TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

ABOUT UWF: UWF returns nine letterwinners and three starters from a  2017 season that saw the Argonauts go 30-7 overall, 18-0 against Gulf South Conference teams and advance to the NCAA South Regional final for the third time in program history. Senior Nadine Williams and junior Jordyn Poppen return after strong 2017 campaigns. Williams averaged 3.14 digs/set and Poppen put down 2.98 kills/set. Sophomore Logan Kael returns after being named to the AVCA South Region and GSC Freshman of the Year.

ABOUT REGIS: The Rangers return 12 players  from the 2017 team that made the NCAA Quarterfinals for the first time since 1998. They finished their 2017 season 31-4 overall and 17-1 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. Nikki Kennedy was named the RMAC Preseason Player and Defensive Player of the Year after earning those post-season accolades last season.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE: SMSU finished its 2017 campaign 29-4 overall and 17-3 in the NSIC, while making its 14th consecutive NCAA Tournament. SMSU is returning 10 letterwinners and four starters in 2018. Taylor Reiss was named 2017 AVCA National Player of the Year. Reiss is also a two-time NSIC Offensive Player of the Year. Kaylee Burmeister was awarded a honorable mention AVCA All-American recognition last season.

ABOUT WESTERN WASHINGTON: The Vikings are the defending Great Northwest Athletic Conference Champions after a 27-4 overall and 19-1 conference finish a year ago. Senior outside hitter Abby Phelps was a 2017 AVCA First Team All-American and is the GNAC Preseason Player of the Year. The Vikings are ranked No. 5 in the AVCA NCAA Division II preseason poll, the 81st consecutive week in the national rankings.

ABOUT WHEELING JESUIT: The Cardinals are led by head coach Christy Benner who has an .812 winning percentage (533-123) in her 16 seasons. The 2017 season was highlighted by a 33-6 record and an 16-0 mark in the Mountain East Conference. The 2018 squad is led by a pair of AVCA All-Americans in junior setter Stephanie Sylvester and junior middle blocker Haley Kramer