The Bears begin postseason play against Bluffton University on Friday at 8 p.m., with the winner facing the winner of Hendrix College versus Maryville College in the regional semifinals on Saturday. If the Bears can win their first two games, they could face University Athletic Association rival and No. 5 Emory University in the regional championship.

The last four regular-season matchups between Washington University and Emory University in volleyball had gone a full five sets, with Wash. U. winning three of four tight matches. Fifth set number 5 came on Saturday, with the No. 7 Bears defeating the No. 3 Eagles in a battle for University Athletic Association supremacy.

The No. 4 Bears opened up conference play this weekend with games against Brandeis University, New York University and the University of Chicago. Despite sweeping both Brandeis and NYU on Saturday, the Bears were unable to beat rival Chicago in a Sunday matinee for the second-straight season. The loss snapped Wash. U.’s 12-game win streak and puts the Bears’ record at 20-3 on the season.

The team’s No. 11 ranking is its lowest ever in a preseason poll, but most of last year’s key players return and give the Bears hope for another run to a championship.

OUTLOOK: What has been a disappointing season thus far for Washington University’s volleyball team can be salvaged with a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. But if the No. 11 Bears fail to win their regional and advance to the national quarterfinals, it will be their third straight year of elimination in the first weekend—the first such occurrence in program history.

With a conference title on the line, the crowded Field House loud and its top rival on the other side of the net, Washington University’s volleyball team had its best stretch of play of the season and earned a share of the University Athletic Association regular season crown. Just two points from defeat against No. 4 Emory University, the No.

While raising awareness and money to fight breast cancer, the No. 9 Washington University women’s volleyball won two matches and lost one in the WU Invitational Friday and Saturday. The University hosted its second annual Dig for Pink event on Friday, raising over $1,500, and the Bears defeated the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in straight sets.