Coming off two consecutive victories over Marquette University and UW-La Crosse, the Warhawk men's club volleyball team is poised to extend its winning streak tonight.
The 'Hawks (2-1) host Wisconsin Volleyball Conference rival UW-Stevens Point at 7 p.m. before heading on a long four-game road trip.
Initially established in 1992, Scott Perry, the club vice-president, said the WVC has rapidly grown to become one of the nation's most decorated and competitive conferences in the country.
"The WVC is arguably the best conference in the country," said Perry, who is also the women's volleyball student assistant coach.
With its teams regularly finishing toward the top of all three divisions at the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association National Championships, Perry said the team can't afford to have an off night.
"Many other conferences have good teams, but the WVC has many major contenders in the national tournament," Perry said.
Senior captain Mike Zeigler said the 'Hawks have already played some stiff competition.
"I mean they were a tough team," Zeigler said of the 'Hawks' battle with Marquette last week. "We always play tough against them, and they took us to the edge in five games."
The opposition the 'Hawks face is also the main reason Perry said the club is so important to the university.
"The men's volleyball community is relatively small, [and] because of this, men's club volleyball is relatively competitive and should mean a lot to the university," Perry said. "The competition in NIRSA men's club volleyball is just as intense as many other programs around the country."
The team has also experienced steady growth, as a junior varsity squad was added alongside the varsity team last season.
After two straight wins, the 'Hawks have high expectations for the remainder of the season.
"Our team is more balanced than teams in the past," Perry said. "Our team will continue to mature as the season continues, but we have a great start and plan to build on our abilities."
Zeigler also feels the club team can continue to climb in the national rankings.
"I expect this team to be in the top 25 in the country for sure, maybe top 15 if we're lucky," Zeigler said. "Sky's the limit."
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