Charlotte volleyball travels to Tampa, Fla., for a matchup against the University of South Florida (USF) on Oct. 17.

The 49ers (14-4, 5-1 American) are riding a four-match win streak following the conclusion of their homestand. They are part of a four-way tie for No. 2 in the American Conference standings.

Neither team can afford a loss if they hope to stay in the race for the top spot. Rice University (10-8, 6-1) currently holds the No. 1 position.

Charlotte has won 14 of its last 15 matches, tying the program record for the best stretch in school history.

Conference Honors

The American Conference named two Charlotte players as the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.

Graduate outside hitter Jessica Ricks is the Offensive Player of the Week, and graduate libero Annika Thompson is the Defensive Player of the Week.

This marks Ricks’ first conference honor of the season, while Thompson has now earned the defensive award four times—and for the second consecutive week.

Thompson tallied a career-high 30 digs against Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She leads the conference in digs per set (5.26) and ranks No. 5 nationally.

Despite the impact Ricks has made for the 49ers, this is her first selection of the year. Recording a season-high 20 kills finally put her name in the headlines.

Ricks is inside the top 10 in the American Conference for points per set (4.04), total points (266.5) and total kills (229).

Last time out 

After winning a five-set thriller against FAU, Temple University was the only opponent left in Charlotte’s homestand.

The 49ers completed the undefeated stretch by sweeping Temple on Oct. 12 at Halton Arena.

49ers to watch

All eyes are on Charlotte’s conference honorees. Ricks and Thompson will be the difference-makers against USF.

Thompson’s defense anchored the 49ers’ wins over FAU and Temple, providing stability on the back line.

While she may not always lead the stat sheet, Ricks’ all-around play continues to elevate Charlotte’s offense. As she shines, the 49ers’ attack improves.

Ricks is also making an impact on the defensive side of the net—she led the team with 15 digs against Temple.

Graduate outside hitter Kristen Birmingham led the 49ers in kills and aces in that match and shows no signs of slowing down her great production.

Leaders for USF

Sophomore setter Raegan Richardson leads USF in assists and service aces.

Richardson currently sits at 557 assists on the season—more than 400 ahead of the next closest teammate.

Senior outside hitter Maria Clara Andrade was the 2025 American Conference Preseason Player of the Year. Andrade was also named the 2024 American Conference Player of the Year and leads the Bulls with 251 kills this season.

Next up

Charlotte will travel to Tampa, Fla., for a match against USF on Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.