New Orleans, La. – As they have been in each of the previous three seasons, Xavier University claimed the top overall seed in next week’s Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Volleyball Championship.  The Gold Nuggets (18-5) are 14-0 in conference play and will be the favorites to win their fourth consecutive title when the 8-team, single elimination tournament begins November 14 in New Orleans.

First round play begins at 10 a.m. Friday on the campuses of Xavier University and Southern University at New Orleans.

SUNO (23-9) enters the tournament as the No. 2 seed with Dillard University and Philander Smith rounding out the top four.  Talladega College will be the sixth seed, followed by Tougaloo, Edward Waters and Voorhees College.

No. 1 seeded Xavier (pictured at right) will face No. 8 seed Voorhees at 10 a.m. at Xavier’s Convocation Center.  They will be followed by No. 4 seed Philander Smith matching up against No. 5 Talladega at noon.

On the other half of the bracket, No. 2 SUNO will host No. 7 Edward Waters at 10 a.m. at the SUNO Health & Physical Education Building (The Castle).  That matchup precedes No. 3 Dillard squaring off with No. 6 Tougaloo at noon.

The semifinals will take place at 3 p.m. at the two venues with the championship final to be played Saturday at noon at the Convocation Center.

Individual game tickets are free to students of GCAC schools with their valid student identification as well as children 12 years of age and younger.  General admission tickets are $5 for adults aged 13 and older.  Tickets are only available at the door.

Fans who are unable to attend may keep up to date with scores, stats and game recaps at www.GCAConf.com.

Courtesy: GCAC