Utah Volleyball Returns for Round Two of NCAA Tournament Action vs. Marquette

MATCH WEEK
The 17th-ranked Utah Volleyball team advances to the second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament, taking on the Marquette University Golden Eagles on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. MT.

Fans can find the broadcast on ESPN+ with Jim Watson providing the play-by-play with Victoria Dennis bringing the analysis.   

 

QUICK HITS

• Utah welcomes back the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017. This is the fourth time the Jon M. Huntsman Center has played host to the opening rounds of the NCAA (2001, 05, 17, 24).

• Every NCAA Tournament Utah has qualified for has been under the leadership of head Coach Beth Launiere, making its first appearance in 1998.

• The Utes advance to the second round of the tournament for the 15th time in program history, seeking their fifth Sweet 16 appearance and first since 2019.

• Utah closes out the regular season at #17 in the AVCA top 25 poll.

• The Utes have won eight consecutive matches, including four wins on their home floor by way of a 3-0 sweep. 

• As the 35th pick overall, Lauren Jardine was drafted by the Las Vegas Thrill of the Pro Volleyball Federation with the 3rd pick in the 5th round.

• Five Utes have earned All-Big 12 honors with Kamryn Gibadlo and Allie Olsen being named to the first team. Lauren Jardine and Emrie Satuala collected second-team honors, with Isabelle Marco adding All-Rookie Team laurels. 

• Emrie Satuala posted a career-high .727 hitting percentage in Utah’s NCAA First Round match against the College of Charleston, recording eight kills on 11 swings without an error.

• Vanessa Ramirez is second for all-time career digs in Utah Volleyball history with 1,622.

• As a team, Utah has averaged 14.1 kills per set with 13.0 assists per set. From the service line, the Utes are averaging 1.6 aces per set. On the defensive side of the net, Utah is posting 15.2 digs per set with 2.3 blocks per set.

• Utah has 166 aces as a team this season, ranking 8th in the rally scoring era for a single-season as a team. They are three aces away from moving into the 7th spot and passing the 2021 team that finishedd with 168 aces.

• The Utes have reached their most wins in a season since 2022.

• Utah’s .263 hitting percentage as a team has the chance to finish 2nd in the rally scoring era for a team…