE COMMUNICATIONS) HONOLULU, Hawai’i – The Marquette University women’s volleyball team opened its 2025 season on Friday evening at Bankoh Arena with a thrilling 3-2 win (25-27, 17-25, 34-32, 25-18, 15-9) over Hawai’i in the 2025 Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic.
After dropping the first two sets, MU remained focused and used gritty defense and execution to turn the momentum in their favor. The turning point came in the third set, where Marquette outlasted the Rainbow Wahine in a marathon frame, 34-32. Hawai’i held a match point late in the set and appeared to have sealed the victory before a successful Marquette challenge reversed the call, keeping the Golden Eagles alive.
With momentum on their side, Marquette controlled the fourth set from start to finish, hitting efficiently and tightening up at the net defensively. In the decisive fifth, the Golden Eagles carried their energy through, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back in the 15-9 clincher.
The Golden Eagles (1-0) were led by outside hitter Natalie Ring with a career-high 27 kills, while Keira Schmidt posted nine kills and seven total blocks. MU freshman Isabela Haggard recorded her first collegiate start and added 49 assists, 12 attacks and 16 digs.
NOTES:
- The Golden Eagles recorded their first win in the Mendoza era.
- Defensive Specialist Adriana Studer recorded a career-high 20 digs and eight assists.
- MU freshman Middle Blocker Schmidt hit .692 with nine kills and 13 attacks.
- Marquette is 3-0 all-time against the ‘Bows in the Wahine Volleyball Classic. The Golden Eagles earned a five-set win in the 2017 season opener and swept Hawai’i in the 2021 tournament.
- Hawai’i was picked to finish first in the BIG WEST Preseason poll and middle blocker Bri Gunderson was selected to the BIG WEST Preseason Team. Gunderson led all players in blocks with nine and added eight kills.
SAN DIEGO 3, MARQUETTE 2
The Marquette University women’s volleyball team pushed West Coast Conference opponent San Diego to the limit on Saturday evening but came up just short, falling in five sets (21-25, 25-23,25-15, 20-25, 13-15) in day two of the 2025 Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic.
The Golden Eagles (1-1) battled back after dropping the opening frame, using strong serving and balanced attacking to take a 2-1 lead. San Diego (2-0) responded in the fourth and held off a late Marquette rally in the decisive fifth set.
Senior Natalie Ring once again paced MU with a standout performance, recording 24 kills and five service aces to power the Golden Eagles’ offense. Sophomore Ella Holmstrom chipped in 14 kills, while junior Elena Radeff contributed 13 kills and three aces in a strong all-around effort.
Setter Isabela Haggard directed the offense with 51 assists, while libero Adriana Studer anchored the back row with 24 digs. As a team, Marquette tallied 12 service aces and 11 blocks, keeping the Toreros on their heels throughout the match.
NOTES:
- Three Golden Eagles finished in doubles figures in kills (Ring 24, Holstrom 14, Radeff 13).
- MU has opened the season with consecutive five-set matches, splitting results with Hawai’i and San Diego.
- Ring tallied 24 kills, her second straight 20+ kill performance, and added a career-high five service aces.
- Haggard posted 51 assists, her second straight match with 40+ helpers and a new career-high to open the season.
UP NEXT: The Golden Eagles close out play in Honolulu on Sunday, Aug. 31, against Utah State. First serve is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. CT.
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