Fort Valley State hosts historic men’s volleyball conference tourney, wins opening game

Micah Johnston
·2 min read
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Fort Valley State University is hosting the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men’s volleyball tournament Thursday and Friday.

That’s a big deal, both for the university and the conference:

The 2023 edition of the tournament marks FVSU’s first time hosting an SIAC tournament on campus and the second year of the tournament overall, the school said in a release. The SIAC is the only HBCU athletic conference to host a men’s volleyball tournament.

“It means a lot and when you would look at it in a grand scope of things, I don’t believe Fort Valley State has hosted a conference tournament championship ever,” men’s volleyball coach Larry Wrather said. “So, to be able to bring it into our own house and have our crowd in their home environment, it is a great experience to have for them to grow.”

The Wildcats finished fourth in last year’s inaugural tournament that saw Central State University win the title over Edward Waters University. FVSU is the fourth-seeded team this year and will seek a better result as tournament host.

The Wildcats notched a record of 7-19 during the regular season with a 4-6 record in conference play. Six players made the All-SIAC team at season’s end, including star freshman Isiah Fedd. The conference named Fedd to first-team All-SIAC after he led the conference in aces with 37, making him the first Wildcat to make the most honored conference team.

FVSU won their opening matchup against the No. 5-seeded Kentucky State Thorobreds, who they swept in the regular season, by a score of 3-0 Thursday morning.

Here’s the full schedule for the tournament:

  • No. 3 Benedict College vs #6 Morehouse, Thursday at 1 p.m.

  • Semifinals: No. 4 Fort Valley State vs No. 1 Edward Waters, Thursday at 4 p.m.

  • Semifinals: Winner of Benedict-Morehouse vs No. 2 Central State, Thursday at 7 p.m.

  • Championship game, Friday at 1 p.m.

Fort Valley State’s Marty Boyd (10) spikes the ball during the Wildcats three set win over Kentucky State Thursday during the first round of the SIAC conference tournament.
Fort Valley State’s Marty Boyd (10) spikes the ball during the Wildcats three set win over Kentucky State Thursday during the first round of the SIAC conference tournament.
Fort Valley State’s Justin Yates (25) sets the ball during the Wildcats three set win over Kentucky State Thursday during the first round of the SIAC conference tournament.
Fort Valley State’s Justin Yates (25) sets the ball during the Wildcats three set win over Kentucky State Thursday during the first round of the SIAC conference tournament.
Three Fort Valley State men’s volleyball players leap to block the ball during a game against Tusculum in February of 2023. FVSU will host their conference tournament for the first time this week.
Three Fort Valley State men’s volleyball players leap to block the ball during a game against Tusculum in February of 2023. FVSU will host their conference tournament for the first time this week.