Volleyball Set to Host UNT Invitational

Thursday, September 17

Denton, Texas

7 PM CT

University of North Texas

Tarleton State

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9/16/2026 7:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball

Notes

DENTON, Texas – The UNT volleyball team returns home this weekend to host the UNT Invitational, a three-day tournament in which it'll face Tarleton State, West Virginia and East Texas A&M.

The Mean Green open play Thursday at 7 p.m. against Tarleton State before facing West Virginia the following night at the same time. They close the weekend on Saturday at 2 p.m. in a matchup against the Lions.

Both Friday and Saturday's contests will be available for streaming on ESPN+. James Trietley and Alex Glover are set to handle the call Friday. Owen Simpson and Haylie Stum will then take broadcast duties on Saturday.

Weekend Overview

All three matches this weekend will be played at the UNT Volleyball Center, marking the team's first opportunity this season to play inside its typical home venue. The Mean Green hosted Florida at the Super Pit in their home opener on Sept. 6.
North Texas has never lost to Tarleton State in six all-time meetings. After squaring off four times between 1976-83, the two programs did not meet again for nearly 40 years. Last season, UNT swept the Texans in a tight match that didn't see a single set decided by more than three points.
This weekend marks the first matchup ever between UNT and West Virginia.
UNT holds an 18-11 advantage in the all-time series against East Texas A&M and has won three in a row dating back to Sept. 3, 2022. Prior to UNT's run, the Lions claimed nine of their previous 10 matches.
In 2025, North Texas swept all three matches while sharing hosting duties for the UNT-UTA Invitational. It solely hosted the UNT Invitational at the Super Pit the year prior, dropping matches to Colorado, Rutgers and Miami (FL).

UNT Quick Hits

At 5-3 overall, the Mean Green are looking to close the non-conference slate well before opening American Conference play next Friday.
The Mean Green enter on a two-match winning streak after a 2-1 showing at the Texas Challenge last weekend.
Head coach Dave Fleming is in his second season at the helm of the program. His debut campaign saw UNT compile a 21-9 record and finish fourth in the American.
Outside hitter Jahniya Jackson has paced the Mean Green offense with 90 kills (3.00/set) thus far, which is 32 more than anyone else on the squad. She boasts two double-doubles on the season and has led the team in kills six times.
The North Texas lineup features a strong middle blocker duo in Loredana Fouonji and Addison Achilles. Fouonji was named a Preseason All-Conference selection last month, while Achilles is averaging 1.77 kills per set and shares the team lead for blocks with her counterpart at 31.0 total.
Libero Alessandra Romo has taken a significant leap in her sophomore campaign, commanding the back row defense with a league-leading 3.97 digs per set. She was named American Conference Defensive Player of the Week back on Aug. 31 for an excellent performance at the ACU Invitational.
UNT continues to receive contributions from its setter tandem of Sidney Soria and Olivia Branum, who are combining for 10.47 assists per set. Just a freshman, Branum's three double-doubles are the most on the team.

Previously On...

North Texas went 2-1 at the Texas Challenge last weekend. After falling to UT Arlington in the tournament opener, it won consecutive four-set matches over host Stephen F. Austin and Texas State.
Outside hitter Jocelyn Jourdan enjoyed a breakout performance, accumulating 30 kills, five aces and six blocks on her way to Tournament MVP honors. Her 14 kills and seven digs against SFA on Friday were both season-highs.
Joining Jourdan on the All-Tournament Team was Reagan Bedell, who posted 31 kills and 17 digs during UNT's pair of victories.
For the first time this season, four different Mean Green players had 10+ kills in the win over Stephen F. Austin.