JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- The Jacksonville Dolphins will appear in Swisher Gymnasium for the first time in conference play Thursday. JU started the ASUN season 2-0, defeating the Queens Royals in four sets and sweeping the West Georgia Wolves.

Now, Jacksonville (11-3, 2-0 ASUN) prepares for a week of notable matches as it looks to continue its unbeaten start in league play. The Dolphins host cross-town rivals North Florida before an early marquee match-up with North Alabama.

Senior libero --- and Jacksonville native --- Kristina Nika earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for her stout digging for the Dolphins, recording 37 digs across two matches. She helped kick start Jacksonville's early lead in the ASUN standings.

North Florida | 7 PM Thursday | ESPN+
Record: 7-8 (1-1 ASUN)
Last Time vs. JU: JU 3, UNF 1 (10/30/24)
Players To Watch: No. 11 Yarimar Francis Garay, No. 1 Sofia Dawson, No., 27 Kendall Newbold

The River City Rumble returns to the volleyball court for the first time in 2025, with Jacksonville looking to turn the tide in UNF's 31-20 all-time series lead.

The Dolphins took both matches against UNF a season ago, their first time sweeping the season series since 2017. Before JU head coach Alicia Manguiat took over last year, the Ospreys had won 14 of the last 15 matches in the series.

The Ospreys enter this match 7-8 on the season with a win over West Georgia to open conference play. Freshman Kendall Newbold is the reigning ASUN Freshman of the Week and leads the team in kills per set.

North Alabama | 1 PM Saturday | ESPN+
Record: 8-7 (2-0 ASUN)
Last Time vs. JU: UNA 3, JU 0 (9/28/24)
Players To Watch: No. 11 Reese Ricketts, No. 4 Kinslee McGowan, No. 7 Kendall Barnes

After the rivalry festivities on Thursday, Jacksonville plays host to one of the hottest teams in the ASUN --- North Alabama. The Lions roared to a 2-0 start in league play, sweeping preseason No. 1 Lipscomb and Austin Peay.

Outside hitter Reese Ricketts is the reigning ASUN Player of the Week, as she led the league in kills per set in the opening weekend of conference play. The Dolphins have lost the last four to North Alabama, but this is an early test between two sides that could compete for an ASUN Championship this fall.