On their quest for back-to-back titles, #5 Texas Volleyball (27-4) has plowed through #2 Stanford and #3 Wisconsin – each in 3-1 matches – during this year’s NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Tournament. The defending champion Longhorns have proven despite their seed and overall rank they are well-prepared to win the National Championship versus #1 Nebraska (33-1) on Sunday.
While the number one-seeded Cornhuskers remained undefeated until November 24th with a loss to Wisconsin, their offense and defense rankings are similar to Texas’. Both programs have demonstrated they can win tough matches over top programs and earned their conferences’ title this season. Additionally, their teams are comprised of seasoned players and rising stars who have been recognized for their successful contributions.
For Nebraska, junior libero Lexi Rodriguez was, for the second time, named Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year and freshman Bergen Reilly the conference’s setter of the year. Cornhusker outside hitter Harper Murray was chosen as freshman of the year and John Cook earned coach of the year. Finally, Merritt Beason (OPP) was named the AVCA Region Player of the Year – Nebraska’s team leader in kills per set (3.83).
Along with Big 12 Player of the Year honors for averaging 4.78 kills per set, Texas’ Madisen Skinner also earned AVCA Southwest Region Player of the Year. Longhorn setter Ella Swindle was named the AVCA Region Freshman of the Year. Leading the Longhorn’s defense at the net, middle blocker Asjia O’Neal holds the program record at The University of Texas with 598 career blocks and is ranked #2 in the country.
Sunday will be Nebraska’s 11th appearance in a NCAA Final and Texas’ 10th. The Cornhuskers have won the NCAA title five times to Texas’ three. The match marks the third time Texas and Nebraska have played each other in the NCAA National Championship, with 1995 and 2015 wins to Nebraska. Texas’ last loss in the NCAA Tournament was to Nebraska in the 2021 Austin Regional Final. Since, the Longhorns have won 11 consecutive tournament matches and hold an overall 4-3 record in NCAA Tournament play over the Cornhuskers.
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