As reigning national champions, expectations for Texas Volleyball was high this season but after an opening loss to unranked Long Beach State, the program had to adapt. Transitioning from a group of senior stars like outside hitter Logan Eggleston, setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-torres and libero Zoe Fleck, the 2023 developing team demonstrated perseverance and dedication to the process of building necessary chemistry among a couple of seasoned stars and blossoming starters.
The #4 Longhorns finished out their regular season 22-4 overall and 17-1 in the Big 12 Conference with a sweep of Texas Tech. Moreover, the program claimed their seventh consecutive Big 12 title as they bid farewell and transition to the SEC next season.
Texas ended the regular season with a hitting efficiency of 0.279 or 13.4 kills per set, 1.7 aces/set, 13.8 digs/set and 2.9 blocks/set. Junior outside hitter Madisen Skinner led the team with a total 422 kills, senior middle blocker Asjia O’Neal earned a total 129 blocks, libero Emma Halter with a total 356 digs and high 31 aces, and freshman setter Ella Swindle with a total 868 assists. Tomorrow, the Longhorns will learn their next assignment which will be revealed during the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball selection show at 6PM EST. This is in the backdrop of the only undefeated program, #1 Nebraska, going down in three sets at the hands of #5 Wisconsin yesterday which will have an impact on seeds and site locations.
