Volleyball enthusiasts can already feel the excitement building as the season heats up. With NCAA women’s volleyball tournaments kicking into full gear, teams across the country are making waves, and the results have been nothing short of thrilling. From an intense five-set match in the Big Ten to an unexpected upset in beach volleyball, this Sunday’s action showcased some of the most exciting performances of the year. Let’s dive into the highlights.
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USC’s Epic Reverse Sweep Against Oregon
In a stunning turn of events, No. 23 USC pulled off an incredible reverse sweep against No. 11 Oregon in the Big Ten. After dropping the first two sets 20-25 and 16-25, the Trojans fought back with unwavering determination to win the next three sets 25-22, 25-23, and 16-14. Despite hitting just .185 as a team, USC showcased remarkable resilience, particularly from Ally Batenhorst, who led the way with 18 kills. Batenhorst’s performance was a roller coaster, with 10 errors to go with 10 digs, two assists, and a solo block. Her attacking performance was critical in keeping USC in the match.
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Adonia Faumuina added 17 kills to the effort, although she also had 10 errors. Together, they led the charge as USC found its groove in the final three sets, managing to frustrate Oregon’s defense and execute crucial plays at pivotal moments.
Mimi Colyer of Oregon had a standout performance with 23 kills, hitting .315, alongside two aces, 13 digs, and seven blocks. Despite her remarkable efforts, Oregon’s inability to maintain control after taking the early lead led to their eventual defeat.
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This victory for USC marked their fifth win in five-set matches this season, demonstrating the team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity. As USC progresses in their campaign, this comeback victory will serve as a reminder of their tenacity and will to fight until the very end.
SEC Showcases High-Octane Action
Meanwhile, in the SEC, there were multiple notable performances. Kentucky’s Brooklyn DeLeye set a new program record with 30 kills in a four-set victory over visiting Georgia. DeLeye’s explosive offense was the difference-maker, as she hit .377 with eight digs. Her dominant performance helped Kentucky secure the win, maintaining their spot atop the SEC standings.
In another thriller, Ole Miss saw a record-breaking performance from Nia Washington, who tied the school record for kills with a staggering 32 in a five-set victory over Mississippi State. Washington hit .388, and also contributed two assists, two aces, and a solo block. Ole Miss’s ability to grind out a victory in this intense match was a testament to their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.
Texas, ranked No. 13, had no trouble sweeping Alabama 3-0, with Madi Skinner leading the way with 14 kills, hitting .314, and contributing 10 digs. Meanwhile, LSU had a statement win, sweeping Arkansas with a remarkable .400 hitting percentage. Angelina Lee was outstanding for LSU, with nine kills on 12 attacks, hitting 100% with two blocks.
SMU’s Dominance in the ACC
In the ACC, No. 9 SMU put on a clinic as they swept No. 22 Florida State. Naya Shime was at the forefront of the attack, contributing 11 kills, hitting .381, along with four blocks and an ace. SMU’s dominant performance allowed them to maintain their perfect record in the conference, asserting their position as one of the top teams in NCAA volleyball.
Pittsburgh, the top-ranked team in the nation, also had an impressive win, sweeping Miami in three sets. Olivia Babcock led the way for the Panthers with 20 kills, hitting .531, while contributing three digs, three blocks, and five aces. Louisville also had a straightforward sweep over North Carolina, with Anna DeBeer’s 14 kills, four digs, and four blocks anchoring the victory.
As the ACC tournament approaches, the battle between Pittsburgh and Louisville, both tied at 15-1 in conference play, will be one to watch.
AVCA Beach Volleyball National Championships
Switching gears to the sand, UCLA’s Maggie Boyd and Sally Perez made a splash in the AVCA Beach Volleyball National Championships, held in Huntsville, Alabama. The talented duo delivered a stunning upset in the final, defeating TCU’s Daniela Alvarez and Tanai Moreno 21-16, 21-17. This victory was particularly significant because Alvarez and Moreno were the defending AVCA National Pair of the Year, having represented Spain at the Paris Olympics.
Boyd and Perez’s win was a masterclass in precision and strategy. Boyd’s topspin jump serve kept Alvarez and Moreno out of system, while the towering 6-foot-3 Perez dominated at the net. The pair’s early lead in the first set, where they jumped to a 10-4 advantage, was a clear indication of their determination and skill. Though TCU tried to mount a comeback in the second set, Boyd and Perez sealed the victory with aggressive serving and solid net defense.
Boyd’s tactical brilliance and Perez’s intimidating presence at the net were pivotal in securing UCLA’s victory. The win not only earned Boyd and Perez the title but also secured UCLA an entry into the main draw of a future Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge event, marking a significant achievement for the Bruins.
Around the Nation: Big Ten, Big 12, and Beyond
Elsewhere in the NCAA, Creighton continued its dominant run in the Big East, sweeping Georgetown 3-0 to improve to 25-2 on the season. Norah Sis led the charge with 15 kills, hitting an incredible .636. The Bluejays have now clinched their 11th consecutive Big East regular-season title and are poised for another strong postseason showing.
In the Big Ten, No. 10 Purdue earned a solid 3-0 sweep over Illinois, with Eva Hudson contributing 18 kills and seven digs to lead her team to victory. Penn State also came away with a 3-1 win over Maryland, with Camryn Hannah recording 17 kills and hitting .500. The Nittany Lions continue to remain in the thick of the conference race, with only a one-game gap separating them from Nebraska at the top of the standings.
In the Big West, UC Davis swept CSU Bakersfield to climb into a tie with Cal Poly and Hawai’i, while in the Big 12, Arizona swept West Virginia to secure an important conference victory.
Looking Ahead
As the NCAA volleyball season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches, reverse sweeps, and individual performances that leave a lasting impact. With conferences heating up, the race to the NCAA tournament is intensifying, and every match matters.
Whether it’s USC’s epic comeback against Oregon, UCLA’s beach volleyball triumph, or the dominance of teams like Kentucky and Pittsburgh, one thing is clear: this volleyball season is far from over. The battles on the court and in the sand will only grow fiercer as we head into the postseason, and teams are sure to continue delivering breathtaking performances in the weeks to come.
