The Quincy University Women’s Volleyball team has been nothing but stellar this season. They stretched their current win streak to nine after defeating Rockhurst University on Oct. 28 and Southwest Baptist University on Oct. 29, 2022. The Hawks have a current record of 23-1 and are 10-1 in conference play. 

These ladies have been putting together a historic season and continued to make history as they defeated RU. QU dominated RU as they swept them within the first three sets. This victory was the program’s first win over the opposing Hawks inside Pepsi Arena. 

Within the first set, it was clear everyone representing QU was ecstatic. The Hawks gained a quick 5-0 lead and the home team crowd was nothing short of electric. Any time RU seemed to find hope within this set, QU would shut down their momentum and continue to go on run after run. QU won this set 25-16. 

Within the second set, QU came out to a slow start, giving RU a quick 6-2 lead. RU made some costly errors and QU took advantage of every opportunity they were given. Once this set had a tied score of 17-17, QU shifted into another gear and didn’t look back. Kills by Emily Rehagen and Makayla Knoblauch along with an ace by Alice Pavan lead QU to win this set 25-19. 

The third set of this match was an absolute nail bitter, and made Pepsi Arena sound more rambunctious than ever. RU took an early 8-4 lead that quickly turned into a 17-11 lead. The Quincy Hawks remember that they have that dog in them and went on a 5-0 run following Rehagen’s team leading 14th kill. Once the set was tied at 20-20, it was a back and forth fight that ultimately ended with a QU victory at a score of 26-24. 

The following day, QU honored the seniors of this legendary team as they played SBU. 

Mattison Norris was a transfer for the Hawks and has been nothing less than a leader for this team. 

“Everyone always asks what’s your favorite memory or what’s your favorite thing about the team, but this year I do not have an answer. Everything about this team and this is special. We are more than a team, this group is a family and that is what sets us apart,” Norris said. 

Emily Rehagen has been one of the most dominant hitters for the Hawks all year. 

“The volleyball program at QU has helped shape me into the person I am today and helped grow my confidence, leadership and overall life skills. The team has become so much more than friends, they have become family that I can rely on for anything! The Quincy volleyball team has worked continuously to build a championship mindset and we’re still chasing that goal! This team has been so fun and exciting to be on, I am forever grateful God placed me at QU,” Rehagen said. 

Kailey Reckers transferred to QU a few years ago and has made her presence known on the court. 

Alyssa Grimm is a blocker for the Hawks and brings balance to her team on the court. 

Makayla Knoblauch has been a dominant player for the Hawks during her time here. 

“This program and Mark Jones gave me another chance to play volleyball and get an education after dropping out of college. This volleyball program is so special to me. I cannot say enough great things about Mark and Erica. They take such good care of us,  care about us deeply as athletes and as people, and have such great volleyball knowledge. That is rare to come by. The people on this team are so special, are  such good people, and work so hard. My teammates, coaches, and this season will always hold a special place in my heart. This season has been so much fun and I never would have imagined this is how my least season would go. This did not happen by chance and we have worked so hard for years to get to this point. We continue to work and hope to finish strong. I am so thankful for my time at QU and am soaking in every second I have left. It has shaped me into the person I am today. I have learned so much about how to be a good teammate, friend, and leader. This volleyball program has given me all the tools and resources to do that. It feels good to work for and build something greater than yourself. You have to be intentional every day and get people on board to be successful. Five years ago QU Women’s Volleyball had a completely different culture than today. I hope all athletes at QU can watch our team and know that they too can utilize those resources and create the culture they want,” Knoblauch said.