Southern Utah Opens Season at Wildcat Invitational

OGDEN, Utah – The Southern Utah University women's volleyball team is set to open its 2025 season this weekend as it travels to Ogden, Utah, for the Wildcat Invitational, hosted by Weber State University. The tournament marks the beginning of a new era for the Thunderbirds, who will face three non-conference opponents as they work to build early-season chemistry and momentum.

Head Coach Danielle Jensen enters her first season at the helm of the SUU program. Formerly the head coach at Utah State University Eastern, Jensen brings over a decade of experience and a reputation as a proven program builder. She compiled a 190-88 overall record, led the Eagles to three NJCAA National Tournament appearances, and consistently kept the program ranked in the NJCAA Top 10.

Coach Jensen Said

 "We're excited to get the season underway. The team has been working hard in the off-season, and we're focused on building strong chemistry, executing the fundamentals, and competing at a high level every time we step on the court." 

The Thunderbirds are scheduled to face three opponents over the two-day invitational:

• Friday, August 30, 12:30 p.m. MT – vs. UC Irvine (2024 record: 16–14)
• Friday, August 30, 5:00 p.m. MT – vs. Nevada (2024 record: 12–17)
• Saturday, August 31, 1:00 p.m. MT – at Weber State (2024 record: 14–16) 
  • Watch the Weber State Game on ESPN+

The Thunderbirds are expected to rely on a balanced attack led by veteran players. SUU will use these first matchups to solidify on-court communication and set the tone for the 2025 season. Aleeya Jones makes her debut as a Thunderbird, a graduate transfer from Tennessee Tech who has over 700 career digs and more than 75 service aces. Her calm and reliable presence will be a defensive cornerstone for the Thunderbirds. Victoria Zibecchi, a senior, returns as the Thunderbirds' top offensive weapon, tallying 201 kills. Southern Utah will lean into the veteran presence this season.

UC Irvine 

UC Irvine returns an anchor for their defense in Campbell Jensen, a standout libero. Jensen, a 2024 second-team All-Big West selection, impressed with 3.79 digs per set. She logged double-digit digs in 27 matches and registered a season-high 32 digs (plus five aces) in a strong effort against UC San Diego.

Nevada

A new season also begins for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack volleyball team, as Shannon Wyckoff-McNeal leads the Wolf Pack into battle. With Wyckoff-McNeal past success at Washington State, Nevada enters the 2025 season with renewed energy and a foundation built on resilience and determination.  

Weber State

The host, Weber State, kicks off the season in Ogden and will face the pressure and opportunity to measure up against two other strong programs right away. They boast a blend of brains and brawn. They earned the prestigious AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2024-25 year, but also returned two First-Team All-Conference standouts in Rose Moore and Ashley Gneiting.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now! The home opener is set for the second week of the season when the T-Birds host a tournament September 4-6. Get your tickets today by visiting tbirdtickets.com!

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