LINCOLN, Neb. (September 6, 2024) - Following a successful season-opening trip to Texas where Nebraska Wesleyan posted a 3-1 record, the Black and Gold hit the road again for four games in Minnesota this weekend.
LOCATION, GAME TIME, LIVE STREAM & LIVE STATS
Nebraska Wesleyan will play two matches on Friday, September 6, and two on Saturday, September 7. On Friday, the Prairie Wolves face the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire at 4:00 p.m. and George Fox University at 6:00 p.m. Saturday's slate begins with a 10:00 a.m. matchup against Gustavus Adolphus College, followed by a 2:00 p.m. game against Augsburg University.
ABOUT THE PRAIRIE WOLVES
Nebraska Wesleyan (3-1) opened the 2024 season in Texas, securing 3-0 victories against McMurry University, the University of Dallas, and Shenandoah University. Their only loss came against Wisconsin-Superior. The Prairie Wolves are averaging 16.85 points per set and allowing just 11.15 points per set. Through four games, NWU has recorded 164 kills (12.6 per set), 150 assists, 200 digs, and 20 blocks, with a team hitting percentage of .244.
NEBRASKA WESLEYAN STATISTICAL LEADERS
HEAD COACH RAYNA CAIN
Rayna Cain enters her 13th season as head coach of the Prairie Wolves with a career record of 176-143. Cain is one of only three coaches in NWU history to surpass 100 career wins and has coached three AVCA All-American honorable mentions and 31 All-Conference athletes.
SCOUTING THE BLUGOLDS
Wisconsin Eau Claire enters this weekend with a 2-2 record. The Blugolds are averaging 16.67 points per set, and allowing 11.80 points per set. Wisconsin Eau Claire has a hitting percentage of .214, with 37 aces, 193 kills, 185 assists, 200 digs, and 20 blocks. The Blugolds are coached by Kim Wudi, who is in her 18th season.
SERIES HISTORY AGAINST WISCONSIN EAU-CLAIRE
This will be the first-ever meeting between Nebraska Wesleyan and Wisconsin Eau-Claire.
SCOUTING THE BRUINS
George Fox University (2-2) is averaging 16.93 points per set and allowing 13.79 points per set. The Bruins have a hitting percentage of .199, with 180 kills, 166 assists, 216 digs, 32 aces, and 25 blocks. They are coached by Emily Davis, in her ninth season.
SERIES HISTORY AGAINST GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY
This will be the second meeting between NWU and George Fox. The Bruins won the first match, 3-2, on August 30, 2003.
SCOUTING THE GOLDEN GUSTIES
Gustavus Adolphus College (3-1) comes into the weekend averaging 16.13 points per set and allowing 15.88 points per set. The Golden Gusties have a hitting percentage of .245, with 204 kills, 184 assists, 252 digs, 28 aces, and 26 blocks. Rachelle Sherden is in her 15th season as head coach.
SERIES HISTORY AGAINST GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE
The series between NWU and Gustavus Adolphus is tied at 1-1. Nebraska Wesleyan won the most recent matchup, 3-2.
SCOUTING THE AUGGIES
Augsburg College (2-2) is averaging 16.36 points per set while allowing 14.71 points per set. The Auggies have a hitting percentage of .214, with 180 kills, 166 assists, 217 digs, 26 aces, and 23 blocks. April Elsbernd is in her first season as head coach.
SERIES HISTORY AGAINST AUGSBURG COLLEGE
Nebraska Wesleyan leads the series 1-0, having won the lone matchup 3-0 on October 13, 2007.
