BVB: Privateers Set to Make Waves in Season Opener at Green Wave Invitational

NEW ORLEANS - The University of New Orleans Beach Volleyball team is set to kick off the 2024 season at the Green Wave Invitational, taking place from Friday, February 23 to Saturday, February 24 at the White Sands Volleyball Courts. The tournament will feature matches against Spring Hill College, North Alabama, Stephen F. Austin, and Oregon, respectively.

Action begins on Friday with the Privateers facing Spring Hill College at 2 p.m., followed by a match against North Alabama at 4 p.m. On Saturday, the team will compete against Stephen F. Austin at 11:00 a.m. and then conclude the tournament with a match against Oregon at 4 p.m.

Heading into the season, the New Orleans roster boasts nine returners, including two graduate students, Rita Zecchin and Hannah Volpi, as well as seniors Valerie Vujnovich and Serena Baumgart. Volpi, recognized as a Southland Player to Watch, brings with her an impressive 19-13 overall record and has earned distinction as a two-time SLC All-Conference member.

Also returning is Maria Ozaeta, a sophomore who notched 21 career wins in her first season and was named to the 2024 SLC watch list. Another notable addition is Central Arkansas transfer Bria Garmon, who returns to the Southland Conference after an outstanding freshman campaign in 2021.

In preseason polling by head coaches and sports information directors, the Privateers were picked to finish fourth in the Southland Conference, with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Boise State, and HCU ranked above them.

Looking back at the previous season, New Orleans achieved a commendable 21-16 overall record and reached the semifinals of the SLC tournament in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Spring Hill College, with a 16-14 overall record in the 2023 season, will pose a challenge for the Privateers as they've gone unbeaten in their last two meetings. North Alabama, returning nine players and led by ASUN Preseason Player of the Year Paula Klemperer, sits at 1-1 all-time against New Orleans. Stephen F. Austin, with an 8-20 record last season, and Oregon, boasting 14 wins in 2022, complete the lineup.

Live stats will be provided for all matches, with comprehensive results and a recap available on RoarLions.com at the conclusion of the invitational.

Following this weekend's opening tournament, the team heads to Thibodaux, La. for the Bayou Battle on March 1-2, featuring matchups against University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, William Carey University (Miss.), Nicholls, and Southeastern.

MATCH 1
New Orleans vs. Spring Hill College
Friday, February 23, 2024
11 a.m.
Live Stats


MATCH 2
New Orleans vs. North Alabama
Friday, February 23, 2024
4 p.m.
Live Stats


MATCH 3
New Orleans vs. Stephen F. Austin
Saturday, February 24, 2024
11 a.m.
Live Stats


MATCH 4
New Orleans vs. Oregon
Saturday, February 24, 2024
4 p.m.
Live Stats 
 

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