Xavier University Athletics
Xavier Volleyball 2023 Season Preview
08.21.23 | Volleyball
The Musketeers will face 21 opponents throughout 30 games in the regular season
CINCINNATI - Xavier volleyball enters the 2023 season with 15 home and 15 road games slated with opponents from 11 conferences.Â
The Musketeers will participate in four tournaments before opening BIG EAST play. Xavier will face 21 total opponents, with three new opponents in Alabama State, Northern Colorado, and Kennesaw State.
The 2023 season opens on the road at Cincinnati for the Tribute to #10 (Cincinnati) Tournament and concludes on the road at Creighton on Nov. 17.
 Â
Â
Indiana State
Aug. 25 | 3 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Fifth Third Arena
Aug. 26 | 6Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Fifth Third Arena
Aug. 27 |Â 12Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Fifth Third Arena
Sept. 1Â | 9 p.m. ET | Boulder, Colo.
Sept. 2 | 5 p.m. ET | Boulder, Colo.
Sept. 3 | 1 p.m. ET | Boulder, Colo.
Sept. 8 |Â 6:30Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Sept. 9Â |Â 12Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Sept. 7Â |Â 7Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Sept. 14Â |Â 6 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Sept. 16Â | 4 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Sept. 20Â |Â 6Â p.m. | Indianapolis, Ind.
Nov. 15 |Â 6Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Sept. 23 | 5Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Nov. 17 | 7Â p.m. ET |Â Omaha, Neb.
Sept. 29Â |Â 7Â p.m. | Villanova, Pa.
Nov. 5 | 1 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Sept. 30Â |Â 7Â p.m. | Washington, D.C.
Nov. 3Â | 6 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Oct. 6 | 6 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Oct. 27 | 7 p.m. | Queens, N.Y.
Oct. 7Â | 6 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Oct. 28Â | 5 p.m. | South Orange, N.J.
Oct. 13 | 4 p.m. | Storrs, Conn.
Nov. 12 | 1 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Oct. 14Â | 3Â p.m. | Providence, R.I.
Nov. 11Â |Â 12Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Oct. 20 |Â 6Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Oct. 21Â |Â 6Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Â
BIG EAST Preseason Player of the Year: Norah Sis, Creighton, Jr., OH
Â
Preseason All-BIG EAST:
Jaymeson Kinley, R.S. Sr, Butler, DS
Ava Martin, So., Creighton, OH
Norah Sis, Jr., Creighton*, OH
Kendra Wait, Jr., Creighton*, S
Jill Pressly, Sr., OH, DePaul
Yadhira Anchante, Jr., Marquette*, S
Hattie Bray, Jr., Marquette, MB
Aubrey Hamilton, Sr., Marquette, OH
Carsen Murray, Sr., Marquette*, MB
Giorgia Walther, Jr., St. John's, OH
Brooklyn Cink, Gr., Xavier, OH
Carrigan O'Reilly, Gr., Xavier, S/RS
*Unanimous selection
Â
Preseason Coaches Poll
Points (First place votes)
1.  Marquette 97 (7)
2.  Creighton 94 (4)
3.  Xavier 78
4.  St. John's 64
5.  UConn 63
6.  DePaul 59
7.  Villanova 46
8.  Butler 40
9.  Seton Hall 30
10. Providence 18
11. Georgetown 16
Â
• The Musketeers faced Purdue Fort Wayne in an exhibition match on Aug. 19 in Fort Wayne.
• Xavier will play 11 nonconference matches between four tournaments, with five games at home and six on the road. The Musketeers participate in two road tournaments, the Cincinnati Tournament and the Colorado Tournament, then return home to host two tournaments in the Cintas Center.
• Xavier opens the home slate of nonconference games on Sept. 8 with Buffalo at 6:30 pm.
• The Musketeers will face foes from 11 different conferences in the 2023 schedule (BIG EAST, MAC, The Valley, SWAC, Pac-12, Big Sky, Big XII, AAC, SEC, ASUN, Horizon League), meeting Alabama State, Northern Colorado, and Kennesaw State for the first time in program history.
• Xavier opens BIG EAST action at Butler on Sept. 20 at 6 pm and is set to close the regular season at Creighton on Nov. 17 at 7 pm.
• The Musketeers will face four teams that played in the NCAA Tournament last season including Northern Colorado, Colorado, Marquette, and Creighton. Xavier also takes on Buffalo, St. John's and Alabama State, who each participated in the 2022 NIVC Tournament.  Of the 21 opponents the Musketeers will face, 10 saw action in their respective conference tournament.
Â
• The Musketeers were picked to finish third in the league as voted on in the 2023 BIG EAST Preseason Poll by the coaches. Both Carrigan O'Reilly and Brooklyn Cink were tabbed to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team. O'Reilly earned the selection for the third consecutive season.
• In 2022, the Musketeers achieved a 21-12 (11-7 BIG EAST) record, a trip to the BIG EAST Conference Tournament, and a postseason bid to the NIVC where they advanced to the quarterfinals but ended the season in a five set match with Boston College. The Musketeers are looking towards another successful season.
• Xavier returns 11 letterwinners, three of who were tabbed to the 2022 All-BIG EAST Team - Carrigan O'Reilly, Brooklyn Cink, and Delaney Hogan.Â
• To cap off the 2023 roster, the Musketeers added six freshman - Jamison Gordon, Elouise Czajkowski, Quinci Thomas, Kasey Quenichet, Margo Kemp, and Annie Eschenbach.
• The 2023 roster consists of two graduate students, four seniors, four juniors, one sophomore, and six freshmen. Â
• Following the conclusion of the 2022 regular season, Head Coach Christy Pfeffenberger and her staff were named the BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year. Returning this year alongside Pfeffenberger is Associate Head Coach Ed Tolentino for his eighth season and Assistant Coach Andre Foster for his second. Â
• In July, Coach Pfeffenberger announced the hiring of former student-athlete, Angel Robinson, as the program's new graduate assistant. As an athlete at Xavier, Robinson accumulated 155 kills, 61 block assists, 11 block solos, and 199.5 points. Â
Â
The Musketeers will participate in four tournaments before opening BIG EAST play. Xavier will face 21 total opponents, with three new opponents in Alabama State, Northern Colorado, and Kennesaw State.
The 2023 season opens on the road at Cincinnati for the Tribute to #10 (Cincinnati) Tournament and concludes on the road at Creighton on Nov. 17.
 Â
 |
 SEASON PREVIEW |
Â
|
|
 OPPONENT BREAKDOWN |
Indiana State
Aug. 25 | 3 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Fifth Third Arena
- Indiana State went 3-23 overall last season with a 2-16 record in The Valley.
- The last time Xavier and Indiana State faced each other was in 1991 where Xavier walked away with the 3-1 victory.
Aug. 26 | 6Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Fifth Third Arena
- Cincinnati went 11-19Â overall last season with a 9-11Â record in the AAC.
- Cincinnati makes the jump from the AAC to the Big XII in the 2023 season.
- The last time Xavier and Cincinnati faced each other was in the 2022 season where Xavier walked away with the 3-2 victory.
Aug. 27 |Â 12Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Fifth Third Arena
- Alabama State went 20-15 overall last season with a 15-1 record in the SWAC.
- Alabama State concluded the 2022 season in the NIVC First Round with a 1-3 loss to Southern Mississippi.
- Xavier and Alabama State will meet for the first time in the 2023 season.
Sept. 1Â | 9 p.m. ET | Boulder, Colo.
- Colorado went 20-11 overall last season with a 12-8 record in the Pac-12.
- Colorado concluded the 2022 season in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament with a 1-3 loss to Rice.
- The last time Xavier and Colorado faced each other was in the 2021 season where Colorado walked away with the 3-1 victory.
Sept. 2 | 5 p.m. ET | Boulder, Colo.
- Northern Colorado went 22-9 overall last season with a 13-3 record in Big Sky.
- Northern Colorado concluded the 2022 season in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament with a 1-3 loss to San Diego.
- Xavier and Northern Colorado will meet for the first time in the 2023 season.
Sept. 3 | 1 p.m. ET | Boulder, Colo.
- Charlotte went 11-16 overall last season with a 5-9 record in the C-USA.
- The last time Xavier and Charlotte faced each other was in the 2021 season where Charlotte walked away with the 3-1 victory.
Sept. 8 |Â 6:30Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Buffalo went 19-14 overall last season with a 10-8 record in the MAC.
- Buffalo concluded the 2022 season in the NIVC First Round with a 0-3 loss to Boston College.
- The last time Xavier and Buffalo faced each other was in the 2022 season where Xavier walked away with the 3-2 victory.
Sept. 9Â |Â 12Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Missouri went 9-19 overall last season with a 2-16 record in the SEC.
- The last time Xavier and Missouri faced each other was in the 2018 season where Missouri walked away with the 3-0 victory.
Sept. 7Â |Â 7Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Bellarmine went 10-18 overall last season with a 4-12 record in the ASUN.
- The last time Xavier and Bellarmine faced each other was in the spring 2021 season where Xavier walked away with the 3-1 victory.
Sept. 14Â |Â 6 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Northern Kentucky went 18-13 overall last season with a 15-3 record in the Horizon League.
- The last time Xavier and Northern Kentucky faced each other was in the 2015 season where Xavier walked away with the 3-0 victory.
Sept. 16Â | 4 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Kennesaw State went 18-10 overall last season with a 10-6 record in the ASUN.
- Xavier and Kennesaw State will meet for the first time in the 2023 season.
Sept. 20Â |Â 6Â p.m. | Indianapolis, Ind.
Nov. 15 |Â 6Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Butler went 16-15 overall last season with a 10-8 record in the BIG EAST.
- The last time Xavier and Butler faced each other was in the 2022 BIG EAST Conference Tournament where Xavier walked away with the 3-1 victory.
Sept. 23 | 5Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Nov. 17 | 7Â p.m. ET |Â Omaha, Neb.
- Creighton went 27-5 overall last season with a 17-1 record in the BIG EAST.
- Creighton won the 2022 BIG EAST Conference Tournament but ended their season in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament with a 2-3 loss to Auburn.
- The last time Xavier and Creighton faced each other was in the 2022 BIG EAST Conference Tournament where Creighton walked away with the 3-0 victory.
Sept. 29Â |Â 7Â p.m. | Villanova, Pa.
Nov. 5 | 1 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Villanova went 10-20 overall last season with a 6-12 record in the BIG EAST.
- The last time Xavier and Villanova faced each other was in the 2022 season in October where Xavier walked away with the 3-1 victory.
Sept. 30Â |Â 7Â p.m. | Washington, D.C.
Nov. 3Â | 6 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Georgetown went 4-25 overall last season with a 2-16 record in the BIG EAST.
- The last time Xavier and Georgetown faced each other was in the 2022 season in October where Xavier walked away with the 3-2 victory.
Oct. 6 | 6 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Oct. 27 | 7 p.m. | Queens, N.Y.
- St. John's went 20-14 overall last season with a 10-8 record in the BIG EAST.
- St. John's concluded the 2022 season in the NIVCÂ Second Round with a 0-3 loss to Boston College.
- The last time Xavier and St. John's faced each other was in the 2022 season in November where Xavier walked away with the 3-0 victory.
Oct. 7Â | 6 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
Oct. 28Â | 5 p.m. | South Orange, N.J.
- Seton Hall went 15-15 overall last season with a 6-12 record in the BIG EAST.
- The last time Xavier and Seton Hall faced each other was in the 2022 season in November where Xavier walked away with the 3-0 victory.
Oct. 13 | 4 p.m. | Storrs, Conn.
Nov. 12 | 1 p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- UConn went 17-14 overall last season with a 10-8 record in the BIG EAST.
- The last time Xavier and Connecticut faced each other was in the 2022 season in November where UConn walked away with the 3-1 victory.
Oct. 14Â | 3Â p.m. | Providence, R.I.
Nov. 11Â |Â 12Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Providence went 12-18 overall last season with a 4-14 record in the BIG EAST.
- The last time Xavier and Providence faced each other was in the 2022 season in November where Xavier walked away with the 3-0 victory.
Oct. 20 |Â 6Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- DePaul went 10-20 overall last season with a 6-12 record in the BIG EAST.
- The last time Xavier and DePaul faced each other was in the 2022 season in November where DePaul walked away with the 3-2 victory.
Oct. 21Â |Â 6Â p.m. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cintas Center
- Marquette went 29-4 overall last season with a 17-1 record in the BIG EAST.
- Marquette concluded the 2022 season in the Regional Semifinals of the NCAA Tournament with a 1-3 loss to Texas.
- The last time Xavier and Marquette faced each other was in the 2022 season in November where Marquette walked away with the 3-1 victory.
Â
|
|
 BIG EAST PRESEASON AWARDS |
BIG EAST Preseason Player of the Year: Norah Sis, Creighton, Jr., OH
Â
Preseason All-BIG EAST:
Jaymeson Kinley, R.S. Sr, Butler, DS
Ava Martin, So., Creighton, OH
Norah Sis, Jr., Creighton*, OH
Kendra Wait, Jr., Creighton*, S
Jill Pressly, Sr., OH, DePaul
Yadhira Anchante, Jr., Marquette*, S
Hattie Bray, Jr., Marquette, MB
Aubrey Hamilton, Sr., Marquette, OH
Carsen Murray, Sr., Marquette*, MB
Giorgia Walther, Jr., St. John's, OH
Brooklyn Cink, Gr., Xavier, OH
Carrigan O'Reilly, Gr., Xavier, S/RS
*Unanimous selection
Â
Preseason Coaches Poll
Points (First place votes)
1.  Marquette 97 (7)
2.  Creighton 94 (4)
3.  Xavier 78
4.  St. John's 64
5.  UConn 63
6.  DePaul 59
7.  Villanova 46
8.  Butler 40
9.  Seton Hall 30
10. Providence 18
11. Georgetown 16
Â
|
|
 SCHEDULE NOTES |
• The Musketeers faced Purdue Fort Wayne in an exhibition match on Aug. 19 in Fort Wayne.
• Xavier will play 11 nonconference matches between four tournaments, with five games at home and six on the road. The Musketeers participate in two road tournaments, the Cincinnati Tournament and the Colorado Tournament, then return home to host two tournaments in the Cintas Center.
• Xavier opens the home slate of nonconference games on Sept. 8 with Buffalo at 6:30 pm.
• The Musketeers will face foes from 11 different conferences in the 2023 schedule (BIG EAST, MAC, The Valley, SWAC, Pac-12, Big Sky, Big XII, AAC, SEC, ASUN, Horizon League), meeting Alabama State, Northern Colorado, and Kennesaw State for the first time in program history.
• Xavier opens BIG EAST action at Butler on Sept. 20 at 6 pm and is set to close the regular season at Creighton on Nov. 17 at 7 pm.
• The Musketeers will face four teams that played in the NCAA Tournament last season including Northern Colorado, Colorado, Marquette, and Creighton. Xavier also takes on Buffalo, St. John's and Alabama State, who each participated in the 2022 NIVC Tournament.  Of the 21 opponents the Musketeers will face, 10 saw action in their respective conference tournament.
Â
|
|
 PROGRAM NOTES |
• The Musketeers were picked to finish third in the league as voted on in the 2023 BIG EAST Preseason Poll by the coaches. Both Carrigan O'Reilly and Brooklyn Cink were tabbed to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team. O'Reilly earned the selection for the third consecutive season.
• In 2022, the Musketeers achieved a 21-12 (11-7 BIG EAST) record, a trip to the BIG EAST Conference Tournament, and a postseason bid to the NIVC where they advanced to the quarterfinals but ended the season in a five set match with Boston College. The Musketeers are looking towards another successful season.
• Xavier returns 11 letterwinners, three of who were tabbed to the 2022 All-BIG EAST Team - Carrigan O'Reilly, Brooklyn Cink, and Delaney Hogan.Â
• To cap off the 2023 roster, the Musketeers added six freshman - Jamison Gordon, Elouise Czajkowski, Quinci Thomas, Kasey Quenichet, Margo Kemp, and Annie Eschenbach.
• The 2023 roster consists of two graduate students, four seniors, four juniors, one sophomore, and six freshmen. Â
• Following the conclusion of the 2022 regular season, Head Coach Christy Pfeffenberger and her staff were named the BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year. Returning this year alongside Pfeffenberger is Associate Head Coach Ed Tolentino for his eighth season and Assistant Coach Andre Foster for his second. Â
• In July, Coach Pfeffenberger announced the hiring of former student-athlete, Angel Robinson, as the program's new graduate assistant. As an athlete at Xavier, Robinson accumulated 155 kills, 61 block assists, 11 block solos, and 199.5 points. Â
Â
Players Mentioned
OH
/ Volleyball
L/DS
/ Volleyball
MB
/ Volleyball
S
/ Volleyball
MB
/ Volleyball
MB
/ Volleyball
S/RS
/ Volleyball
DS
/ Volleyball
MB
/ Volleyball
OH
/ VolleyballPRESS CONFERENCE | Coach Pfeffenberger, Margo Kemp & Anna Taylor after Michigan (NCAA First Round)
Saturday, December 06
HIGHLIGHTS | Volleyball vs. Michigan (NCAA First Round)
Friday, December 05
2025 NCAA Volleyball Selection Show
Tuesday, December 02
HIGHLIGHTS | Volleyball vs. Creighton (BIG EAST Championship)
Sunday, November 23