South Raleigh News

The NC State volleyball team is set to open the 2024 season at the Bluejay Invitational hosted by 12th-ranked Creighton on August 30 at D.J. Skol Arena. The Pack will begin play against the host on Friday before facing Drake on Saturday. Play will conclude on Sunday against Missouri.

Friday's meeting with the Bluejays will mark just the second encounter between the two programs. The last time they met was in 2018, and Creighton won in straight sets. Creighton won the Big East outright last season (regular season and tournament) before earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and concluding their season in the Sweet 16. The program checked in at number 12 in the preseason AVCA poll.

Saturday's meeting with the Bulldogs will be a first for both teams. Drake finished second in the Missouri Valley last season and concluded their season in the quarterfinals of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship.

Sunday's matchup with the Tigers will be their third encounter and first since 2013. Mizzou holds a 2-0 advantage over NC State, winning both matches in straight sets. The Tigers finished seventh in the SEC last season and concluded their season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The program received votes in the preseason AVCA poll.

The Pack returned 14 players from their 2023 roster and added three during the offseason—one transfer and two freshmen.

Key returners for NC State include Ava Brizard, Naomi Cabello, Martyna Leoniak, and Jada Allen.

Junior Sophie Groom joined during spring semester as a middle blocker after being a member of ASUN All-Freshman Team, averaging 2.06 kills per set, a .309 hitting percentage, 0.77 blocks per set, and 2.54 points per set.

Reis Baune and Alyssa Forelli joined over summer; Baune is an outside hitter who was a U13 National Champion and All-American in high school while Forelli is a setter who earned first team All-Region and second team All-State honors.