LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV volleyball program will play a total of 16 matches against Mountain West competition during the 2021 campaign, with eight of those taking place inside the friendly confines of the Cox Pavilion.
The season will span a total of nine weeks, beginning Feb. 4 and running through April 3, with each MW institution playing six conference opponents twice – in a two-match series format – and the remaining four foes only once.
The Scarlet & Gray gets the season started at home against the San Diego State Aztecs on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5, with first serve slated for 6:30 pm both days.
The Rebels will have the following weekend off before resuming a stretch where they will play six of the following eight matches on the road, with trips to face Colorado State (Feb. 18 and Feb. 20), Utah State (March 4 and March 6) and New Mexico (March 11 or 12 and March 13). The only home contests during this span are against Boise State on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27.
UNLV will play four of its final six matches at home over the last three weekends of the season, with two against San Jose State (March 19 and March 20) and one apiece against Wyoming (April 1) and Air Force (April 3) at the Cox Pavilion. Trips to play Fresno State (March 25) and UNR (March 27) fall in between the two brief homestands.
RETURNING REBELS: UNLV returns 11 letterwinners, which includes eight upperclassmen, from the 2019 squad that reached the second round of the National Invitational Volleyball Championships and posted a 20-11 overall record and a third-place showing in the Mountain West behind a 15-3 mark. This year's squad features six seniors – Jillian Berg, Erin Davis, Alison French, Mariena Hayden, Macy Smith and Thea Sweder, two juniors – Kate Brennan and Lauryn Burt, and three sophomores – Shelby Capllonch, Paola Garcia and Paris Oliveira.
ALL-CONFERENCE RETURNEES: The Mountain West has recognized both Mariena Hayden and Kate Brennan each of the past two seasons with the former named to the All-Conference Team, while the latter claimed Honorable Mention honors.
FAN CUTOUTS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, spectators will not be allowed to attend UNLV volleyball's home matches; however, those who wish to help fill the stands this season may do so by purchasing a fan cutout.
For those fans wanting to purchase a cutout similar to those displayed at UNLV football as well as men's and women's basketball games, you may do so here: CLICK HERE. Be sure to write "Volleyball" in the comments section.
