STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific volleyball team travels to Drake on Thursday, Dec. 8, as it competes in the quarterfinals of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) at the Knapp Center.
The Tigers (18-13), currently on a five-match winning streak dating back to November 17, completed the four-set win over Santa Clara in the second round of the tournament last Saturday, defeating the Broncos for the second time this season. Three players reached double-digit kill totals during the contest, with Biamba Kabengele and Alexa Edwards tallying a team-high 13, while Darina Kumanova added 11.
Jenna Heller and Jadyn Tubbs also played a crucial role in the winning efforts, with Heller recording 30 assists and 14 digs, while Tubbs finished with 14 assists and 12 digs.
Drake enters Thursday's contest after earning two wins over Weber State and Grand Canyon in the tournament's first two rounds. The Bulldogs (28-7), continuing their best-ever season, recorded 28 wins throughout the campaign, the most in program history.
The team has won 14 of their last 15 games, with three coming in postseason play. The only loss during that span came in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament final, falling in five sets to Northern Iowa.
Haley Bush and Mariana Rodriguez lead the Bulldogs offensively, registering 489 kills and 453 kills, respectively. Bush also ranks third on the team in digs, tallying 297 throughout the season.
Jada Wills and Kacie Rewerts lead the team defensively, with Wills tallying 675 digs, while Rewerts commands the front line with 167 blocks.
Thursday's matchup will be the first-ever meeting between Pacific and Drake.
For more information about the 2022 season and future events, follow Pacific volleyball on social media and download the Pacific Athletics mobile app.
