University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
North Carolina A&T State University
Volleyball Ready for NIVC Run
12/2/2021 3:15:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
STORRS, Conn. - The UConn women's volleyball team will get another chance at postseason play as it heads to Boston for the first and second rounds of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship. The Huskies will clash against North Carolina A&T at Power Gym on the campus of Boston College in a first round matchup on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.
All matches from Power Gym this weekend will be streamed on ACCNX (WatchESPN).
This will be both UConn's second appearance in the NIVC, as it went 0-4 in its NIVC debut in 1994, and its second time competing during the month of December.
UConn is coming off a three-set defeat to Marquette in the BIG EAST Championship semifinals. Senior Caylee Parker was the bright spot for the Huskies, tallying her 11th double-double of the season with 13 kills and 10 digs, and was named to the BIG EAST Championship All-Tournament Team.
SCOUTING NORTH CAROLINA A&T
North Carolina A&T will make its third straight postseason tournament appearance after a 20-10 season that ended in the MEAC semifinals. Shaylynn Hall leads the BIG South in blocks per set (1.19) and ranks second in hitting percentage (.347). Naiya Sawtelle is also a threat on the attack as she ranks second in the conference in points per set (3.80) and third in kills per set (3.34). Edie Brewer is a two-time Big South Player of the Year and is the primary setter with 5.59 helpers per set, and adds in 2.63 digs per set on the defensive end.
The Aggies will be playing with heavy hearts as their teammate Fatimah Shabazz passed away last Sunday due to complications from an aneurysm. Shabazz was an All-MEAC First Team selection during the 2021 spring season and played a key role in guiding the Aggies to their first MEAC championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.
THE SERIES
Saturday will mark the first matchup between the two schools.
UP NEXT
Should UConn advance to the second round, it would matchup on Sunday at 4 p.m. against the winner of the Delaware State vs. Boston College contest.
