NEWS

Bella Brady in a recent home match in Belk Arena

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Davidson College volleyball team will await their final non-conference tests this weekend, as they welcome Appalachian State and Wake Forest to John M. Belk Arena for the Davidson Invitational.

The ‘Cats will take on the Mountaineers on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. and later meet Wake Forest on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. Davidson will be signing post game autographs after Saturday’s match with the Demon Deacons.

‘TIL NOW… The Wildcats have kicked off the season with a 7-1 record, falling only to three-time Big South Champions High Point University. It’s the best start to a season for a Davidson volleyball team since the ‘Cats won 10-straight to begin the 1990 campaign.

CONFERENCE SPLASH… Bella Brady and Mia Compas have earned Atlantic 10 Conference nods in the early season, as Brady was named Defensive Player of the Week on September 5, and a week later Compas earned Rookie of the Week rights. In six matches played, Compas has 29 kills and just seven attack errors on 63 swings (.349). Brady continues to lead the league’s liberos, averaging 5.07 digs per set which also ranks 22nd nationally.

THE TARHEEL STATE… Davidson’s non-conference ledger has consisted of five in-state opponents; Queens, UNC Wilmington, High Point, App State and Wake Forest. The ‘Cats are 2-1 thus far against fellow North Carolinian schools heading into this weekend’s contests. 

ABOUT THE DEMON DEACS… Wake Forest enters the Davidson Invitational at 7-2 overall, earning significant victories against Central Florida (3-2) and Grand Canyon (3-1). The Wildcats and Demon Deacons met twice last season, as Wake Forest took the first match in a 3-0 sweep, before Davidson turned around and downed the Deacs on their home court, 3-2, during round two of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship.

SCOUTING APP STATE… The Mountaineers come into Davidson at 9-0, picking up notable wins over East Carolina, Campbell and NC A&T. App State is one of 14 undefeated teams remaining in NCAA Division I volleyball. The Mountaineers lead the Sun Belt Conference and rank eighth nationally in total team blocks (94), and rank second in the SBC and 17th in the NCAA for blocks per set (2.85).

LOOKING AHEAD… Atlantic 10 play begins next weekend, as the ‘Cats welcome George Washington with a pair of matches on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Saturday will be a 12 p.m. first serve on ESPN+, followed by a 1 p.m. start on Sunday.