Abstract

This study investigates the impact of front row attackers on the outcomes of a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I women’s volleyball match using Markov chain techniques. The goal is to compare consistency, efficiency, and overall quality of performance in each of the three front row attackers: outside, middle, and opposite hitters. By assessing the skill levels of these players both over full seasons and a single match, we are able to create transition matrices containing probability that the ball will move from each individual state to another, including states that represent scoring points. These transition matrices are then used to inform Markov models built to reflect points and sets of volleyball, which include stipulations to uphold the integrity of the rules of the game. From these results, we gather that middle and opposite attackers should be granted a higher frequency of attack attempts, rather than being reserved for blocking purposes.

Advisor

Long, Colby

Department

Physical Education; Statistical and Data Sciences

Keywords

NCAA Division I volleyball, Texas volleyball, Nebraska volleyball, front row attackers

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2025 Maddie Moran