Tulsa Volleyball Plays Tonight in NIVC

Match Notes (PDF) | NIVC Bracket (PDF) | NIVC Tournament Central

TULSA, Okla. - The University of Tulsa volleyball team has not closed the doors on its 2019 campaign, as the Golden Hurricane (15-15, 8-8 The American) get ready to compete in the 2019 National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). Tulsa opens the 32-team tournament against UC Davis on Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT at the Walter Pyramid on the campus of Long Beach State University in California.

The NIVC is a single-elimination tournament, with all matches played at sites of host schools. The event debuted in 1989 with 20 teams, in response to a demand for another postseason opportunity within the sport. It was held for seven seasons, before making its return in 2017.

This is the second straight appearance for the Golden Hurricane in the NIVC. Last season's berth was the program's first postseason since 2013. For the Aggies (17-12, 9-7 Big West), this is their first postseason in over two decades.

Not only are both teams looking to advance in the single-elimination tournament, but they also share a common theme - the number four. A win for Tulsa would snap a four-game skid, while UC Davis heads down I-5 looking to extend its winning streak to four contests.

Wednesday's contest marks the second all-time meeting between the Golden Hurricane and Aggies. The two teams previously met at Donald W. Reynolds Center during the 2011 campaign, as the Golden Hurricane fell to the Aggies in straight sets during the Park Inn Hurricane Invitational. The contest was a tug-of-war battle, as extra points were forced in the first two sets [26-28, 24-26, 23-25].

The match will be memorable for both head coaches. Tulsa head coach Ryan Wills and UC Davis head coach Dan Conners spent two seasons together at UCLA as assistant coaches (2008-09).

The winner of Wednesday's contest will advance to the second round on Thursday, where they await the victor of Santa Clara at Long Beach State. Should the Golden Hurricane win, it would be their first meeting between either the Broncos (20-11, 10-8 WCC) or the Beach (12-16, 9-7 Big West).

NIVC Tournament session tickets are $20, courtside seats $35, and general admission tickets $15 for both days. Single day tickets were listed on Tuesday with single day general admission tickets at $9, with reserved tickets on sale for $11, and courtside seats on sale for $20. Student tickets are $5 with valid student ID. To purchase tickets, please click here .

Live Video and Live Stats will be available during the match.

To keep up with the latest news on Tulsa volleyball, visit TulsaHurricane.com and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Tulsa Volleyball Plays Tonight in NIVC

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