In the East, two-time defending champion Alabama A&M posted a perfect 8-0 record in the SWAC to clinch the #1 seed in its division. The Bulldogs have won eight of the last nine championships and will go for their third consecutive title this weekend. With a 6-2 slate in the East, Jackson State will head into the tournament in the #2 slot. The Lady Tigers suffered two close losses to Alabama A&M this season and will vie for their first volleyball title in school history.
At 4-4 in the SWAC’s Eastern division, Mississippi Valley State claims the #3 seed. The Devilettes, who claimed the #1 seed in last year’s tournament, will look to bring home its first volleyball title in program history. Alabama State rounds out the Eastern bracket with the #4 position. With a 2-6 record, the Lady Hornets will head to Grambling, LA after narrowing missing the tournament last year.
Host Grambling State commands the #1 seed in the West with an unblemished 8-0 record. After sweeping through the West, the Lady Tigers will look to clinch their first title since 1997 on their home court. With a 6-2 conference slate, Prairie View A&M takes the #2 spot in the West. The Lady Panthers last won the championship in 2006 and have garnered three total titles in school history.
Texas Southern and Southern have clinched the West’s #3 and #4 seeds, respectively. With a 4-4 record, the Lady Tigers are in search of their first SWAC title since 1994 and seventh overall. Southern punched the last ticket in the West with a 2-6 slate. The Lady Jaguars last saw a tournament title in 1998.
The 2009 SWAC Volleyball tournament will begin play at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 21st. Matches will be played at Grambling State’s Assembly Center and Memorial Gym. Sunday’s Championship match will be televised live on ESPNU at 7 p.m. (CT). First round match ups are below. 2009 tournament bracket is attached.
First Round Match-Ups
Game 1 – 9 a.m.: #2 West – Prairie View A&M vs. #3 East – Mississippi Valley State
Game 2 – 9 a.m.: #2 East – Jackson State vs. #3 West – Texas Southern
Game 3 – 11 a.m.: #1 East – Alabama A&M vs. #4 West – Southern
Game 4 – 11 a.m.: #1 West – Grambling State vs. #4 East – Alabama State