A five-game winning streak late in the season was enough to earn the Gophers a top-16 seed nationally required to host the opening weekend in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament. In the process, they helped out St. Thomas.
Minnesota is the No. 4 seed in its quadrant and will host first- and second-round action at Maturi Pavilion starting with a date Friday at 7 p.m. against Fairfield. That match will come after the conclusion of the other first-round matchup at the site at 4:30 p.m. between fifth-seeded Iowa State and the Tommies.
St. Thomas is making its inaugural Division I NCAA appearance in their first year of postseason eligibility after winning the Summit League Tournament crown. The Gophers earning opening weekend hosting duties gave the committee a local site to put St. Thomas in, as well.
The winners of the two first-round matches will meet in the second round at 7 p.m. Saturday back at the U with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line.
In the unlikely event the Tommies upset Iowa State, it could set the stage for a rematch between St. Thomas and the Gophers. Minnesota won the first matchup, 3-1, on Aug. 31.
Pittsburgh is the No. 1 seed in St. Thomas and Minnesota’s regional and will host the Regional semifinals and final in Pennsylvania.
The Gophers, who have struggled with an array of injuries this season, were one of eight Big Ten teams to make it to the dance. Minnesota was never in danger of missing the tournament, but the strong finish, which included a win over No. 11 Purdue on Wednesday, was required to secure a weekend at home.
“It’s special to be able to bring the NCAA Tournament back in front of our fans at Maturi Pavilion,” Gophers coach Keegan Cook said in a release. “It’s a testament to the work the team has put in all season long. Not a lot has gone to plan this year, but being able to host the NCAA Tournament was definitely a goal of ours.”
St. Thomas junior Morgan Kealy (5) and senior teammate Ella Voegele (4) celebrate a point during their match victory over South Dakota State in the Summit League championship game Nov. 25, 2025, in Brookings, S.D. (Dave Eggen / Inertia)
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