Undefeated WKU to play Jackson State in NCAA volleyball tournament first round
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (BVM) — After winning the Conference USA tournament championship over Rice on April 3, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers women’s volleyball team knew that it would be in the 48-team NCAA Volleyball Tournament, it was just a matter of where and who they’d play. On April 4, the Hilltoppers found out they would play Jackson State, winners of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship tournament.
We'll open @NCAAVolleyball Tournament action on April 14 from the Bubble with a First Round match against Jackson State! #GoTopshttps://t.co/XHxFrMqPqy
— WKU Volleyball (@WKUVolleyball) April 4, 2021
The matchup is an intriguing one on multiple levels. Not only does the matchup put two conference champions against each other, but it also puts two undefeated teams on the court together. WKU finished its season with a perfect 21-0 record and 63-4 record by set. On the other end, Jackson State finished its season 11-0 including a perfect 9-0 in SWAC play.
Selection Show snaps 📸 pic.twitter.com/iQRkKqxNHk
— WKU Volleyball (@WKUVolleyball) April 4, 2021
During the season, the Hilltoppers secured their sixth automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in the past seven seasons and seventh straight regular season C-USA title. In addition, WKU also secured its 21st consecutive season with at least 20 wins, the fifth longest active streak in the NCAA.
TOPS WIN!! pic.twitter.com/oVLwBYtXNF
— WKU Volleyball (@WKUVolleyball) April 3, 2021
The Hilltoppers were ranked No. 18 in the April 5 American Volleyball Coaches Association Division I coaches Top 25 women’s poll. If WKU wins its first round matchup against Jackson State, the Hilltoppers would face No. 15 seed Washington State, who were listed at No. 17 in the April 5 coaches poll, making for an intriguing second round matchup.
Back up to No. 18 in the @AVCAVolleyball Coaches Poll!
🔗 – https://t.co/j1PBA9A1uN pic.twitter.com/kq5dV0t2Pp
— WKU Volleyball (@WKUVolleyball) April 5, 2021
However, before that potential game can happen, the Hilltoppers will have to beat the Lady Tigers in the first round. That game will take place on April 14 at 10:30 EST in Omaha, Neb. where the entire tournament will be held in a bubble throughout the month of April.
