Volleyball makes 12th consecutive tournament appearance

Seven Toreros honored with end-of-season awards 

MARI OLSON / SPORTS EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

University of San Diego volleyball headed to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament for the 12th consecutive year, which began on Dec. 2.

This is the 25th appearance for the Toreros in the national tournament, and coach Jennifer Petrie’s 21st time leading the team to the biggest stage in collegiate volleyball. 

USD faced the Rice University Owls in the first round of the tournament. The Toreros could not keep up with Rice’s team, however, and fell to the Owls in straight sets; although junior opposite, Grace Frohling, led the team with a match-high 15 kills.

In addition to the tournament appearance, seven Torero volleyball players earned All-West Coast Conference (WCC) honors at the conclusion of the regular season. 

Senior libero, Annie Benbow, sophomore middle blocker, Leyla Blackwell, Frohling, and senior outside hitter, Katie Lukes, were all named to the All-WCC First Team. 

Sophomore outside hitter, Kylie Pries, was an honorable mention to the All-WCC team, and middle blocker, Haylee Stoner, and outside hitter, Emily Wilson, were both named to the All-WCC Freshman Team.  

A special season for USD volleyball culminated in the tournament appearance and the WCC honors, with the team winning 20 out of 28 games total. Big wins over opponents like nationally-ranked Pepperdine University (who also went out in the first round of the tournament) and gritty WCC opponent Loyola Marymount University showcased the toughness of this team. 

Tune back in Fall 2022 as Torero volleyball will look to make its 13th-straight NCAA tournament appearance.