UNLV VOLLEYBALL PREDICTED TO FINISH FIRST IN MOUNTAIN WEST
Isabel Martin named Preseason Player of the Year as league announces its preseason poll and awards
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The defending Mountain West regular-season champion UNLV volleyball team has been picked to tie for first in 2023 as the league announced its preseason poll and awards Wednesday.
Individually, Rebel senior outside hitter Isabel Martin was named the MW Preseason Player of the Year along with earning All-MW Preseason Team honors.
UNLV received three first-place votes in the poll, which was voted on by the league’s head coaches, and totaled 92 points. Utah State, which received five first-place votes, also received 92 points to tie for the top spot. Colorado State, also with three first-place votes, is predicted to finish third (86 points), with New Mexico and San Diego State tied for fourth (64). Spots six through 11 were held by Boise State (59), Air Force (38), San Jose State (35), UNR (32), Wyoming (28) and Fresno State (15).
The Rebels, who are led by first-year head coach Malia Shoji, are coming off a 26-win campaign in 2022 and another NCAA Tournament appearance.
Martin, who is originally from Mauerstetten, Bavaria, Germany, was named the MW Player of the Year for the 2022 season and was also recognized as an Honorable Mention All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association becoming one of only three student-athletes in program history to earn All-America accolades.
Martin ended the 2022 season ranked second in the conference for both kills per set (3.88) and points per set (4.40) and accumulated a total of 435 kills, 271 digs, 21 aces, 62 total blocks and 492.5 points.
She was named MW Offensive Player of the Week on two occasions, while posting double-doubles in 10 matches and double figures in kills 27 times. She also notched 12 matches with a .300 or better hitting efficiency. Defensively, she had at least 10 or more digs in 13 outings.
The rest of the All-MW Preseason Team includes: Joi Harvey (Air Force), Paige Bartsch (Boise State), Emery Herman (Colorado State), Kennedy Stanford (Colorado State), Jordi Holdaway (Utah State) and Tatum Stall (Utah State).
2023 UNLV VOLLEYBALL SEASON: The Rebels will host an exhibition match on Saturday, Aug. 19 against Northern Arizona at 1 p.m in the Cox Practice Gym. Admission is free.
The regular season begins for UNLV at Colorado’s tournament, Friday-Sunday, Aug. 25-27 in Boulder, Colorado. In addition to facing the Buffaloes on Aug. 25, UNLV will also play North Texas (Aug. 26) and Campbell (Aug. 27) at the event.
UNLV will host its first home match on Tuesday, September 12 against Southern Utah. The full season’s schedule may be found here.
UNLV SEASON TICKETS: Season tickets for UNLV volleyball are on sale now and may be purchased at UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702-739-FANS (3267). Season tickets are $50 for adults (13 and older), and $40 for active alumni, seniors, and faculty and staff.