WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. - The Quincy University women's volleyball team is one win away from reaching the GLVC Tournament Championship match for just the second time in program history. After a dominant quarterfinal sweep of Truman State, the No. 3 seed Hawks now turn their attention to a familiar and formidable postseason opponent: the No. 2 seed Rockhurst Hawks. First serve is set for 5:30 PM tonight from the Williamsville High School Field House in Williamsville, Illinois.
About the Opponent: No. 2 Seed Rockhurst (21–9, 11–2 GLVC)
Rockhurst enters the semifinal round following an exhausting five-set victory over Drury in yesterday's quarterfinal. RU looked poised for a quick sweep after taking the opening two sets, but Drury stormed back to force a decisive fifth set before Rockhurst held on to avoid a reverse sweep.
Rockhurst is led by head coach Trent Jones, now in his ninth season overall and sixth at Rockhurst. Jones has built a championship-caliber program, posting a 116–52 career record, including 64–28 at RU. Over the past five seasons, Jones has propelled Rockhurst to four NCAA Tournament appearances, continuing a tradition of excellence.
This tournament marks Rockhurst's 21st consecutive GLVC Tournament appearance. Since joining the conference in 2005, RU has qualified every single year and has captured three GLVC Tournament championships, most recently in 2019.
Statistically, Rockhurst has been one of the most balanced and physical teams in the league:
- .239 hitting percentage (4th in GLVC)
- 13.33 assists per set (3rd)
- 13.93 kills per set (3rd)
- 2.28 blocks per set (3rd)
- 1.43 aces per set (12th)
- 16.30 digs per set (10th)
A trio of standouts leads their effort:
- Sarah Pyle (OH) – A senior terminator on the left pin, Pyle ranks third in the GLVC with 3.85 kills per set and has amassed 431 kills this year.
- Delaney Hope (MH) – The most efficient hitter in the conference, Hope leads all GLVC players with a .398 hitting percentage, adding 261 kills and a team-high 119 blocks (T-3rd in GLVC).
- Katie Vargo (L) – A freshman libero asked to stabilize a veteran lineup, Vargo leads Rockhurst with 398 digs (3.55 D/S) and will have her hands full against one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Matchup History
This semifinal matchup features two of the GLVC's premier programs in recent years, though one side has dominated the series. Since 2012, Rockhurst has held a 16–3 edge over Quincy and has won the last three meetings, including a four-set win inside Pepsi Arena earlier this season, one of the rare home defeats during the Mark Jones era.
These teams met in the GLVC Tournament semifinals last season, where Rockhurst survived a wild five-set battle. RU took the first two sets, Quincy roared back to force a fifth, and Rockhurst pulled out a 15–12 victory in a match that could've gone either way.
Tonight, Quincy gets another shot.
A Look Around the Bracket
The rest of the GLVC Tournament has been just as competitive. On the other side of the bracket:
- 1-seeded Missouri–St. Louis extended its winning streak to 20 matches, battling past four-time defending champion Lewis in a dramatic five-setter.
- 4-seeded Indianapolis handled Maryville in four sets to advance.
UMSL and UIndy meet in the first semifinal at 2:30 PM, with the winner claiming the first spot in Saturday's final.
What's at Stake
A Quincy win tonight would send the Hawks to just their second GLVC Tournament Championship match in program history, joining the 1998 squad, and give QU the opportunity to compete for its first-ever GLVC Tournament title.
For Rockhurst, a victory would secure the program's second straight GLVC championship appearance and look for its fourth GLVC Tournament title, as it looks to return to the top of the conference.
First serve is set for 5:30 PM, with a spot in Sunday's final on the line.
