Georgia State volleyball team has earned the No. 4 seed in the East Division for the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Championship. The tournament runs from November 20 to 23 at the Foley Events Center in Foley, Alabama, where the Panthers will battle for the league title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
This seeding comes after a strong regular season finish, including a weekend sweep over rival Georgia Southern that clinched their tournament berth. Fans are excited as the team aims to build on recent successes and make a deep run in this single-elimination event.
Tournament Bracket and Schedule
The 2025 Sun Belt Conference Volleyball Tournament features the top five teams from both the East and West Divisions. It kicks off with first-round matches on November 20, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship game.
All games will stream live on ESPN+, giving fans easy access to the action. The setup ensures high-stakes volleyball with potential upsets and thrilling comebacks.
Here’s a quick look at the full bracket in table form for easy reference:
| Round | Date | Time (ET) | Matchup |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | November 20 | 2:30 p.m. | (4E) Georgia State vs. (5W) Southern Miss |
| First Round | November 20 | 5:30 p.m. | (4W) Troy vs. (5E) Marshall |
| Quarterfinals | November 21 | 12:00 p.m. | (2E) Coastal Carolina vs. (3W) Texas State |
| Quarterfinals | November 21 | 2:30 p.m. | (1W) Arkansas State vs. Winner of Georgia State/Southern Miss |
| Quarterfinals | November 21 | 5:30 p.m. | (1E) James Madison vs. Winner of Troy/Marshall |
| Quarterfinals | November 21 | 8:00 p.m. | (2W) South Alabama vs. (3E) Georgia Southern |
| Semifinals | November 22 | 3:00 p.m. | Winner of Coastal Carolina/Texas State vs. Winner of Arkansas State/First Round Winner |
| Semifinals | November 22 | 6:00 p.m. | Winner of James Madison/First Round Winner vs. Winner of South Alabama/Georgia Southern |
| Championship | November 23 | 5:00 p.m. | Semifinal Winners |
This structure highlights the path ahead, with Georgia State starting against a familiar foe.
Teams like Arkansas State and James Madison enter as top seeds, based on their dominant regular season play. The tournament’s location in Alabama adds a neutral site vibe, which could level the playing field.
Georgia State’s Road to Victory
Georgia State opens against Southern Miss on November 20 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The Panthers seek revenge after losing a weekend series to the Golden Eagles in 2023.
A win would pit them against top seeded Arkansas State in the quarterfinals on November 21. Earlier this season, Georgia State split matches with the Red Wolves, showing they can compete at that level.
The team finished the regular season with a 16-9 overall record and 7-7 in conference play. Their recent sweep of Georgia Southern boosted momentum and secured the No. 4 spot.
Key to success will be strong serving and blocking, areas where the Panthers excelled late in the year. Coaches have emphasized team unity as a driving force.
If they advance further, potential semifinal opponents include powerhouses like Coastal Carolina or Texas State. The championship on November 23 offers a shot at the automatic NCAA bid.
Standout Players and Team Stats
Several players have shone for Georgia State this season. Their balanced attack has been a strength, with multiple contributors stepping up in big moments.
Here are some key highlights from the team’s performance:
- Strong hitting efficiency, ranking high in the conference for kills per set.
- Solid defense, led by top blockers who disrupted opponents’ offenses.
- Experienced setters who maintained composure in tight matches.
Statistically, the Panthers averaged over 13 kills per set in conference games. Their error rate dropped in the final weeks, a sign of improved focus.
Comparisons to last year show growth, with more wins against divisional rivals. This progress positions them well for tournament surprises.
Coaches point to mental toughness as a edge, especially after overcoming midseason challenges.
Fans recall the team’s grit in past tournaments, adding to the excitement.
Rivals and Conference Context
The Sun Belt Conference has seen intense competition this year. Texas State and Georgia Southern were preseason favorites, living up to expectations with strong records.
Arkansas State tops the West Division, boasting a potent offense. James Madison leads the East with consistent wins.
Georgia State’s in state rival, Georgia Southern, sits as the No. 3 seed in the East. A potential matchup later in the bracket could reignite that rivalry.
Recent conference trends show underdogs often making noise. Last year’s champion advanced to the NCAA second round, raising the stakes.
Broader volleyball news includes Kentucky claiming the SEC title, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in the region.
This tournament aligns with other college volleyball events, like the upcoming SEC championship in Savannah, drawing more attention to the sport.
How Fans Can Follow and Engage
All matches stream on ESPN+, making it simple for supporters to watch from anywhere. Check local listings for any broadcast options.
Social media buzz is building, with fans sharing predictions and highlights. Posts on platforms like X highlight the excitement around Georgia State’s seeding.
For those attending, the Foley Events Center offers a vibrant atmosphere. Tickets are available through the conference website.
Experts predict a competitive field, but Georgia State’s recent form gives them a fighting chance.
As the tournament approaches, stay updated on any last minute changes due to weather or other factors.
What do you think about Georgia State’s chances? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with fellow fans.
