EU Women’s Volleyball Momentum Builds as Season Continues
The Elmhurst University women’s volleyball team is putting together an encouraging 2026 campaign following games against Augustana College (AC) on Oct. 21 and Wheaton College on Oct. 23.
The team has combined strong attacking performances, reliable defense, and contributions from several key players. The Bluejays continued their progress on Oct. 21, earning a 3-1 victory over AC at R.A. Faganel Hall. The win improved EU’s overall record to 13-8 and its CCIW record to 2-2.
With important conference matches still ahead, the Jays have plenty to build on as they look to finish the season strongly.
EU’s win against AC demonstrated the team’s ability to recover from a tough start and take control of a match. AC won the opening set 25-23, putting the Bluejays under early pressure. However, EU responded with a convincing 25-16 win in the second set before edging AC 25-23 in the third. The Bluejays then finished the job with a commanding 25-14 win in the fourth set.
The turnaround was particularly impressive because EU improved as the match progressed. After struggling to find consistency in the opening set, the team produced more efficient attacking performances and reduced its errors. In the second set, the Bluejays recorded 18 kills with just three errors, hitting an impressive .366.
Across the match, EU recorded 59 kills compared with AC’s 40. The Bluejays also held the advantage in service aces (12-6), assists (57-39), and digs (76-49). Although AC registered more blocks, EU’s overall attacking efficiency and defensive coverage proved decisive.
Several players played important roles in EU’s victory, beginning with outside hitter Katie Hurta, who delivered a standout attacking performance. Hurta led the Bluejays with 17 kills and finished with a .378 hitting percentage. She also contributed 15 digs, demonstrating her ability to influence the game at both ends of the court.
Outside hitter Samantha Webb provided another major attacking threat, recording 13 kills and 10 digs. Her contribution helped EU maintain pressure on AC’s defense throughout the four sets.
Setter Freddie Temple was just as crucial. Temple recorded 43 assists, helping orchestrate the Bluejays’ offense, while adding nine kills, four service aces, and 13 digs.
Defensively, libero Elayna Ammerman was especially impressive, leading the team with 23 digs. Her work in the backcourt helped EU keep rallies alive and create further attacking opportunities. Middle hitter Maggie Cross also made an impact at the net, recording five kills and four total blocks.
Outside hitter Amber Otto added nine kills and three service aces, providing another valuable scoring option. Together, these performances demonstrated the depth of EU’s lineup and the variety of ways the team can generate points.
The victory over AC was a positive step for EU as it continues its CCIW campaign. The team’s ability to recover after losing the first set, improve its attacking efficiency, and spread contributions across the lineup suggests it has a solid foundation for the remaining schedule.
The Bluejays’ season has included convincing wins, with victories over Benedictine University, Lake Forest College, Saint Mary’s College, and North Park University, alongside tough losses against strong opposition.
EU continued their momentum against Wheaton College on Oct. 23, where they beat the Thunder 3-1. Maintaining attacking sharpness while continuing to rely on Hurta’s scoring, Temple’s setting, and Ammerman’s defensive work are all important for the Bluejays as they finish out their encouraging season.
