The 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Tournament is set to be an exciting event, showcasing the best teams from across the nation. The tournament features a 64-team field, with 31 teams earning automatic qualification by winning their respective conferences and the remaining 33 teams receiving at-large bids.
Top Seeds and Bracket
Pittsburgh, Nebraska, Louisville and Penn State are the top seeds for this year’s tournament. These teams have a rich history of success in the tournament, combining for 12 national titles. Pittsburgh enters the tournament with the best record in Division I, finishing the season at 29-1 and winning its third consecutive ACC Championship. Nebraska and Penn State both claimed a share of the Big Ten Conference title, each posting a 19-1 conference record and finishing the regular season at 29-2. Louisville secured its spot with a 25-5 season record.
Tournament Structure
The tournament begins with the first and second rounds, held from December 5-7 at 16 campus sites. Teams that win both matches will advance to the regional play, scheduled for December 12-15. The regional winners will then move on to the national semifinals and championship final, hosted by the University of Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, on December 19 and 22.
Key Matches and Teams to Watch
The first round features several intriguing matchups, including:
- No. 1 Pittsburgh vs. Morehead State
- No. 1 Louisville vs. Chicago State
- No. 1 Penn State vs. Delaware State
- No. 1 Nebraska vs. Florida A&M
Other notable teams to watch include Texas, Kentucky and Stanford, all of which have a strong history in the tournament and are expected to make deep runs this year.
Newcomers and Returning Champions
This year’s tournament also features two teams making their first-ever appearance: Chicago State and UTEP. Additionally, Penn State remains the only team to have earned a berth in all 44 championship tournaments, while Nebraska and Stanford have appeared in all but one.
Broadcast and Viewing Information
Fans can catch all the action on ESPN, with the national semifinal matches starting at 6:30 p.m. ET on December 19 and the championship match airing on ABC at 3 p.m. ET on December 22. For a complete schedule and bracket, visit the NCAA website.
The 2024 NCAA DI Women’s Volleyball Tournament promises to be a thrilling competition, with top teams battling it out for the coveted national title. Volleyball enthusiasts can look forward to high-intensity matches and standout performances from some of the best athletes in the sport.
