Philander Smith and Dillard to Battle for 2022 Title

NEW ORLEANS, La. –  Day two of the 2022 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) Volleyball Tournament presented by Pantene My Black is Beautiful saw a packed Dent Hall on the campus of host-Dillard University, the tournament’s top seed.

Philander Smith 3, Fisk 1

Hotly contested sets marked the first semifinal matchup of the day. In the end, No. 2 Philander Smith held on to edge third seed Fisk, 3-1 (25-19, 25-20. 19-25, 27-25) to move on to the first championship match under head coach Kayla Black. It was only the second match of the 2022 GCAC Tournament that needed extra sets to be decided.

Fisk’s Nyla Troncoso notched a match-high 16 kills while Jadyn Brackins led a trio of players who finished in double-digit digs with 20 of her own in PSC’s semifinal victory. Philander’s Vladana Radovic posted a double-double with a team-high 14 kills and 10 digs. Essence Wren recorded 43 assists over the four sets.

Wiley 0, Dillard 3

The Bleu Devils home gym was packed with fans in anticipation of Dillard’s match after receiving a first-round bye of the 2022 Tournament and they were not disappointed. No. 1 Dillard advanced to the championship contest with its 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 26-24) win over No. 4 Wiley.

Dillard’s Codi Fillmore and Vanae Sapp each finished with 11 kills. Chasry Lum-King recorded a match-high 16 digs in the win. Marissa Neal recorded the lone double-double of the match with 11 kills and 13 digs for Wiley.

Sunday’s championship match will be between No. 2 Philander Smith College and No.1 Dillard will begin at 2 p.m. An on-court championship trophy presentation and All-Tournament Team announcement will be held after the conclusion of the match.

Fans may watch the entire 2022 GCAC Tournament live on the free HBCU League Pass+ app, available in both the Google and iOS stores, Match-by-match updates will be available on the conference’s social media accounts.