In the fall of 2016, head coach Glenn Cox's team put together an abundance of firsts. The program won its first-ever set in the NCAA Tournament. A first-year standout records an epic play. The squad became the first women's team at USC Aiken to earn a berth in the Elite Eight. 

For the second consecutive season, USC Aiken earned the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Southeast Regional. After losing two-time PBC Player of the Year and two-time All-American in Ashley Diedrich to graduation, USC Aiken had a solid core returning to go along with some promising newcomers.

Standing at 10-1 on the season, the team lost back-to-back matches in late September, but rebounded with 17 consecutive victories to close out the regular season. After earning the No. 2 seed in the PBC Tournament, a short-handed squad lost in the semifinals, but still earned the top spot in the regional the following week.

Thanks to an outstanding performance by Julia Forster, the squad posted a 3-0 victory over No. 8 Barton in the opening round, securing the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament win.

In the second round of play, the team squared off against Armstrong State for the second straight week. The Pacers dominated the Pirates in the 3-1 win, setting up a Sweet 16 showdown against the No. 7 Queens Royals, who had knocked off Wingate and Flagler to reach the third round of play.

On a Sunday afternoon, USC Aiken came out and was knocked backwards, falling behind 2-0. In the pivotal third set, the resounding squad won 25-14. A 25-16 victory in the fourth set forced an epic fifth stanza.

USC Aiken maintained a small edge for most of the set. Leading 13-9 after a kill from Taylor Stratton, the Royals rattled off three straight points. Shawn Hotson's kill pushed the score to 14-12. However, the Royals pulled within one, forcing a time-out by the Pacers.

After the 75-second break, Queens had the serve and found Danielle Mercer. She made a high pass to Emily Teelon, who had to leap at the net to keep it on the Pacers' side. She made an outstanding pass to Christine Carroll for the "Fancy Nancy," sending the team to the Elite Eight.

Interview With Taylor Stratton About The NCAA Southeast Regional

Interview About The Fancy Nancy

Interview About The First-Ever NCAA Tournament Win For Volleyball

Interview About The Win Over Armstrong State

Interview About The 2016 Season


NCAA Sweet 16


NCAA Second Round


NCAA First Round vs. Barton



Queens Recap
Armstrong State Recap
Barton Recap