"It's really one of the most fun matches of the year, mostly because we get all the fans coming and screaming with us," said Melissa Hillebrand, who had a match-high 17 kills.
The match was part of UW-Platteville's Homecoming Yell contest, and the crowd fell just 12 shy of the attendance record set in 2005 against Augustana. More than 500 were from student groups who compete for spirit points towards the overall Homecoming championship. Many of the students came in body paint or in costume to try and impress the judges.
The UW-Platteville Homecoming Yell match has been the most-attended NCAA Division III regular season match in eight of the previous nine seasons."It's really intense," said senior Stephanie Tronnes. "Everyone is really excited, and it makes us play hard."
Samantha Rampart added 13 kills to Hillebrand's 17. Abby Carey dug out 15 balls, and Hilebrand and Lisa Bell each had four blocks. Ali Sikic (18 assists) and Kelsey Pustina (23) split the setter duties. Allison Uceda led Ashford with 13 kills.