FARMINGTON, Utah (Dec. 16, 2024) – The 2024 volleyball season has officially ended as postseason tournaments wrap up and teams turn their attention towards the offseason.
Season Recap
Hornets Win First Big Sky Tournament Title Since 2007
Sacramento State claimed its first Big Sky volleyball tournament title since 2007, as the Hornets won in thrilling five-set fashion over top-seeded Northern Colorado at the Nest.
The Hornets took down top-seeded Northern Colorado in the championship, 23-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-13, 15-9, making them the first host team to win the Big Sky tournament title since 2016.
Bridgette Smith led Sacramento State with a career-high 30 kills, 13 digs and four service aces, as the senior was named the tournament's MVP for her efforts. The honor was the first of her career.
The Hornets knocked off Portland State, Idaho State and Northern Colorado on their way to the program's 10th tournament title overall and first since 2007.
2024 Big Sky Volleyball All-Tournament Team
MVP: Bridgette Smith, Sacramento State
Caitlin Volkmann, Sacramento State
Reese Ampi, Sacramento State
Syd Cole, Northern Colorado
Gabi Placide, Northern Colorado
Aliyah Sopoaga, Idaho State
Rose Moore, Weber State
Four #BigSkyVB Teams Earned Postseason Bids
After winning the Big Sky Volleyball tournament crown, Sacramento State earned a bid to the NCAA Women's Volleyball Tournament as the Hornets faced No. 2 seeded Stanford in the opening round.
Northern Colorado, Idaho State and Weber State all made postseason apperances as well, after earning bids to the NIVC tournament. All three teams will be on the road to begin their postseason journey. The full bracket can be found below.
The Bears extended their season by nearly two weeks as they advanced to the Fab Four before falling to Arizona in Tucson.
2024 Volleyball Individual Awards & All-Conference Teams Announced
2024 Big Sky Individual Award Winners
Most Valuable Player: Syd Cole, Northern Colorado
Libero of the Year: Millie O’Ketter, Northern Arizona
Setter of the Year: Syd Cole, Northern Colorado
Top Newcomer: Carisa Barron, Portland State
Outstanding Freshman of the Year: Quincy Moran, Eastern Washington
Coach of the Year: Lyndsey Oates, Northern Colorado
Big Sky Volleyball All-Conference First Team
Syd Cole, Northern Colorado
Bridgette Smith, Sacramento State
Gabi Placide, Northern Colorado
Caitlin Volkmann, Sacramento State
Aliyah Sopoaga, Idaho State
Jaydin Watts, Idaho State
Ashley Gneiting, Weber State
Bri Gunderson, Eastern Washington
Kate Payne, Weber State
Taylor Jacobsen, Northern Arizona
Big Sky Volleyball All-Conference Second Team
Isabel Bennett, Northern Colorado
Carisa Barron, Portland State
Maddie Davies, Northern Colorado
Jamie Streit, Idaho State
Ellie Tisko, Sacramento State
Millie O’Ketter, Northern Arizona
Sam Steele, Northern Colorado
Jordan Radick, Montana State
Kalista Lukovic, Eastern Washington
Lauren Lindseth, Montana State