January 8, 2024
The 2024 Men’s NCAA D3 Volleyball season has begun, and this weekend will be the kick-off for many teams around the country. Several “Exhibition” games are on tap as well as D1 or D2 teams take on D3’s in scrimmages.
Wabash jumped right into this week and kicked off the schedule for the new year. And they certainly weren’t shy about the level of competition they faced. They took on D1 Ball State for two exhibition games and certainly held their own against a ranked D1 program. They then started their official season against former NAIA turned D2 squad, Thomas More.
A couple of things stood out… Wabash “took a set” from the new D2 program, and also a new freshman by the name of BawiBawi Thang from Perry Meridian in Indianapolis played exceptionally. The 6′ 2″ outside has made his presence known having good success in both Ball State exhibitions and then leading the pack against Thomas More posting 15 kills, 2 digs and 2 blocks while hitting .370 for the match. Other Little Giants making an impact were Ricky Sessions (9 kills, 2 blocks, 7 digs, 1 ace), Will Beikes (29 assists), and Chris Board (16 digs). It will be curious to see how Wabash will respond to this experience of events against high power opponents when they resume on the 19th and 26th against Rockford and Concordia Chicago. And it will be equally interesting to see BBT’s progression throughout the season. He is off to a great start and is certainly a player to keep an eye on as new freshman emerge.
The 16-team bracket for NCAA D3 playoff format has been confirmed with an appeal in place to push the total to 18 to mirror the growth of the sport. Great news. Stay tuned.
Two interesting exhibition matches will occur on Wednesday’s schedule with D1 FDU traveling to the new Paulson Center at NYU to face the Violets, and D3 Champs Steven’s visiting D1 Sacred Heart in Connecticut. Trying to secure live stream links if available… (Update: No Live Stream at NYU) (Update for Steven’s/SHU: NEC Front Row)
IH