2023 WAC VB Release Week 9

HALFWAY TO WAC TOURNAMENT 
As WAC teams are heading into the second half of conference play, teams are looking to clinch one of eight spots to the WAC Tournament. Stephen F. Austin is ahead of the pack with eight straight conference wins as it has maintained first place since conference play began. 

BUILT FORD TOUGH  
UT Arlington’s Brianna Ford has been clutch for the Mavericks as she recorded her fourth consecutive double-double this past weekend. Ford produced 23 kills and 11 digs against Abilene Christian. She added 19 kills and 21 digs against Tarleton. Ford is averaging 20.5 kills, 13.5 digs, four blocks, 1.75 assists and 1.5 aces over her past four matches.

NATIONAL TEAM RANKINGS FOR STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 
Stephen F. Austin ranks eigth in the NCAA in holding opponents to a .145 hitting percentage. This is in large part to the ‘Jacks being third in the nation in total blocks, averaging 2.77 blocks per set. Izabella Ortiz has 105 total blocks on the season, the only WAC player to have 100+ blocks. She leads the conference in total blocks and blocks per set with 1.36. 

NCAA RPI RANKINGS 
In the latest release of the NCAA RPI for the 2023 season on Oct. 15, Stephen F. Austin was ranked among the national top 50 in the key metric that helps seed the NCAA Championship. The ‘Jacks ranked 48th with a 19-3 overall record. Grand Canyon was 101st with its 14-5 mark. 

GRAND CANYON TOPS UTRGV
In the battle for sole possession of second place in the WAC standings, Grand Canyon topped UTRGV in a five-set thriller. WAC Player of the Week Tatum Parrott led the Lopes with 46 kills on a .308 hitting clip. WAC setter of the Week Klaire Mitchell recorded her eighth double-double of the season with 50 assists and 12 digs.