2022 Women's Volleyball Notes -- Week 1

The OUAZ women's volleyball team is set to open its 2022 season on Friday with a home match against Benedictine Mesa at 3 p.m. in Faith Arena.

Coming off the most successful season in program history, the Spirit enter the campaign with a No. 17 NAIA National ranking. OUAZ was the choice of the coaches in the GSAC to repeat as the conference's champion.

OUAZ earned those preseason nods on the strength of going 26-4 last season, winning the program's first GSAC title at 17-1 in conference play, and making the first appearance at the NAIA National Championship.

The Spirit brings a 10-match home winning streak into the home opener after going 17-1 in Faith Arena last season. Since moving into their on-campus home, the Spirit holds a record of 20-3 and are winners in 18 of the past 19 home contests.

While the expectations are high, the 2022 Spirit will feature a new look with just six returners from last season's group. The returning core accounted for only 17 percent of the team's total kills in 2021 and 19 percent of the total attacks. Those players did account for 27 percent of the team's service aces and 23 percent of the digs a year ago.

Livia De Pra is the key returning piece for the Spirit after totaling 235 kills at an average of 2.35 per set. A contributor across the floor, De Pra was also second on the team with 43 aces while adding 293 digs and 26 blocks.

Evonne Rodriguez is back to help anchor the defensive back line. Rodriguez contributed 176 digs and 20 aces last season in her serving and defense role.

OUAZ will welcome in 17 newcomers when they take the floor on Thursday. That group features eight that have transferred in this season.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Livia De Pra: OH; 6' 0"; Junior

#5 Evonne Rodriguez: L/DS; 5' 4"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#11 Livia De Pra
: 6' 0"; Junior
: OH

#5 Evonne Rodriguez
: 5' 4"; Senior
: L/DS

Players Mentioned

#11 Livia De Pra

#5 Evonne Rodriguez

Players Mentioned

#11 Livia De Pra

#5 Evonne Rodriguez