LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The initial RPI rankings for the 2020-21 NCAA Division I women's volleyball season has been released and UNLV sits first overall in the nation. The Rebels have played seven matches, thus far, during its Spring 2021 campaign and have won each, with only one contest going five sets.
The Scarlet & Gray, who sit atop the Mountain West standings as the only undefeated squad, has reached the midway point of its season after sweeping two-match series against San Diego State, Colorado State and Boise State as well as winning last week's affair at Utah State. The Rebels will travel to Albuquerque, N.M., for two against New Mexico this weekend (Friday and Saturday).
Following UNLV in the rankings are Army (1-1), Bowling Green (13-0), Campbell (6-2) and Florida State (8-3).
AVCA POLL: UNLV is receiving votes for the third straight week in the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Top 25 Poll, having accumulated six points to rank 31st overall in the March 8 edition. The Rebels have moved up two spots each week, coming in 33rd on March 1 and 35th on Feb. 22.
NCAA STATISTICS: In the March 7 statistics release, UNLV ranks first overall in winning percentage (1.000) – tied with 21 others, and is also ninth in aces per set (2.12) and 10th in assists per set (13.38). Senior outside hitter
Mariena Hayden leads the nation in aces per set (1.00) and is fourth in triple-doubles (one), 14th in points per set (5.23), 15th in service aces (26) and 73rd in kills per set (3.96). Additionally, senior middle blocker
Macy Smith is 42nd in hitting percentage (.387).
REBEL NOTES:
-Dating back to the 2019 campaign, UNLV has won 23 of its last 25 matches – the best run through 25 matches in program history.
-Dating back to the 2019 campaign, UNLV has won 13 straight and 22 of its last 23 Mountain West matches.
UP NEXT: UNLV heads to the Duke City for a pair of Mountain West matches against New Mexico, with the series starting Friday at 3:00 pm MT (2:00 pm PT).
