Lander University

Women's Volleyball 11/26/2024 1:31:00 PM Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Volleyball Earns Historic Second Seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament

GREENWOOD - The Lander University volleyball team is heading to the NCAA tournament for the third consecutive year—and the seventh time overall—but this year, they're making history. The Bearcats have been named the second seed in the Southeast Regional, the program's highest-ever seeding, solidifying their place among Division II volleyball's elite.

The tournament will be hosted by the top-seeded Bulldogs at Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina. Lander will begin its tournament run against Peach Belt foe seventh-seeded USC Aiken in a highly anticipated matchup scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.

Facing a familiar opponent, the Bearcats are ready to prove why they earned their record-breaking seeding. Lander is 2-0 against the Pacers this season, defeating them 3-0 (25-8, 25-19, 25-16) at home and 3-2 (25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 15-9) on the road.

The Bearcats wrapped up the regular season with an impressive 20-4 overall record, claiming their first-ever Peach Belt Conference regular-season title with a dominant 7-1 performance in conference play. The team earned the No. 1 seed in the PBC Tournament before being ousted in the semifinals by Augusta.

Host Wingate University concluded the regular season with an outstanding 28-2 overall record, securing both the South Atlantic Conference regular season and tournament titles. Riding a remarkable 20-match winning streak, the Bulldogs will open the tournament against the eighth-seeded Converse Valkyries.

The Bearcats enter the tournament with a powerhouse roster, headlined by junior outside hitter and team captain Katie Miller. Recently named Peach Belt Player of the Year, Miller has been a dominant force on the court, averaging 4.29 kills per set while amassing an impressive 382 kills and 456.0 points this season.

Sophomore setter Lauren Dow has been the engine driving the offense, delivering 8.72 assists per set and tallying an impressive 43 service aces. Her contributions also extend to the defensive side, where she has totaled 284 digs, averaging 3.09 per set.

With their talent-packed roster, the Bearcats are well-positioned to maintain their dominance on the court and strive for even greater achievements in this year's tournament.

For additional details and the official full 64-team NCAA DII 2024 tournament bracket, click here.

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Players Mentioned

#5 Lauren Dow: S/RS; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#15 Katie Miller: OH; 6' 1"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#5 Lauren Dow
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: S/RS

#15 Katie Miller
: 6' 1"; Junior
: OH

Players Mentioned

#5 Lauren Dow

#15 Katie Miller

Players Mentioned

#5 Lauren Dow

#15 Katie Miller