Losing key position players at outside hitter, setter and libero would present any volleyball program with growing pains. If an athlete is recruited to play NCAA Division I, they have demonstrated expertise in their position but excelling in this teamsport, like most, requires chemistry that can only be developed over time. Learning how teammates move on the court and timing of their jumps, nourishing the strengths and respecting the weaknesses of each. Then maximizing and minimizing those to collectively succeed.
In pre-conference, it was evident Texas was in this nascent phase following a National Championship in 2022. An unnecessary season opener loss was followed by defeats from programs with more seasoned players like Top Ten teams Stanford and Washington State. As all solid programs do, the Longhorns have slowly and methodically rebounded with four straight wins in the Big 12 Conference.
The two victories over #9 BYU, a 13-1 team before reaching the Forty Acres, shined a spotlight on how critical backcourt defense and setters are to a team. An offensive hitter cannot execute the kill without an effective set, nor can a setter provide the needed assist without a collection of talented diggers.
Revealing the potential and versatility of freshman Ella Swindle, the setter earned a collegiate career high five kills on night one hitting at an efficiency of 0.364 followed by a collegiate career high 44 assists on the second. Outside hitter Madisen Skinner led the offense both matches, with 15 kills in the first followed by 14 in the second. The junior was supported by a strong trio across the two-match series with outside hitter Jenna Wenaas contributing a total of 22 kills, middle blocker Bella Bergmark 15 kills, and Molly Phillips (OPP) with 14.
On the defensive side of the ball, Skinner earned a season high 18 digs in the second match leading the team in a total of 70 digs – a season high for the program. Sophomore Ella Swindle was a rocket across the back row accruing 17 digs on the second night of the series. Collectively, the team’s service game resulted in seven and eight aces, while limiting their service errors to four and five, respectively.
The steady improvement of this team comprised of veterans and rising stars will again be tested when Texas next hosts #19 Kansas on Thursday and Friday with both matches starting at 7PM on Longhorn Network.
