COLUMBUS, Miss. – The W volleyball will play host to Blackburn College in the quarterfinal round of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) volleyball championship tournament this Thursday (November 13), it has been announced. The No.4-seed Owls (10-20) will take on the No. 5-seed Beavers (12-16) at 7 p.m. in Pohl Gym.
 
"I'm so proud of this group for the work they've put in to get here," MUW Head Coach Breylee Linder said. "We made our pre-season goal of making it to playoffs. To not only make the postseason, but earn the right to host, says everything about their commitment to each other and their determination through a tough season."
 
The other quarterfinal match has No. 6-seed Webster University at No. 3-seed Lyon College. No. 1-seed Greenville University has a bye, as does No. 2-seed Westminster College. As the top seed, Greenville will host the semifinals and championship match on Saturday (Nov. 15).
 
The contest will be historic for both the Owls' volleyball program, as well as athletics department, in general. In just Linder's second year at the helm, this will be the first-ever appearance in the SLIAC post-season tournament for The W's volleyball program, after finishing tied for third place in the regular season (also the team's best finish).
 
It will also mark the first time that Owls Athletics has played host to a SLIAC championship tournament game in Columbus. In MUW's three years in the SLIAC, its teams have always had to travel to any post-season competitions.
 
"We are excited and proud to be hosting a SLIAC event," Director of Athletics Buddy Foster said. "This is just another opportunity to showcase all the wonderful things Columbus, and our campus, have to offer. It is also great for our fan base to be able to see a SLIAC championship event without having to travel, and I hope everyone takes the opportunity to come out and support the volleyball team. The ladies have worked hard this year and deserve the support."
 
Because it is a SLIAC-sponsored event, tickets will be sold (The W did not charge during the regular season). Prices are as follows: Adults are $5.00; Students are $3.00 with identification (MUW students will be admitted free by showing their ID, however); Children are $3.00 (under 5 are free of charge). Please note that cash only will be accepted for tickets.