OSHKOSH, Wis. – The University of Northwestern volleyball team is set to meet Eastern University Thursday in the program's first-ever appearance in the Elite Eight. First serve from the Kolf Sports Center is set for 3 p.m.

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UNW enters with a program-best 33 wins and four losses, while Eastern carries a 32-5 mark into the contest. It will be the first meeting in school history between the two schools. Eastern – located in Philadelphia – swept the Hoboken, N.J., Regional last week to advance to its third Elite Eight in the last six years. Both schools squared off against Concordia Moorhead this season, with Eastern topping the Cobbers in five sets in October, while UNW swept Concordia at the UNW Labor Day Tournament.

Northwestern's junior outside Lindsey Peterson (Sheffield, Iowa/West Fork) was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III National Player of the Year at Wednesday's banquet in Oshkosh following her superb junior campaign. Peterson was also a First Team All-American. Senior Shanay Gonder (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Washington) also received national recognition, as she was selected Honorable Mention All-American. UNW's Beth Wilmeth was honored as the AVCA Division III National Coach of the Year after guiding the Eagles to their inaugural trip to the NCAA Championships. Northwestern had to upend No. 1 and defending National Champion Cal Lutheran to punch its ticket to the Elite Eight.

Fans can watch Thursday's match live at www.unweagles.com.