Sports

Volleyball set for Noona Kennard Tournament this weekend

Published

3 months ago

September 12, 2025

FLORENCE, Ala. (September 11, 2025) – The University of North Alabama volleyball team will host the Western Carolina Catamounts and the Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend in the Noona Kennard Volleyball Tournament at CB&S Bank Arena.

This will mark UNA’s first home match against Alabama inside CB&S Bank Arena. The Lions are hoping for a record attendance with hundreds of tickets already sold.

The Lions open the event Friday, Sept. 12, against Western Carolina at 6 p.m. The matchup marks the first meeting between the programs. UNA will close the tournament Sunday, Sept. 14, against Alabama at 2 p.m. The Lions are seeking their second straight win over the Crimson Tide after sweeping them on the road in 2024.

Alabama and Western Carolina will face each other Saturday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m.

The Friday match will serve as the third annual Eden Calhoun Memorial Match. Sunday’s contest will be UNA Volleyball Alumni Day, highlighted by a noon luncheon to welcome former players back to Florence.

Both UNA matches will be available for streaming on ESPN+, and live stats will be provided through StatBroadcast. Full results and a recap will be posted on RoarLions.com following the action, but fans can also follow along in real time on the UNA Volleyball social media pages.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the match, as parking is limited due to ongoing construction. As such, the lot near the Hal Self Athletic Annex will be unavailable. Violators will be towed if parked in the construction zone.

Fans are encouraged to park in Lot O below the arena, the Science Building lot or in the parking deck across from the arena. Limited handicap parking will be available in front of the CB&S Bank Arena ticket office.

The parking lot at College View Church of Christ is private property and is not permitted for use.

MATCH 1

North Alabama vs. Western Carolina

Friday, Sept. 12, 2025

6 p.m.

Watch | Live Stats | Tickets | Twitter

MATCH 2

North Alabama vs. Alabama

Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025

2 p.m.

Watch | Live Stats | Tickets | Twitter

NOTES

SCOUTING THE LIONS: North Alabama enters the weekend 4-4 after sweeping Samford on Tuesday — the Lions’ first win over the Bulldogs since 1997. Junior Kendall Barnes led UNA with 10 kills and a career-high three service aces. Nicole Sargent and Dylann Garner added seven kills apiece. Kinslee McGowan tallied 30 assists, Ava Martindale posted 20 digs, and Jenna Kolosta contributed three blocks.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: McGowan and Jenna Kolosta were named the Atlantic Sun Conference Volleyball Setter of the Week and Freshman of the Week, respectively, on Monday. The honors marked the first each of their careers, with McGowan’s award marking the first in Division I program history. Kolosta’s accolade continued a long line of ASUN weekly freshman awards for UNA with the 13th in program history.

DISHING DIMES: McGowan has been the point guard for the North Alabama Volleyball offense, and her first season as the primary starting setter has started earning a career mark. McGowan tallied her 500th career assist against Alabama A&M on Sept. 2. McGowan has led in match assists in all but two contests (at Mississippi State and versus Samford) and is second in the Atlantic Sun Conference in assists per set (9.93). As of Sept. 10, her 298 assists rank first in the ASUN.

KENDALL ON THE ATTACK!: Kendall Barnes has been UNA’s leader on the attack, leading the team with 107 kills. As of Sept. 10, she ranks second in the ASUN in kills per set (3.57), and her 107 kills are the most among the top 10. Barnes has 115 points on the season, with the junior third in the ASUN in points per set (3.83).

ACING THE COMPETITION: Service ace extraordinaire Olivia Fenoff has provided added offense, totaling 15 on the season. Her 15 aces leads the ASUN as of Sept. 10, and her 0.50 ace per set average is tied for second. She also set a career mark with her 50th service ace against Grambling State on Aug. 30.

GET YOUR SHOVELS!: Ava Martindale has gotten off to a great start in her first season at North Alabama. As of Sept. 10, she’s tied atop the ASUN with 119 digs and is fifth in digs per set (3.97).

AMONG THE RANKS: UNA is ranked nationally in individual statistics as of Sept. 10. McGowan is tied for third in the NCAA in total assists while 38th in assists per set. Barnes is 12th in total kills, and Fenoff is 19th nationally in total service aces. Barnes, additionally, is 25th in the country in total points. Martindale rounds out the leaders placing 20th in total digs.

MAKING THEIR MARK: The new faces for UNA Volleyball have been impactful early on the season. Martindale set a career high in digs against Southeast Missouri, with Barnes tallying a career-high 21 kills against Alabama A&M. Kolosta has also had a solid start at middle blocker with a season stat line of 51 kills, 20 blocks and 13 digs. Junior Jessi Ritchhart has also contributed in limited action with a Division I career-high 12 digs against SEMO.

SCOUTING WESTERN CAROLINA: Western Carolina enters the weekend at 4-3, coming off a 3-2 comeback win against UNC Asheville on Sept. 9. The Catamounts previously played at the Blue Ridge Volleyball Classic from Sept. 5-6 and came away with a 3-2 win against Bradley. Western Carolina’s Katie Boney won the Southern Conference’s Setter of the Week on Sept. 8. Her 298 assists is tied for third nationally with UNA’s Kinslee McGowan. The meeting against North Alabama marks the first all-time series matchup. Western Carolina’s head coach is Karen Glover.

SCOUTING ALABAMA: Alabama sports a 5-1 record, defeating Wake Forest on Wednesday, 3-2. The Crimson Tide opened the season with four-straight wins against UNC Asheville, Jacksonville, UAB and Chattanooga. Alabama is led in points and kills by Victoria Barrett with 102.5 and 89, respectively. Hannah Parant has the team high in assists with 223, also leading with 14 service aces. Trinity Stanger leads with 92 digs, and Sarah Stevens has a leading 18 blocks on the season. Rashinda Reed is the head coach for Alabama.

SERIES HISTORY VS. THE CRIMSON TIDE: Sunday marks the second all-time meeting between UNA and Alabama since 1978. North Alabama won the first of those meetings in a 3-0 road sweep on Sept. 18, 2024. Prior to 1978, UNA and Alabama played 13 times according to available records. North Alabama won three of those contests, including a 2-0 win in Florence on Oct. 14, 1975. UNA additionally claimed away wins on Oct. 21, 1974 and Nov. 8, 1975. In 2024, Tristan Johnson became the first UNA volleyball coach to defeat Alabama since UNA Athletic Hall of Famer Don McBrayer. Johnson is a graduate of Alabama and was an assistant coach for the Tide for two seasons.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Meet the Rapid City Journal’s 2025 Best of the Black Hills volleyball team

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8 minutes ago

December 24, 2025

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WholeHogSports Athletes of the Year: Arkansas Razorbacks had 4 of nation’s best in 2025

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24 minutes ago

December 24, 2025

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WholeHogSports Athletes of the Year: Arkansas Razorbacks had 4 of nation’s best in 2025 | Whole Hog Sports

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The Wright Choice: CSUB Volleyball Welcomes New Head Coach

Published

1 hour ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – A national search for the new Head Coach of the Cal State Bakersfield volleyball team produced dozens of qualified applicants with elite accomplishments, but the candidate who stood out among the crowd was, coincidentally, originally from right down the street. CSUB Acting Director of Athletics Dr. Sarah Tuohy has announced that Bakersfield native Kristen Wright will take the helm of the Roadrunner volleyball program.

A Stockdale High School graduate who went on to earn All-America honors in college, Wright (née Hurst) has put together a coaching resume as equally as impressive. With championship coaching experience at every level of amateur volleyball, Wright brings coaching Hall of Fame and Coach of the Year accolades in her return to Kern County.

“From the moment we began this search,” Tuohy said, “it was clear that Kristen was the right leader for this program. Her vision for Roadrunner Volleyball aligns directly with where we are headed as a department, and she has a proven ability to build programs back to championship caliber. There is no one better to represent and sell this university and the city of Bakersfield than someone who understands and loves this community so deeply.”

Wright served the past eight seasons at the University of North Florida in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Inheriting a squad that posted a 13-19 record prior to her arrival in 2018, Wright quickly turned the program around, finishing with a 25-8 showing in just her third full season with the Ospreys.

During that 2021 run, Wright’s squad made it to the NIVC Quarterfinals while resetting the program record for wins in a season with 25. She also guided the Ospreys to a program-high RPI of 49, ending with the highest final RPI at 75 and tallying the program’s first-ever victory over a Power 5 squad.

“I want to thank Sarah Tuohy, President Harper, and the entire search committee for their belief in me as the next head coach for CSUB Volleyball,” Wright said. “Bakersfield is my home and my love for volleyball began in the Icardo Center. I was impressed by the internal operations and vision of Sarah and her administrative support team. I think CSUB is in a unique time of creating vision, adapting to the rapid changes in the NCAA landscape and the leadership is something I will enjoy working with.”

Boasting a track record of success, Wright’s resume is flooded with championship achievements at all levels, including a CCCAA State title with the MiraCosta College beach volleyball team and nine-consecutive CIF San Diego Section Championships and six Southern California State Regional Championships with Tri-City Christian High School.

During her eight-year tenure at North Florida, Wright became the winningest coach in the program’s Division I history (since 2005) with an overall record of 197-154. She coached 10 All-Conference selections, four ASUN Defensive Player of the Year honorees and one ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year, all while maintaining a team cumulative GPA between 3.3 and 3.7.

While Wright’s journey followed a path that led to the other side of the country, she has remained rooted in Bakersfield and feels she is returning at the right time:

“This was also the right time for our family. My husband, Doug, is an elite Division I college beach volleyball coach, and returning to California allows our children, Bradyn and Kylee, to thrive during these important high school years while having their grandparents involved in their everyday lives. Some of my closest friends are here and thriving, and that sense of connection means everything to us. Home is truly where your people are.”

A standout prep star, Wright was highly recruited out of Stockdale High School, but she turned down Power 5 offers to compete for the University of San Diego. Wright became a four-year starter and captain for the Toreros. The pin hitter was named an All-American while leading USD to the program’s first-ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.

In her return to the Central Valley, Wright brings the ability to recruit from all areas and all levels, including attracting four Power 5 recruits to her program. She also aims to reconnect the Bakersfield Volleyball community back to CSUB while building the program into a regular contender in The Big West.

“I am excited to reunify our community around CSUB Volleyball and to build a program that brings tremendous pride to Kern County,” Wright added. “CSUB offers an outstanding educational experience in a place where student-athletes can truly live and thrive. Bakersfield provides the best of both worlds – an incredible community with a Midwest feel, where sports are part of the culture, while still enjoying all the benefits of the California dream, including proximity to the beach, mountains, lakes, theme parks, and major cities. What stands out most to me are the people. The passion, support, and pride in this community make Bakersfield special.”

Cal State Bakersfield invites the community to join us at the Icardo Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 4:30 p.m. (PT) to welcome Wright with an introductory press conference. Stay tuned to GoRunners.com as well as on social media (@CSUB_Volleyball) as Wright sets out to build a staff, a roster, and a schedule for the upcoming 2026 season.

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Lady Vols Announce Signing of Sun Belt Libero of the Year Marta Lazzarin

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2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Tennessee volleyball made another addition to its 2026 roster, as it announced the signing of the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Libero of the Year Marta Lazzarin.

“We are really excited to add Marta to our program and have her train with us this spring”, said head coach Eve Rackham Watt. “She is an elite serve receiver and will step in right away to add stability in our passing unit. I am looking forward to her bringing maturity, consistency, and high-level international experience to our gym. Our staff believes Marta’s development will blossom on Rocky Top and she will help us in pursuing Championships.”

Lazzarin earned Sun Belt Libero of the Year honors after a freshman season that saw her finish with 535 digs, 154 assists, and 25 aces. Lazzarin averaged 5.25 digs per set, leading the Sun Belt and ranked fifth nationally, while also being the second-best mark in Georgia State history. Lazzarin’s 535 digs in her lone season with the Panthers also ranks third in program history. Lazzarin finished with double-digit digs in 27 matches, including recording 20-plus in 13 matches. The First Team All-Sun Belt selection posted a career-high 32 digs against Evansville on Sept. 6, while also tallying a career-high 10 assists against Arkansas State on Sept. 10.

Before beginning her collegiate career, Lazzarin played for Audax Quartucciu Idrosistemi of the Italian Serie B2 league. Lazzarin also represented Serie A2 Libertas Martignacc, playing in 51 sets across 15 matches.

Lazzarin becomes the third transfer addition to the 2026 roster for the Lady Vols. NCAA triple-double record holder Jalyn Stout recently joined The Big Orange ahead of the 2026 campaign. Outside hitter Nia Hall was also recently announced by Tennessee, joining the team from South Carolina.

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Morgan Gaerte, All-ACC First Teamer, Signs with Kentucky Volleyball – UK Athletics

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Volleyball team announced the signing of outside hitter Morgan Gaerte on Wednesday afternoon, who joins the Wildcats with two years of eligibility remaining on her clock.

Gaerte comes to Lexington after spending the first two years of her career at Notre Dame, where she was named First Team All-ACC after the 2025 season and honorable mention on the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association All-America list for this year, as well. She was a team captain for Notre Dame and a member of the AVCA Midwest Region’s first team.

This season, she started all 28 matches and logged 497 kills for the Irish, the most by any Notre Dame player in the rally-scoring era (2008-pres.) and third-most overall in all scoring eras. Gaerte averaged a mammoth 4.64 kills per set and had 10-plus kills in 22-straight matches to kick off the UND season, the second-longest streak in program history for Notre Dame.

Standing at six-foot-five, she hails from Angola, Indiana where she graduated from Angola High School while being ranked as the No. 5 player in the nation by Volleyball Magazine in 2023 and first team all-state for Indiana in 2022 and 2023. She is majoring in Sports Marketing.

For the latest on UK Volleyball, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @KentuckyVB.

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Volleyball: Harrison County athletes named to All-East Texas volleyball team

Published

4 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Triniti Jackson

School: Longview

By the numbers: Jackson finished the season with 702 assists, 401 kills, 313 digs, 45 blocks and 60 aces to earn District 10-6A Setter of the Year honors. She was also named MVP of the Big School match at the second annual East Texas Volleyball All-Star Games held at Spring Hill. In her career, the Lady Lobo standout recorded 2,505 assists, 1,479 digs, 1,342 kills, 266 aces and 151 blocks

CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Blair Schroeder

School: Pine Tree

By the numbers: Schroeder recorded 166 kills, 329 digs, 41 assists, 51 aces and eight blocks for the Lady Pirates

CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Landry Tubb

School: Longview

By the numbers: Tubb recorded 628 digs, 28 aces and 42 assists for the Lady Lobos

COACH OF THE YEAR

Andrew Harbison

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: Harbison led Spring Hill to the Class 4A Division II state semifinals and a 40-7 record overall. It marked the third straight season the Lady Panthers have won at least 40 matches (121-18 during that span). The Lady Panthers went 14-0 in District 16-4A, and then defeated Brownsboro (3-1), Pleasant Grove (3-0), Panther Creek (3-2) and Aubrey (3-1) before falling 3-2 to eventual state champion Eagle Mountain. Harbison is 403-203 in his coaching career, including a 216-82 worksheet at Spring Hill

FIRST TEAM

Kellen Weaver

School: Beckville

By the numbers: 375 kills, 18 assists, 56 blocks, 132 digs, 62 aces, 91.4 percent server. District MVP

Jaharia Hunter

School: Longview

By the numbers: 331 kills, 222 digs, 32 blocks

Kaycin Farrell

School: Hallsville

By the numbers: 402 kills, .371 hitting percentage, 302 digs, 68 aces, 50 blocks, 29 assists, 2.26 SR rating, 373 receptions with 29 SR errors. District MVP

Elizabeth Corbitt

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 559 kills (school record), 46 blocks, 300 digs, 35 aces. District Hitter of the Year

Savannah Irwin

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 342 kills, 529 digs, 68 aces, 95.8 percent server. District Co-MVP

Kaysen Foster

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 454 kills, 352 digs, 44 aces, 37 blocks. Co-District MVP and MVP for Small Schools at the annual East Texas Volleyball All-Star Games

Kamdyn Scott

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 611 kills, 279 digs, 47 aces, 43 blocks. District Co-MVP. Signed with Metropolitan State University/Denver

Carly Chadwick

School: Pine Tree

By the numbers: 793 assists, 140 kills, 301 digs, 104 aces, 18 blocks. District Co-MVP

Taydem Barker

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 1,014 assists, 63 kills, 207 digs, 45 aces. District Setter of the Year

Danika Cantu

School: Marshall

By the numbers: 591 digs, 25 aces, 1.90 SR rating, 36 errors in 941 SR attempts, 65 assists

SECOND TEAM

Kylee Fernandez

School: Hallsville

By the numbers: 231 kills, .268 hitting percentage, 78 blocks, 58 digs. District Co-Blocker of the Year

Bryleigh Mayhan

School: Pine Tree

By the numbers: 336 kills, 139 digs, 35 aces, 30 blocks

Andee Bridges

School: White Oak

By the numbers: 517 kills, 370 digs, 50 aces, 1.86 SR rating

Chesney Jeter

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 694 assists, 175 digs, 48 kills, 56 aces

Caroline Cockerham

School: Carthage

By the numbers: 718 assists, 187 digs, 71 aces

Elle Litchenburg

School: Kilgore

By the numbers: 741 assists, 71 aces, 136 kills, 344 digs, 31 blocks

Keeley McCann

School: Sabine

By the numbers: 955 assists, 361 digs, 5 blocks, 158 kills, 61 aces

Kimora Pryor

School: West Rusk

By the numbers: 993 assists, 392 digs, 133 kills, 37 aces, 251 service points

Kaylee Londeau

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 606 digs (school record), 41 assists, 38 aces

Kyndal Greenwood

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 479 digs, 48 aces. District’s Libero of the Year

THIRD TEAM

Calleigh Secord

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 258 kills, 62 blocks, 104 digs, 21 assists, 27 aces

Giselle Webster

School: Kilgore

By the numbers: 133 blocks, 230 kills

Hannah Haffner

School: West Rusk

By the numbers: 354 kills, 128 blocks, 4 errors in 146 serves, 73 service points

Londyn Baker

School: White Oak

By the numbers: 319 kills, 383 digs, 66 aces

Chloe Green

School: New Diana

By the numbers: 364 kills, 484 digs, 70 aces. District MVP

Sarah Roberts

School: Sabine

By the numbers: 491 kills, 30 aces, 16 assists, 16 blocks, 371 digs

Lilly Fry

School: Hallsville

By the numbers: 632 assists, 217 digs, 4 blocks, 25 aces, 45 kills. District’s Setter of the Year

Taryn Reece

School: New Diana

By the numbers: 462 assists, 160 kills, 481 digs, 70 aces, 28 blocks

Carli Tuttle

School: Beckville

By the numbers: 222 kills, 441 assists, 47 blocks, 249 digs, 74 aces. District’s Top Setter

Laney Alexander

School: Carthage

By the numbers: 647 digs, 36 assists, 25 aces

HONORABLE MENTION

Longview: Alyssa Grissom, N’Kheyli Johnson, Aubrey Orban; Pine Tree: Allison Vasquez; Hallsville: Madi Farrell, Miller Goswick, Elizabeth Hale, Tailor Benson, Lyla Evans; Marshall: Alex Stevens, Nia Newhouse, D’Aubrena Stoker, Maggie Pringle, Kinlee Smith, Ella Kate Runnels, Addi Watkins; Carthage: Alli Bitter; Kilgore: Malea White, Kylie Herrin, Cheyenne Jones, Brittany Yzaguirre, Zoey Johnson; Gilmer: Jayna Rucker; West Rusk: Kamyah Lacy, Ireland Hunt, Kara King, Mackenzie Ressler, Paisley Smith; Arp: Kaitlynn Raymond, Kinley Schminkey, Landry Langley; New Diana: Gaby Martinez, Ava Smith; White Oak: Carrington Watson, Addy Young, Taylor Morgan, Peyton Thompson; Sabine: Ella Phillips; Harleton: Reagan McCarty, AnnaBelle Bunger, Holly Roberts; Beckville: Maci Morris, Adyson Davis; Elysian Fields: Madison Owens, Kaleigh Presley, Taylor Youngblood; Paul Pewitt: Darriyah Thomas, McKensi Jackson, Gloria Pureco; Leverett’s Chapel: Alyvia Page, Itzel Mata; Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill: Ella Waldon; Linden-Kildare: Lynlee LeJeune, Jamah Birmingham, Carley Hays, Jakiah Birmingham, Kalysa Roberts, Olivia Stewart, Hannah Snow; Christian Heritage: Kennedi Laney, Margo Risner; Troup: Shiloh Sluder, Qhenja Jordan, Chayne Graves; Hawkins: Jentri Evans, Jaci Smith, Haylee Skipworth, Ava Ellison