The ACU Wildcats volleyball team is preparing for an important final stretch of their 2024 regular season as they hit the road to face Grand Canyon University (GCU) and California Baptist University (CBU). This critical journey will determine whether the Wildcats secure a spot in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament, scheduled to take place just two and a half hours away in Arlington, Texas. The Wildcats need to win at least one of these final two games to secure their postseason berth.
Road to the WAC Tournament: Key Details
The Wildcats’ journey begins in Phoenix, Arizona, where they will take on the Grand Canyon Lopes on Thursday at 7 p.m. Afterward, they will head to Riverside, California, to face CBU on Saturday at 3 p.m. Both games will be streamed live on ESPN+, allowing fans to keep up with the action as the Wildcats battle for their spot in the tournament.
Final Week Recap at Moody Coliseum
ACU recently wrapped up its final home games at Moody Coliseum, and it was a mixed result for the team. They started the week with a heartbreaking five-set loss to Utah Valley, extending their winless streak against the program. However, they rallied on Senior Day with a thrilling five-set victory over Southern Utah, ending their home campaign on a positive note. Etruesports continues to track these pivotal moments in the Wildcats’ journey toward the WAC Tournament.
Breaking Down the ACU Wildcats’ Storylines
Streak Snapped
The Wildcats recently broke an eight-game losing streak with their dramatic win over Southern Utah. Their last win before that came on October 10, when they triumphed over Tarleton State in another five-set match. This victory has been crucial for momentum as they head into their final regular-season games.
Eyes on Arlington
As the regular season nears its end, three teams—ACU, Seattle U, and Tarleton State—are in a tight race for the remaining two spots in the WAC Volleyball Tournament. ACU can clinch their place with a win in either of their remaining matches or if Tarleton State loses one of their two remaining games. This makes every point in these upcoming matches essential for the Wildcats’ postseason hopes.
Player Highlights and Achievements
Career Milestone: Madeline Guffy
In their match against Utah Valley, senior setter Madeline Guffy achieved a significant career milestone by recording her 2,000th assist. Guffy ended the match with 47 assists, becoming only the third player in ACU’s Division I history to reach this milestone. Over her career, she has become a vital contributor, with 511 assists in 2022, 916 assists in 2023, and a team-leading 584 assists so far in 2024.
ACU Wildcats volleyball team (image via Getty)Five-Set Dominance
ACU has been exceptional in five-set matches this season, boasting a 5-1 record in such contests. Their victories include dramatic wins over Oral Roberts, California Baptist, Seattle U, Tarleton State, and Southern Utah. The only loss in a five-set match came against Utah Valley, but the Wildcats’ ability to thrive in tight matches will be vital as they aim to make a deep run in the WAC Tournament.
Steinhilber’s Stellar Season
Senior captain Bryley Steinhilber has been a key leader for the Wildcats, leading the team in kills, digs, and service aces. Steinhilber has amassed 265 kills, 245 digs, and 29 aces, showcasing her all-around impact and versatility on the court.
Dominant Defense from Gonzalez
Sophomore middle blocker Hannah Gonzalez has emerged as one of the Wildcats’ top defenders in her first season as a starter. She leads the team with a .232 hitting percentage and 71 blocks, while also contributing the second-most kills on the team with 206.
Opponent Previews: What to Expect
Grand Canyon Lopes
The Grand Canyon Lopes have had a successful season, with an 18-9 general record and an 11-4 mark in WAC play. ACU will need to regroup after suffering a 3-0 sweep to GCU earlier in the season. The Lopes are led by players like Tatum Parrott, who has 355 kills, and setter Taylor Kubacak, who has tallied 695 assists. GCU’s defense is anchored by Mykenna Nelson, who has 392 digs.
California Baptist Lancers
California Baptist holds a 6-21 general record and a 6-9 conference standing. Despite their struggles this season, the Lancers have secured a spot in the WAC Tournament with key victories over top-ranked Utah Tech and Grand Canyon. In their last matchup, ACU edged out CBU in a thrilling five-set win. The Lancers’ key players include libero Amanda Darling, who was named WAC Libero of the Week, and offensive contributors Nicole Mauser and Reese Reed.
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