Women's volleyball: UNT wins first-round match in NIVC

UNT came back from dropping the first set of their match against Tulsa on Thursday and rolled to a 13-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-21 win.

The Mean Green improved to 18-16 on the season and secured a second straight winning campaign in the process. They’ll look to extend their run in the 32-team event when they take on Wichita State at 5:30 p.m. Friday back at the Mean Green Volleyball Center.

Advancing in the tournament for the second straight year was a milestone for the program in what has been a rebuilding year. UNT lost 11 out of 12 matches at one point early in the year.

“We would still like to make it to the NCAA tournament,” UNT coach Andrew Palileo said of the program’s future. “It’s been a progression for us. The NIVC came along at a great time for our program and allows us to compete in a tournament setting.”

UNT lost several of its top players after last season and has rebuilt around a series of young players who came through at the right time in the NIVC. Sophomore outside hitter Valerie Valerian finished with 18 kills, while freshman middle blocker Rhett Robinson added 12.

Senior setter Karly York handed out 48 assists and helped UNT rebound from a tough first set.

“We came out a little rattled,” York said. “Nothing went our way. Once we got settled in and started spreading the ball, we were much more efficient.”

UNT now will turn its attention to Wichita State.

The Shockers (14-17) beat Central Arkansas in a five-set thriller in their opening-round match.

The Mean Green beat Wichita State in a four-set match in their regular-season finale.

Palileo said that UNT will be very familiar with the Shockers. The Mean Green will also be a little more familiar with the challenges of playing in the postseason after playing in the NIVC for a second straight year.

UNT lost to TCU in the second round last season and will look to move a step further in the postseason this year.

“We are a little more prepared for this,” Palileo said. “That is what a tournament can do for a young team like us. The longer we go, the more experience our younger players get.”