University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Valparaiso
Huskies Trek to Valpo for NIVC Final Four
12/9/2021 11:02:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
STORRS, Conn. - Following its first postseason victory at home, the UConn women's volleyball team will write the next chapter in its NIVC run as it travels to Valpo for a Final Four clash on Friday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.
UConn punched its ticket to the semifinals after earning a four-set decision over North Florida on Wednesday in front of a packed Gampel Pavilion crowd. Furthermore, its 24 wins are its most since the 1995 season.
After posting two double-digit kill efforts during the regular season, sophomore Taylor Pannell has tallied three straight double-digit kill matches and has averaged 3.25 kills per set throughout the NIVC. The sophomore stroked a career-high 16 kills against North Florida and led all players with five blocks.
Senior Caylee Parker continues to be UConn's top threat from the outside and is averaging 3.67 kills per set in the postseason. Graduate student McKayla Wuensch is proving why she was named the BIG EAST Setter of Year in averaging an even 10.0 assists per set over the last three games.
With a win on Friday, the Huskies would advance to the NIVCÂ Championship match, which will occur between Dec. 12-14. The winner of Friday's match will take on the winner of the UNLV vs. UTEP, contest which is scheduled to take place Thursday night.
SCOUTING VALPO
Valpo has swept all three of its opponents in the NIVC and will host its fourth straight postseason contest against the Huskies. Following its win vs. Evansville on Monday, the Beacons improved to 25-9 on the season and 11-1 on their home court.
The Beacons have a quartet of players who are averaging over two kills per set in Peyton McCarthy (2.62, Haley Hart (2.48), Jillie Grant (2.36) and Bella Ravotto (2.04). Rylee Cookerly is leading the Missouri Valley Conference in digs per set (4.90). Brittany Anderson is the primary setter with 5.65 assists per set and Victoria Bulmahn is right behind (4.67).
THE SERIES
Friday will be the first matchup between the two schools. Two of the three opponents UConn has faced in the NIVC have been first-time opponents.
