This Week in WAC Volleyball - Oct. 26
This Week in WAC Volleyball - Oct. 26
GCU'S MITCHELL, DEFALCO AND WISE NAMED TICKETSMARTER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Grand Canyon setter Klaire Mitchell and Libero Teagan DeFalco have been named the Western Athletic Conference Offensive and Defensive Volleyball Players of the Week, respectively, for the week of Oct. 18 through Oct. 24. The Lopes also brought in WAC Freshman of the Week honors as McKenzie Wise tabbed that award.
Mitchell, a junior setter from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, earned top offensive honors as she led the Lopes to a 2-0 week behind 14.00 assists per set in the Grand Canyon WAC Pod last week. On Thursday, Mitchell finished with 38 total assists to lead GCU to a sweep of Sam Houston. She then had a monster performance on Saturday as she tallied a career-best 60 assists in a four-set win over Stephen F. Austin. Her outing against the Ladyjacks also marked the third-most assists in a four-set match across all Division I play this season.
DeFalco, a graduate student from Long Beach, Calif., played a vital part in GCU's perfect weekend, finishing with 50 total digs to average 7.14 digs per set across two matches. In Saturday's contest with Stephen F. Austin, she posted a season-high 31 digs in just four sets. On the season, DeFalco averages over five digs per set to rank first in the WAC.
Wise, an outside hitter from Phoenix, Ariz., turned in back-to-back double-doubles last week to help the Lopes maintain their undefeated record in GCU Arena. Wise was productive on both sides of the net as she notched 5.00 kills per set and 3.43 digs per set over a pair of matches. She also added four blocks and three service aces on her way to picking up her second WAC Freshman of the Week award this season.
Other offensive nominees included: Abilene Christian's Breanna Box reached career-high kill totals in consecutive matches last week, finishing with 14 kills on Friday and 15 kills on Saturday… California Baptist's Tesa Oaks led the Lancers to a pair of victories as she averaged more than three kills a set while adding four service aces on the week… Chicago State's Yanlis Feliz dominated last week, recording 6.14 kills per set on an impressive .355 hitting to help the Cougars go undefeated in the Lamar WAC Pod… Dixie State's Hannah Howard led the Trailblazer offense last week, averaging 4.00 kills per set across eight sets… NM State's Katie Birtcil helped the Aggies go 1-1 last week as she secured 5.43 kills per set on .352 hitting… Tarleton's Lauren Kersey had one of the best nights of her season in Saturday's sweep of Dixie State, finishing with 5.67 kills per set on .424 hitting… UT Rio Grande Valley's Veronika Jandova posted 3.00 kills per set on .477 hitting to lead the way for the Vaqueros… Sam Houston's Catherine Krieger finished the week averaging 3.10 kills per set on .253 hitting to help the Bearkats to a 2-1 record last week… Utah Valley's Kazna Tanuvasa finished with 28 total kills in just seven sets to lead the Wolverines last week.
Other defensive nominees included: California Baptist's Paige Johnstone registered 47 total digs last week to average 5.22 digs per set over nine sets… Chicago State's Mesalina Severino had back-to-back two-block outings last week for the Cougars… NM State's Lia Mosher controlled the net for the Aggies as she logged 10 total blocks across two matches… Sam Houston's Hannah Baker recorded 4.30 digs per set across a trio of Bearkat matches last week… Tarleton's Lorin McNeil set a career-high in total blocks on Friday against California Baptist, finishing with nine stuffs in just four sets… UT Rio Grande Valley's Veronika Jandova averaged one block a set last week as she totaled four blocks in each of the Vaqueros matches… Utah Valley's Bryton Bishop led UVU with 4.86 digs per set over a pair of matches last week.
Other freshman nominees included: California Baptist's Laura Walewska accumulated 16 kills and seven blocks in a pair of Lancer victories last week… Chicago State's Berenice Almeyda finished the week with 17 kills on .429 hitting to go along with a trio of blocks… Dixie State's Hannah Howard totaled 32 kills last week, including a career-high 22 kills in Friday's sweep of Abilene Christian… Sam Houston's Hannah Baker finished with 30 digs, nine assists and four service aces in the Bearkats' two wins last week… UT Rio Grande Valley's Luanna Emiliano recorded her WAC-leading 15th double-double of the season in a win over Seattle U on Friday… Utah Valley's Natalie Palmer averaged 4.57 assists per set over two matches last week.
WAC STAT LEADERS
NM State leads the WAC in overall hitting percentage (.249), opponent hitting percentage (.155) and assists per set (12.25). Sam Houston continues to lead in kills per set at 13.37 and digs per set (17.71). Utah Valley leads the group in blocks per set (2.56). Meanwhile, Grand Canyon leads in service aces per set (1.73).
Individually, NM State's Lia Mosher leads the WAC in hitting percentage (.411), while Chicago State's Yanlis Feliz is the leader in kills (4.95) and points (5.57). Dixie State's Kate Hardy leads the league in blocks (1.25) and Grand Canyon's Teagan DeFalco paces the WAC in digs per set at 5.21. Madison Rohre of Abilene Christian is the top assister, posting 10.28 assists per set. Dixie State's Megan Treanor leads the conference in service aces (0.49).
In WAC matches only, NM State is tops in hitting percentage (.245) and assists per set (12.70), while Utah Valley leads in blocks (2.72). Sam Houston leads in digs per set (19.04) and Grand Canyon holds the lead in opponent hitting percentage (.161). UT Rio Grande Valley is the top squad in service aces per set at 1.66.
Individually in WAC play, NM State's Lia Mosher is atop the league in hitting percentage (.367), while Dixie State's Kate Hardy is the top blocker at 1.64 per set. Chicago State's Yanlis Feliz is the leader in kills (5.17) and points (5.83). Grand Canyon's Klaire Mitchell leads the WAC in assists (10.63) and fellow Lope Teagan DeFalco is the front runner in digs per set (5.54). Megan Treanor of Dixie State paces the league in service aces (0.50).
WEEK AT A GLANCE
The WAC returns to divisional play this week after a non-conference matchup this evening between Tarleton and Incarnate Word. Thursday competition opens up with Lamar at Stephen F. Austin and UT Rio Grande Valley at Sam Houston. Chicago State will also be in action on Thursday as they travel to St. George, Utah, to take on Dixie State. Grand Canyon and NM State will also look to keep pace with each other as the Lopes visit Seattle U and the Aggies are on the road at California Baptist.
Saturday's contests begin with Stephen F. Austin hosting UT Rio Grande Valley before Tarleton visits Abilene Christian and Lamar heads to Sam Houston. A big-time West Division matchup is also on tap for Saturday as Chicago State looks to get revenge against Utah Valley.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
With a pair of wins over the weekend, Grand Canyon extended its home winning streak to 18 while also moving into a first-place tie in the West Division. GCU hasn't dropped a home match since Nov. 9, 2019, when they fell to NM State. In that stretch, the Lopes are an astounding 54-7 in sets inside GCU Arena.
COUGARS REACH HISTORIC MARK
Chicago State earned their 13th win of the season last weekend to give the Cougars their most wins since 1987 and eclipse the program's mark for most wins in a season since it became Division I in 1988. In an incredible turnaround, CSU finds itself just a half match back of a tie for first place in the West Division after a season in which they finished 0-8 in WAC play.
COMEBACK KIDS
Volleyball drama was on full display in week one of action as both Abilene Christian and NM State won five-set matches after falling behind 0-2 after two sets. The Wildcats completed the feat against Incarnate Word on Friday, Aug. 27 as they fell 18-25 in set one and 21-25 in set two. They would go on to claim the match win behind three-straight set victories (25-21, 25-21, 15-11). In the win, ACU was led by Lindsey Toney's 29 kills and four aces while Madison Rohre added 53 assists.
Meanwhile, the Aggies picked up a five-set victory over UC Davis in their season opener. After dropping the opening two sets, NM State came storming back to win three straight (25-19, 25-20, 15-10) to claim its first win of the season. Shaney Lipscomb paced the Aggies in kills with 17 while Darian Markham held her own on the defensive end with a match-high 22 digs.
TOURNAMENT HONORS
With twelve of the thirteen WAC schools first week of play coming at a pre-conference tournament, there was plenty of opportunities to shine against unfamiliar opponents. 11 athletes from five WAC schools earned honors for their play last weekend, including a trio of tournament MVP's. Abilene Christian's Lindsey Toney, Grand Canyon's Klaire Mitchell and Sam Houston's Morgan Janda each claimed MVP honors at their respective tournaments. Below is the complete list of athletes who garnered all-tournament team recognition:
Breanne Chausse, Sam Houston - Bearkat Invitational
Luanna Emiliano, UT Rio Grande Valley - New Orleans Invitational
Hannah Eskes, Grand Canyon - Idaho Volleyball Classic
Christine Graf, California Baptist - Georgia State Invitational
Morgan Janda, Sam Houston - Bearkat Invitational (MVP)
Ashley Lewis, Sam Houston - Bearkat Invitational
Klaire Mitchell, Grand Canyon - Idaho Volleyball Classic (MVP)
Madison Rohre, Abilene Christian - ACU Invitational
Luisa Silva Dos Santos, UT Rio Grande Valley - New Orleans Invitational
Lindsey Toney, Abilene Christian - ACU Invitational (MVP)
McKenzie Wise, Grand Canyon - Idhao Volleyball Classic
In week two of non-conference play, eight WAC athletes earned all-tournament honors, including Grand Canyon freshman McKenzie Wise who was named MVP of the GCU Invitational.
Berenice Almeyda, Chicago State - Windy City Classic
Jada Birkel, Abilene Christian - Wildcat Classic
Andrea Calderon, Chicago State - Windy City Classic
Teagan DeFalco, Grand Canyon - GCU Invitational (Outstanding Libero)
Hannah Eskes, Grand Canyon - GCU Invitational
Yanlis Feliz, Chicago State - Windy City Classic
Sydney Reed, Grand Canyon - GCU Invitational
McKenzie Wise, Grand Canyon - GCU Invitational (MVP)
WAC teams continued the trend in week three as eight athletes were named to all-tournament teams, highlighted by NM State's Shaney Lipscomb who earned MVP honors at the Colonel Challenge.
Katie Birtcil, NM State - Colonel Challenge
Teagan DeFalco, Grand Canyon - Portland State Tournament
Annabelle Kubinski, Grand Canyon - Portland State Tournament
Shaney Lipscomb, NM State - Colonel Challenge (MVP)
Darian Markham, NM State - Colonel Challenge
Makayla Pollard, Utah Valley - Lumberjack Classic
Kazna Tanuvasa, Utah Valley - Lumberjack Classic
Hannah Waters, Lamar - Lamar Invitational
The final week of non-conference tournament action resulted in seven more all-tournament honors, including Ariana Pagan who was named MVP of the SFA Tournament.
Katie Birtcil, NM State - Stetson Invitational
Kayla Brannon, Tarleton - Islander Classic
Payton Cerny, Stephen F. Austin - SFA Tournament
Carmen Kinsey, Tarleton - Islander Classic
Shaney Lipscomb, NM State - Stetson Invitational
Ariana Pagan, Stephen F. Austin - SFA Tournament (MVP)
Leah Powell, Stephen F. Austin - SFA Tournament
SFA AND UVU SELECTED AS PRESEASON FAVORITES
With the addition of several new programs to volleyball in the Western Athletic Conference, Stephen F. Austin is the coaches' pick to take home the regular season trophy in the Southwest Division while Utah Valley earned the nod in the West Division.
Southwest Division preseason favorite Stephen F. Austin heads to the WAC following a 13-1 overall record and a regular season title in the Southland Conference just last year. The Lumberjacks landed four of six possible first-place votes and 24 total points to finish atop the poll. Sam Houston was closely behind as they earned the remaining two first-place votes and 21 points. Tarleton saw its name in the third spot with 15 points followed by Abilene Christian who came in fourth with 13 points. UT Rio Grande Valley and Lamar rounded out the poll, finishing with 11 points and six points, respectively.
Coming off their first WAC Tournament Championship in school history, Utah Valley received four of the seven first-place votes and 34 total points to earn the top spot in the West Division. NM State earned the remaining three first-place votes to finish in second place with 33 points, followed by Grand Canyon which was slotted in third with 26 points. California Baptist picked up 20 points as they were selected fourth while Dixie State finished with 16 points to claim fifth. Chicago State collected 10 points for the sixth spot and Seattle U completed the West Division poll with six points of its own.
PRESEASON ALL-WAC
Utah Valley senior outside hitter Kazna Tanuvasa was selected as the WAC Preseason Player of the Year. NM State had the most players named to the preseason All-WAC team as the Aggies garnered four spots. Carly Aigner-Swesey, Victoria Barrett, Shaney Lipscomb and Lia Mosher each represent NM State on the Preseason All-WAC team. Joining them are Grand Canyon's Hannah Eskes and Klaire Mitchell, Sam Houston's Morgan Janda and Ashley Lewis and Stephen F. Austin's Taya Mitchell and Leah Powell. Along with the Wolverines, Chicago State, Dixie State and Tarleton each landed one player on the Preseason All-WAC Team. The Cougars' Yanlis Feliz, the Trailblazers' Megan Treanor and the Texans' Lauren Kersey each earned honors.
WELCOME TO THE WAC
The Western Athletic Conference is a little bit bigger this season as Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin have all joined the party. Due to the increase from eight teams to 12 teams, the league will play in a divisional format this season.
FALL 2021 WAC TOURNAMENT
The Fall 2021 WAC Volleyball Tournament will be held Nov. 18-20 at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, N.M. and will include the top eight eligible squads.
FALL 2021 WAC TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
November 18, 2021 (Quarterfinals)
Match 1 - No. 1 Seed vs. No. 8 Seed, 10 a.m. MT
Match 2 - No. 4 Seed vs. No. 5 Seed, 1 p.m. MT
Match 3 - No. 2 Seed vs. No. 7 Seed, 4 p.m. MT
Match 4 - No. 3 Seed vs. No. 6 Seed, 7 p.m. MT
November 19, 2021 (Semifinals)
Match 5 - Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 2, 4 p.m. MT
Match 6 - Winner Match 3 vs. Winner Match 4, 7 p.m. MT
November 20, 2021 (Finals)
Match 7 - Winner Match 5 vs. Winner Match 6, 7 p.m. MT
2021 NCAA TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
The NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship return to its normal 64-team format following a 48-team bracket in Spring 2021. The bracket will consist of 32 automatic qualifiers and 32 at-large teams. The final site of the 2021 NCAA Championship will be Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The semifinals will be held on December 16 while the championship will be held on December 18.
GCU'S MITCHELL, DEFALCO AND WISE NAMED TICKETSMARTER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Grand Canyon setter Klaire Mitchell and Libero Teagan DeFalco have been named the Western Athletic Conference Offensive and Defensive Volleyball Players of the Week, respectively, for the week of Oct. 18 through Oct. 24. The Lopes also brought in WAC Freshman of the Week honors as McKenzie Wise tabbed that award.
Mitchell, a junior setter from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, earned top offensive honors as she led the Lopes to a 2-0 week behind 14.00 assists per set in the Grand Canyon WAC Pod last week. On Thursday, Mitchell finished with 38 total assists to lead GCU to a sweep of Sam Houston. She then had a monster performance on Saturday as she tallied a career-best 60 assists in a four-set win over Stephen F. Austin. Her outing against the Ladyjacks also marked the third-most assists in a four-set match across all Division I play this season.
DeFalco, a graduate student from Long Beach, Calif., played a vital part in GCU's perfect weekend, finishing with 50 total digs to average 7.14 digs per set across two matches. In Saturday's contest with Stephen F. Austin, she posted a season-high 31 digs in just four sets. On the season, DeFalco averages over five digs per set to rank first in the WAC.
Wise, an outside hitter from Phoenix, Ariz., turned in back-to-back double-doubles last week to help the Lopes maintain their undefeated record in GCU Arena. Wise was productive on both sides of the net as she notched 5.00 kills per set and 3.43 digs per set over a pair of matches. She also added four blocks and three service aces on her way to picking up her second WAC Freshman of the Week award this season.
Other offensive nominees included: Abilene Christian's Breanna Box reached career-high kill totals in consecutive matches last week, finishing with 14 kills on Friday and 15 kills on Saturday… California Baptist's Tesa Oaks led the Lancers to a pair of victories as she averaged more than three kills a set while adding four service aces on the week… Chicago State's Yanlis Feliz dominated last week, recording 6.14 kills per set on an impressive .355 hitting to help the Cougars go undefeated in the Lamar WAC Pod… Dixie State's Hannah Howard led the Trailblazer offense last week, averaging 4.00 kills per set across eight sets… NM State's Katie Birtcil helped the Aggies go 1-1 last week as she secured 5.43 kills per set on .352 hitting… Tarleton's Lauren Kersey had one of the best nights of her season in Saturday's sweep of Dixie State, finishing with 5.67 kills per set on .424 hitting… UT Rio Grande Valley's Veronika Jandova posted 3.00 kills per set on .477 hitting to lead the way for the Vaqueros… Sam Houston's Catherine Krieger finished the week averaging 3.10 kills per set on .253 hitting to help the Bearkats to a 2-1 record last week… Utah Valley's Kazna Tanuvasa finished with 28 total kills in just seven sets to lead the Wolverines last week.
Other defensive nominees included: California Baptist's Paige Johnstone registered 47 total digs last week to average 5.22 digs per set over nine sets… Chicago State's Mesalina Severino had back-to-back two-block outings last week for the Cougars… NM State's Lia Mosher controlled the net for the Aggies as she logged 10 total blocks across two matches… Sam Houston's Hannah Baker recorded 4.30 digs per set across a trio of Bearkat matches last week… Tarleton's Lorin McNeil set a career-high in total blocks on Friday against California Baptist, finishing with nine stuffs in just four sets… UT Rio Grande Valley's Veronika Jandova averaged one block a set last week as she totaled four blocks in each of the Vaqueros matches… Utah Valley's Bryton Bishop led UVU with 4.86 digs per set over a pair of matches last week.
Other freshman nominees included: California Baptist's Laura Walewska accumulated 16 kills and seven blocks in a pair of Lancer victories last week… Chicago State's Berenice Almeyda finished the week with 17 kills on .429 hitting to go along with a trio of blocks… Dixie State's Hannah Howard totaled 32 kills last week, including a career-high 22 kills in Friday's sweep of Abilene Christian… Sam Houston's Hannah Baker finished with 30 digs, nine assists and four service aces in the Bearkats' two wins last week… UT Rio Grande Valley's Luanna Emiliano recorded her WAC-leading 15th double-double of the season in a win over Seattle U on Friday… Utah Valley's Natalie Palmer averaged 4.57 assists per set over two matches last week.
WAC STAT LEADERS
NM State leads the WAC in overall hitting percentage (.249), opponent hitting percentage (.155) and assists per set (12.25). Sam Houston continues to lead in kills per set at 13.37 and digs per set (17.71). Utah Valley leads the group in blocks per set (2.56). Meanwhile, Grand Canyon leads in service aces per set (1.73).
Individually, NM State's Lia Mosher leads the WAC in hitting percentage (.411), while Chicago State's Yanlis Feliz is the leader in kills (4.95) and points (5.57). Dixie State's Kate Hardy leads the league in blocks (1.25) and Grand Canyon's Teagan DeFalco paces the WAC in digs per set at 5.21. Madison Rohre of Abilene Christian is the top assister, posting 10.28 assists per set. Dixie State's Megan Treanor leads the conference in service aces (0.49).
In WAC matches only, NM State is tops in hitting percentage (.245) and assists per set (12.70), while Utah Valley leads in blocks (2.72). Sam Houston leads in digs per set (19.04) and Grand Canyon holds the lead in oppnonent hitting percentage (.161). UT Rio Grande Valley is the top squad in service aces per set at 1.66.
Individually in WAC play, NM State's Lia Mosher is atop the league in hitting percentage (.367), while Dixie State's Kate Hardy is the top blocker at 1.64 per set. Chicago State's Yanlis Feliz is the leader in kills (5.17) and points (5.83). Grand Canyon's Klaire Mitchell leads the WAC in assists (10.63) and fellow Lope Teagan DeFalco is the front runner in digs per set (5.54). Megan Treanor of Dixie State paces the league in service aces (0.50).
WEEK AT A GLANCE
The WAC returns to divisional play this week after a non-conference matchup this evening between Tarleton and Incarnate Word. Thursday competition opens up with Lamar at Stephen F. Austin and UT Rio Grande Valley at Sam Houston. Chicago State will also be in action on Thursday as they travel to St. George, Utah, to take on Dixie State. Grand Canyon and NM State will also look to keep pace with each other as the Lopes visit Seattle U and the Aggies are on the road at California Baptist.
Saturday's contests begin with Stephen F. Austin hosting UT Rio Grande Valley before Tarleton visits Abilene Christian and Lamar heads to Sam Houston. A big time West Division matchup is also on tap for Saturday as Chicago State looks to get revenge against Utah Valley.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
With a pair of wins over the weekend, Grand Canyon extended its home winning-streak to 18 while also moving into a first-place tie in the West Division. GCU hasn't dropped a home match since Nov. 9, 2019, when they fell to NM State. In that stretch, the Lopes are an astounding 54-7 in sets inside GCU Arena.
COUGARS REACH HISTORIC MARK
Chicago State earned their 13th win of the season last weekend to give the Cougars their most wins since 1987 and eclipse the programs mark for most wins in a season since it became Division I in 1988. In an incredible turnaround, CSU finds itself just a half match back of a tie for first place in the West Division after a season in which they finished 0-8 in WAC play.
COMEBACK KIDS
Volleyball drama was on full display in week one of action as both Abilene Christian and NM State won five-set matches after falling behind 0-2 after two sets. The Wildcats completed the feat against Incarnate Word on Friday, Aug. 27 as they fell 18-25 in set one and 21-25 in set two. They would go on to claim the match win behind three-straight set victories (25-21, 25-21, 15-11). In the win, ACU was led by Lindsey Toney's 29 kills and four aces while Madison Rohre added 53 assists.
Meanwhile, the Aggies picked up a five-set victory over UC Davis in their season opener. After dropping the opening two sets, NM State came storming back to win three straight (25-19, 25-20, 15-10) to claim its first win of the season. Shaney Lipscomb paced the Aggies in kills with 17 while Darian Markham held her own on the defensive end with a match-high 22 digs.
TOURNAMENT HONORS
With twelve of the thirteen WAC schools first week of play coming at a pre-conference tournament, there was plenty of opportunity to shine against unfamiliar opponents. 11 athletes from five WAC schools earned honors for their play last weekend, including a trio of tournament MVP's. Abilene Christian's Lindsey Toney, Grand Canyon's Klaire Mitchell and Sam Houston's Morgan Janda each claimed MVP honors at their respective tournaments. Below is the complete list of athletes who garnered all-tournament team recognition:
Breanne Chausse, Sam Houston - Bearkat Invitational
Luanna Emiliano, UT Rio Grande Valley - New Orleans Invitational
Hannah Eskes, Grand Canyon - Idaho Volleyball Classic
Christine Graf, California Baptist - Georgia State Invitational
Morgan Janda, Sam Houston - Bearkat Invitational (MVP)
Ashley Lewis, Sam Houston - Bearkat Invitational
Klaire Mitchell, Grand Canyon - Idaho Volleyball Classic (MVP)
Madison Rohre, Abilene Christian - ACU Invitational
Luisa Silva Dos Santos, UT Rio Grande Valley - New Orleans Invitational
Lindsey Toney, Abilene Christian - ACU Invitational (MVP)
McKenzie Wise, Grand Canyon - Idhao Volleyball Classic
In week two of non-conference play, eight WAC athletes earned all-tournament honors, including Grand Canyon freshman McKenzie Wise who was named MVP of the GCU Invitational.
Berenice Almeyda, Chicago State - Windy City Classic
Jada Birkel, Abilene Christian - Wildcat Classic
Andrea Calderon, Chicago State - Windy City Classic
Teagan DeFalco, Grand Canyon - GCU Invitational (Outstanding Libero)
Hannah Eskes, Grand Canyon - GCU Invitational
Yanlis Feliz, Chicago State - Windy City Classic
Sydney Reed, Grand Canyon - GCU Invitational
McKenzie Wise, Grand Canyon - GCU Invitational (MVP)
WAC teams continued the trend in week three as eight athletes were named to all-tournament teams, highlighted by NM State's Shaney Lipscomb who earned MVP honors at the Colonel Challenge.
Katie Birtcil, NM State - Colonel Challenge
Teagan DeFalco, Grand Canyon - Portland State Tournament
Annabelle Kubinski, Grand Canyon - Portland State Tournament
Shaney Lipscomb, NM State - Colonel Challenge (MVP)
Darian Markham, NM State - Colonel Challenge
Makayla Pollard, Utah Valley - Lumberjack Classic
Kazna Tanuvasa, Utah Valley - Lumberjack Classic
Hannah Waters, Lamar - Lamar Invitational
The final week of non-conference tournament action resulted in seven more all-tournament honors, including Ariana Pagan who was named MVP of the SFA Tournament.
Katie Birtcil, NM State - Stetson Invitational
Kayla Brannon, Tarleton - Islander Classic
Payton Cerny, Stephen F. Austin - SFA Tournament
Carmen Kinsey, Tarleton - Islander Classic
Shaney Lipscomb, NM State - Stetson Invitational
Ariana Pagan, Stephen F. Austin - SFA Tournament (MVP)
Leah Powell, Stephen F. Austin - SFA Tournament
SFA AND UVU SELECTED AS PRESEASON FAVORITES
With the addition of several new programs to volleyball in the Western Athletic Conference, Stephen F. Austin is the coaches' pick to take home the regular season trophy in the Southwest Division while Utah Valley earned the nod in the West Division.
Southwest Division preseason favorite Stephen F. Austin heads to the WAC following a 13-1 overall record and a regular season title in the Southland Conference just last year. The Lumberjacks landed four of six possible first-place votes and 24 total points to finish atop the poll. Sam Houston was closely behind as they earned the remaining two first-place votes and 21 points. Tarleton saw its name in the third spot with 15 points followed by Abilene Christian who came in fourth with 13 points. UT Rio Grande Valley and Lamar rounded out the poll, finishing with 11 points and six points, respectively.
Coming off their first WAC Tournament Championship in school history, Utah Valley received four of the seven first-place votes and 34 total points to earn the top spot in the West Division. NM State earned the remaining three first-place votes to finish in second place with 33 points, followed by Grand Canyon which was slotted in third with 26 points. California Baptist picked up 20 points as they were selected fourth while Dixie State finished with 16 points to claim fifth. Chicago State collected 10 points for the sixth spot and Seattle U completed the West Division poll with six points of its own.
PRESEASON ALL-WAC
Utah Valley senior outside hitter Kazna Tanuvasa was selected as the WAC Preseason Player of the Year. NM State had the most players named to the preseason All-WAC team as the Aggies garnered four spots. Carly Aigner-Swesey, Victoria Barrett, Shaney Lipscomb and Lia Mosher each represent NM State on the Preseason All-WAC team. Joining them are Grand Canyon's Hannah Eskes and Klaire Mitchell, Sam Houston's Morgan Janda and Ashley Lewis and Stephen F. Austin's Taya Mitchell and Leah Powell. Along with the Wolverines, Chicago State, Dixie State and Tarleton each landed one player on the Preseason All-WAC Team. The Cougars' Yanlis Feliz, the Trailblazers' Megan Treanor and the Texans' Lauren Kersey each earned honors.
WELCOME TO THE WAC
The Western Athletic Conference is a little bit bigger this season as Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin have all joined the party. Due to the increase from eight teams to 12 teams, the league will play in a divisional format this season.
FALL 2021 WAC TOURNAMENT
The Fall 2021 WAC Volleyball Tournament will be held Nov. 18-20 at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, N.M. and will include the top eight eligible squads.
FALL 2021 WAC TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
November 18, 2021 (Quarterfinals)
Match 1 - No. 1 Seed vs. No. 8 Seed, 10 a.m. MT
Match 2 - No. 4 Seed vs. No. 5 Seed, 1 p.m. MT
Match 3 - No. 2 Seed vs. No. 7 Seed, 4 p.m. MT
Match 4 - No. 3 Seed vs. No. 6 Seed, 7 p.m. MT
November 19, 2021 (Semifinals)
Match 5 - Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 2, 4 p.m. MT
Match 6 - Winner Match 3 vs. Winner Match 4, 7 p.m. MT
November 20, 2021 (Finals)
Match 7 - Winner Match 5 vs. Winner Match 6, 7 p.m. MT
2021 NCAA TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
The NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship return to its normal 64-team format following a 48-team bracket in Spring 2021. The bracket will consist of 32 automatic qualifiers and 32 at-large teams. The final site of the 2021 NCAA Championship will be Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The semifinals will be held on December 16 while the championship will be held on December 18.