Stanford Volleyball 2023 Schedule Announced

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Hey there, sports enthusiasts! Get ready to witness the electrifying action of Stanford Volleyball in 2023. The highly anticipated schedule has finally dropped, promising an unforgettable season filled with thrilling matches and intense rivalries. Mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by the skilled athletes and heart-stopping moments that lie ahead. As the Cardinal embark on their quest for victory, let\’s delve into the schedule and unravel the highlights that await us.

2023 Stanford Women\’s Volleyball Schedule

Regular Season Schedule

The Stanford Cardinal women\’s volleyball team is set to embark on an exciting 2023 campaign, aiming to continue their legacy of excellence. The Cardinal boasts a formidable regular season schedule that will test their mettle and prepare them for the postseason. Let\’s delve into the upcoming matchups.

Early-Season Contests

Stanford opens its season on Friday, September 1, with a formidable showdown against the Pepperdine Waves. Pepperdine, under the leadership of Coach Troy Tanner, has been a consistent force in women\’s volleyball and will provide a stern test for the Cardinal. Two days later, on Sunday, September 3, Stanford faces the Pacific Tigers. The Tigers, led by second-year head coach Mark Cardinal, are a rising star in the Big West Conference and are sure to put up a spirited fight. A week later, on Saturday, September 10, the Cardinal host the UC Davis Aggies. The Aggies, under the guidance of veteran coach Dan Conners, are known for their relentless defense and will be looking to upset the reigning national champions.

October Games

October marks the beginning of Stanford\’s Pac-12 conference schedule, where they\’ll face off against some of the top teams in the nation. The Cardinal will play three road games and one home game during the month.

Key Matchups

Stanford\’s first key matchup in October comes on October 12th when they travel to Seattle to face the Washington Huskies. Washington is a perennial powerhouse in the Pac-12 and is always a tough opponent. The Huskies are led by senior outside hitter Samantha Bricio, who is one of the most decorated players in college volleyball history. Stanford will need to be at their best to pull off an upset on the road.

Two days later, Stanford will travel to Pullman, Washington to face the Washington State Cougars. Washington State is a rising program under head coach Jen Greeny and is looking to make a run at the Pac-12 title this year. The Cougars are led by senior middle blocker Pia Timmer, who is one of the most dominant players in the conference. Stanford will need to control the net and limit Timmer\’s impact if they want to win this match.

Stanford\’s final key matchup in October comes on October 20th when they host the Oregon Ducks. Oregon is another top team in the Pac-12 and is always a threat to win the conference championship. The Ducks are led by senior libero Brooke Nuneviller, who is one of the best defensive players in the country. Stanford will need to put up a high-scoring performance if they want to beat Oregon at home.

November Schedule

The Stanford volleyball team will face a challenging schedule in November, with a mix of home and away games against some of the top teams in the Pac-12 Conference.

Home and Away Games

The Cardinal will open the month with a road trip to Berkeley to face Cal on November 4th. Stanford has a strong rivalry with Cal, and the two teams have met 92 times over the years with Stanford holding a 67-25 advantage. The Cardinal will look to extend their winning streak against Cal to three games.

Stanford will then return home for a pair of games against Colorado and Utah. The Cardinal will host Colorado on November 17th at Maples Pavilion Stanford has won the last four meetings against Colorado and will look to make it five in a row. Stanford will then travel to Salt Lake City to face Utah on November 19th. The Cardinal have won the last two meetings against Utah and will be looking to sweep the season series.

The November schedule will be a tough test for the Stanford volleyball team. However, the Cardinal has a talented roster and is confident that they can compete with the best teams in the Pac-12 Conference.

December Tournament

NCAA Tournament

December 1-4: First and Second Rounds

The NCAA Tournament, the pinnacle of collegiate volleyball, kicks off early in December with the first and second rounds. Stanford, seeking its ninth national championship, will host the first two rounds at Maples Pavilion. The Cardinal have a storied history in the tournament, having reached the Final Four 18 times and winning the title eight times. The top 16 teams in the country receive automatic bids to the tournament, while the remaining 32 teams earn at-large bids based on their performance throughout the season.

December 8-10: Regional Semifinals and Finals

The eight remaining teams from the first and second rounds advance to the regional semifinals and finals. These matches will be played at four regional sites across the country. The winners of each regional will advance to the national semifinals and finals, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio.

Format

The NCAA Tournament is a single-elimination bracket. Teams must win two matches in order to advance to the next round. The tournament uses a point system to seed the teams, with the top 16 teams receiving the highest seeds. The higher-seeded team hosts the match in the first and second rounds. In the regional semifinals and finals, the team with the higher seed is given the option to host the match. If both teams choose to host, the match will be played at a neutral site.

Player Profiles

Key Players to Watch

The Stanford Cardinal volleyball team boasts an extraordinary roster brimming with talent and experience. Among the standout players to watch are the following:

Kathryn Plummer, Outside Hitter: A true volleyball phenom, Plummer is a 6\’6\” outside hitter renowned for her exceptional athleticism, powerful spikes, and uncanny ability to read the court. The reigning Pac-12 Player of the Year and a two-time AVCA All-American, she is widely considered one of the most dominant hitters in the country.

Jenna Gray, Setter: The heartbeat of the Cardinal offense, Gray is a 6\’2\” setter who orchestrates the team\’s attack with precision and finesse. Her exceptional court vision, ability to distribute the ball effectively, and seamless connection with her hitters make her a vital cog in the team\’s success.

Caitie Baird, Libero: A defensive stalwart, Baird is a 5\’9\” libero who serves as the team\’s last line of defense. Her lightning-fast reflexes, exceptional ball-handling skills, and fearless dives have earned her a reputation as one of the nation\’s elite backcourt players.