Tulane University’s women’s volleyball team had a roaring start to their season by winning all three of their home matches at Devlin Fieldhouse on Aug. 28. In its first match of the season, the Green Wave lost the first two sets against Northwestern State but rallied back by winning three straight sets to win the match. The team then soundly defeated Alabama A&M and University of California, Berkeley in three and four sets, respectively. 

In their second weekend of the season, the team traveled to Tallahassee, Florida for another tournament on Sept. 2. The team lost their first match in a close 2-3 battle against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams. The team would then lose three straight games against a strong Florida State University. The Green Wave regained its composure by sweeping Samford University in just three sets on Sept. 3.

Hurricane Ida ravaged New Orleans and southeastern Louisiana, forcing the volleyball team to evacuate to Tallahassee, Florida a few days before their tournament to avoid the storm. Florida State’s athletic department supported the Tulane team in this difficult time by working with local businesses to provide discounted housing and meals during their time away from New Orleans. The Seminoles also split time in their gym for practice with the Green Wave ahead of the matches.

The team is looking to build off of their relative success from the previous season. Women’s volleyball went an even 10-10 during the shortened spring 2021 season. They are expected to be a very good team this season, being voted to finish fourth in the American Athletic Conference in the preseason coaches’ poll. 

Seniors Lexie Douglas and Kayla Dinkins were named to the preseason All-Conference Team First Team, with Douglas being selected to the team unanimously. Douglas led the Olive and Blue in kills last season with 260, while Dinkins led the team in blocks with 88 last season. The two seniors will lead the Tulane women’s volleyball team — returning 11 players from last season and introducing five newcomers, including redshirt senior transfer Danyelle Williams.