No. 3 Texas Volleyball Falls to No. 10 Wisconsin in NCAA Regional final
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AUSTIN, Texas – The No. 3 University of Texas Volleyball team lost to No. 10 Wisconsin in the NCAA Regional final on Sunday night, 3-1 (22-25, 21-25, 25-20, 19-25). This appearance marked the 18th time in 20 seasons the Longhorns have reached the Regional Final. Texas Sports Report
The Longhorns concluded the season with a 26-4 overall record, including 12 victories against ranked opponents. Notably, Texas achieved an 18-straight win streak during the season. Texas Sports Report
key Player Performances
Freshman Cari Spears led the Longhorns with 12 kills on 28 attempts, achieving a .321 hitting percentage. Senior libero Emma Halter recorded a team-high 13 digs, finishing her Texas career with 1,307 – the 8th most in UT history. Texas Sports Report Both Spears and junior outside hitter Torrey Stafford where named to the Austin Regional All-Tournament Team.
Match Recap
Set One: Despite a late rally to fend off five set points, the Longhorns dropped the first set 22-25.Wisconsin’s Mimi Colyer led the Badgers with six kills.Torrey Stafford contributed three kills and two solo blocks for Texas.
Set Two: Wisconsin dominated the second set,hitting .400 with a 66% side-out rate. The Longhorns were limited to a .267 hitting percentage, despite Whitney Lauenstein’s four kills. Wisconsin won 21-25.
Set Three: Texas battled back to win the third set 25-20, marking their only set victory of the match. The Longhorns hit .400 with 11 kills, led by Spears who added three kills on six attempts.
Set Four: Although the Longhorns started strong with a 4-0 run,they were held to a .158 hitting percentage – their lowest of the match. Wisconsin capitalized, building a meaningful lead at 17-10 and ultimately winning the set 19-25, securing their advancement to the NCAA Semifinal. Texas Sports Report
Looking Ahead
The Wisconsin Badgers will advance to the NCAA Semifinals. While the Longhorns’ season has concluded, the program’s consistent success – reaching the regional final 18 times in 20 seasons – demonstrates its continued strength and position as a national contender. Texas Sports Report
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