The Augustana women’s volleyball team closed out its home schedule in dominant fashion, earning two wins over Loras College and Grinnell College to punctuate senior day and secure a spot in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) tournament. The sweep capped a defining weekend for the Vikings, who not only secured their postseason berth but also celebrated a senior class whose leadership has shaped the heart of the program.
With three matches left entering the weekend, Augustana knew what was at stake. The Vikings were sitting near the bubble for a tournament spot, needing a strong finish to stay alive. The team responded under pressure, playing its most complete volleyball of the season and securing its place among the CCIW’s top contenders.
Now, with momentum on their side, the Vikings look to carry the energy into the first round of tournament play.
“This senior class has made an everlasting impact on our program,” junior Alyssa Millan said. “They really instill the culture and values that our program has of having great fight, hustle, accountability and grit. But most of all, being loyal to one another by being great teammates.”
That culture of loyalty and inclusion has made a strong impression on the younger members of the team, particularly sophomore transfer Grace Lichthardt, who said the seniors have been instrumental in helping her adjust to the college level.
“They’ve taught every single person something about themselves and about what it takes to keep the program moving forward,” Lichthardt said. “Even after they graduate, they’ll still have our backs, and that’s what’s so special about them.”
The Vikings came out determined to finish the regular season on a high note, leaving everything on the court for senior day. Every serve, set and spike reflected their commitment to ending the season strong, a mindset instilled by the senior leaders who have guided the program all year.
That determination and focus carried them through both matches, keeping Loras and Grinnell on their heels from start to finish. The Vikings maintained a high level of energy and execution, communicating well and capitalizing on key opportunities at the net. Fueled by momentum and a shared sense of purpose, the team never let up, demonstrating the kind of composure and grit that has defined their late-season surge.
“Right now, our mindset is all about finishing strong,” senior Alexis Richards said. “We’ve worked hard all season to get to this point, and, with just a few matches left, we want to leave everything on the court. We’re playing for each other, for our seniors and for the pride of our program.”
As Augustana prepares for the CCIW tournament, there’s a sense of confidence rooted in everything the senior class built.
“[The seniors] are going to leave a legacy of confidence for the younger players,” Millan said. “Especially with how competitive they are, they will leave the younger players wanting more and more out of this program.”
The postseason awaits, but for the Vikings, their success has already been defined by unity, growth and the seniors who helped lead them there. Throughout the season, the team has built a culture rooted in trust and accountability, with every player buying into the program’s goals.
The seniors have set the tone by modeling hard work, resilience and an unshakable belief in their teammates. Their leadership has not only guided the Vikings to a tournament berth but has also laid the foundation for future success, ensuring that their impact will carry on long after their final match.
