March 28, 2024 UPDATED AND CORRECTED 3-29 4PM
It’s been 17 days since the Banana Slugs were on the floor and they showed no signs of rust today as they pick up 2 wins on their first day back. A mid-day stop at Lakeland provided a 3-0 sweep driven by a strong performance Riley Norman who put up 11 kills, 2 blocks, 3 aces, and 7 digs which was team high in all 4 categories. They then headed an hour south for an early evening matchup with Concordia Wisconsin where they prevailed 3-1 against the Falcons. Leo Tuncer took control of the attack in this one providing 14 kills, 3 blocks, and 21 assists. UCSC has two games remaining in the trip this weekend when they face MSOE on Friday and North Central on Saturday. Both teams will provide tough tests for the traveling Slugs. Another battle of California will be played on 4/6 when UCSC hosts Cal Lutheran.
Last night, Springfield was defeated by Eastern Nazarene as Alejandro Garcia Fernandez had a massive night on the attack chalking up 25 points. This surprise has the potential of muddying the waters for the Pride who appeared to be a cinch/lock/sure thing bid recipient as an independent. What makes this year’s last two picks from Pool C so difficult is that there are 4 teams vying for 2 spots. Cal Lutheran and Springfield appeared to be locks with Nichols and UC Santa Cruz on the outside. The NECC does not qualify for an automatic bid and will be part of the independent sector. Both Eastern Nazarene and Nichols are members of the NECC along with Endicott, and they all have impressive winning records and solid seasons. Nichols record is now even with Springfield but the Pride hold two head-to-head wins over the Bison this season. With Springfield losing 3 of their last 7, it could get very interesting if they drop 1 or 2 more matches over the next week. They play MIT and Vassar prior to tournament selections so the heat will be on. We think the Banana Slugs will need a miracle from the Volleyball Gods to gain access to a bid.
Let’s take a look at what the year end championship might look like on April 15 when seeds get announced.
NCAA Tournament Information, IH Bracketology Draft
Here is our first shot at the NCAA D3 tourney bracketology. Of course, this is a draft and will hopefully explain how each of the teams will be selected for the Championship Tournament. There are so many variables currently and we dropped in our first potential scenario based on predicted conference tournament winners (11 automatic bids) and the five remaining bids (2 from pool C meaning they are already in conferences that receive automatic bids) and 3 from Pool B (Independents). The total field will be 16 for 2024. We are also attempting to show how the regional layouts will possibly be put together of the draft teams shown making the tournament. This is one is pretty impossible to predict but we gave it a first draft. We also are attaching below the links to much more info on the tournament details.
Additional Links to explore regarding the Championship Tournament:
Did you guys deliberately just gloss right over one of the biggest upsets of the year from Wednesday night? North Park over North Central… that was nuts! the way NCC has been looking lately I’m not sure UC Santa Cruz has much to worry about.