What is "newcomb ball"

Newcomb ball (also known simply as Newcomb, and sometimes spelled Newcombe (ball)) is a ball game played as a variation of volleyball.

Invented in 1895 by Clara Groves, a physical education instructor at Sophie Newcomb College, Tulane University in New Orleans, it rivaled volleyball in popularity and participation in the 1920s. The game is significant because it was invented by a woman and became the second team sport to be played by women in the United States, after basketball. In an article in the Journal of Sport in 1996, Joan Paul speculates that Newcomb ball may have been an influence in the development of volleyball.