Volleyball to Host First and Second Rounds of 2022 NIVC Tournament

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – For the first time in program history, Wake Forest volleyball will participate in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) postseason tournament, hosting the first two rounds of play in Reynolds Gymnasium.

The Demon Deacons will face the Coppin State Eagles in round one of tournament play on Friday (Dec. 2) at 6 p.m. ET. Additionally, the team will host a neutral match between Davidson and North Dakota State earlier during that same Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET. The winners of each first round match will face each other on Saturday (Dec. 3) at 4 p.m. ET.

We are officially 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 🚨

First time in the @CoachSmart_ era❗️

Stay tuned for more details.#GoDeacs 🎩🏐 pic.twitter.com/J1vGFAZxIO

— Wake Volleyball (@WakeVolleyball) November 28, 2022

This is Wake Forest’s first postseason appearance in the head coach Randi Smart era. The Deacs competed in the North Carolina Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NCAIAW) State Tournament for four straight postseasons from 1978-81. Additionally, Wake Forest made Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament appearances in 1980-81, 1983, and 1985-86 before the tournament ceased in 2004.

The NIVC is an annual tournament involving 32 to 40 of the nation’s top women’s Division I volleyball teams. All matches, including the semifinals and championship, are hosted by participating schools. Every round involves single elimination. The event offers 32 automatic berths, one to each established conference.

Most recently, Wake Forest wrapped its 2022 regular season on Nov. 25, defeating Clemson in four sets for a Senior Day victory. The Deacs went 16-13 overall during the regular season, including an 8-10 mark in conference play.

2022 NIVC Tournament

Season Highlights

• Wake Forest’s 16 regular-season wins this fall was its most in a single season since 2014.

  
  

  • Additionally, the Deacs grabbed nine victories on their home floor, also the most since the 2014 campaign.

  • Wake Forest won three of its last four regular-season contests.

• The Deacs’ .552 winning percentage in 2022 is its best…