The Texas Longhorns are gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch against the Oklahoma Sooners, marking their second encounter this season. The first match between these two historic programs earlier this month saw Oklahoma break a longstanding streak, as they defeated Texas for the first time since 2014. This victory also ended a 21-match winning streak by the Longhorns in the rivalry. Despite the loss, Texas remains the dominant force in the series, holding a commanding 63-5 record against Oklahoma. The Longhorns also boast a remarkable 26-2 record in Norman, Oklahoma, but they know they must bring their A-game as they face their fierce rivals once again.
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As the Longhorns head into this final regular season road match, they are coming off a period of exceptional form. Texas will wrap up their regular season next week with two crucial home matches against Tennessee and Ole Miss. After the Ole Miss match, the team will honor its five senior players: Keonilei Akana, Soah Franklin, Reagan Rutherford, Madisen Skinner, and Jenna Wenaas, all of whom have made significant contributions to the team’s success.
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The Winning Streak and Texas’ Rise to the Top
The Texas Longhorns have been in sensational form for much of the 2024 season, riding a nine-match winning streak that included victories in the first seven matches of their Southeastern Conference (SEC) campaign. During this stretch, Texas played outstanding volleyball, hitting an impressive .300 and averaging 14.13 kills per set, 13.07 assists per set, and 2.82 blocks per set. These statistics underscore the team’s power, precision, and well-rounded play, which has been a hallmark of their success.
Over the course of the season, the Longhorns have not been able to sustain those lofty averages, but they still maintain solid statistics. With an overall hitting percentage of .271 and 13.32 kills per set, Texas continues to be a formidable opponent. They remain one of the top teams in the country, and their performance against Oklahoma will be crucial as they aim to finish the season strong.
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Marianna Singletary’s Dominance: A Defensive Powerhouse
One of the standout players for Texas this season has been middle blocker Marianna Singletary. The young athlete has taken her game to new heights, and her performance in October was nothing short of remarkable. Singletary earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors three consecutive times and was named the league’s Player of the Week twice during this stretch. Her blocking prowess has been a game-changer for the Longhorns, and her ability to contribute offensively has made her one of the most dominant players in the conference.
For the season, Singletary ranks 10th in the nation with 1.49 blocks per set. She has tallied 109 total blocks and also contributes 136 kills with a .330 hitting percentage. Singletary’s all-around performance has made her a key figure in Texas’ success, and she will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the team’s upcoming clash with Oklahoma.
Texas Enters the SEC Era with Confidence
The Longhorns’ move to the SEC has marked a new chapter in the program’s storied history, and they have embraced the challenge with impressive results. Texas got off to a perfect start in the SEC, winning their first seven conference matches. This follows a long history of dominance in collegiate volleyball, where Texas has secured 29 all-time league championships, including 16 Big 12 titles and 13 Southwest Conference titles.
Last year, Texas won its seventh consecutive Big 12 Championship, and they have been a consistent force in their former conference. The transition to the SEC has been smooth, and the Longhorns have quickly established themselves as one of the conference’s top teams.
Defending National Champions: The Longhorns’ Unstoppable Legacy
Texas entered the 2024 season as the defending National Champions, following their dominant 2023 title win. The Longhorns swept Nebraska in the championship match in Tampa, Florida, marking their second consecutive NCAA title. This victory capped off a remarkable season in which Texas returned five key starters from their title-winning team. The Longhorns’ success has been built on a foundation of talent, teamwork, and mental toughness.
Among the key returnees are NCAA Final Four All-Tournament team members Madisen Skinner, Ella Swindle, and Emma Halter. The 2023 National Championship was Texas’ fifth in program history, adding to previous titles won in 1981, 1988, 2012, and 2022. With such a successful history, the Longhorns have firmly established themselves as a dominant force in college volleyball.
National Player of the Year Watch List: Longhorn Trio Recognized
Three Texas players have earned spots on the AVCA Division I National Player of the Year Watch List for the 2024 season: Reagan Rutherford, Madisen Skinner, and Marianna Singletary. These three players have been instrumental to the Longhorns’ success, and their recognition among the nation’s top talent is a testament to their skill and leadership.
As the season progresses, the watch list will be narrowed down, with the final list of Player of the Year finalists revealed before the AVCA Convention. The Longhorns’ trio will be aiming to make their mark on this prestigious list and continue to lead their team to success.
Senior Leadership: Madisen Skinner’s Legacy
Madisen Skinner’s legacy at Texas is already firmly established, and she is poised to add another impressive chapter to her career as she enters her final season. Skinner has accumulated over 1,700 career kills, ranking 13th among active players in Division I. As a three-time National Champion and the 2023 VolleyballMag.com National Player of the Year, Skinner is one of the most accomplished players in the country.
Last season, Skinner ranked sixth nationally with 4.80 kills per set and was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Her ability to elevate her play in the postseason was crucial to Texas’ success, and she will be looking to finish her college career with another national championship.
Texas on the Road: Dominance Away from Home
Texas has been nearly unstoppable on the road, winning 48 of their last 53 road matches dating back to the 2019 season. Since 2011, the Longhorns have amassed an impressive 128-23 record in true road matches, with only seven of those losses coming to unranked teams. This remarkable consistency and ability to perform in hostile environments will serve them well as they travel to Norman for this crucial match against Oklahoma.
Impressive Rankings and National Recognition
Texas has consistently been ranked among the top teams in the nation, with the Longhorns being selected as the preseason No. 1 team in the AVCA Coaches’ Poll for the fifth time in program history. The Longhorns have been ranked in the top four of the AVCA preseason poll for 18 consecutive seasons, solidifying their place as one of the most successful programs in college volleyball.
With a 158-61 record against ranked opponents over the last 21 seasons, Texas has proven its ability to compete with the best teams in the country. Their strong performance against ranked opponents last season, including a 14-2 record, highlights their status as a top contender for the national championship.
Sell-Out Crowds and Fan Support
Texas’ loyal fanbase has been a driving force behind the team’s success, as evidenced by their impressive sell-out streak. The Longhorns have sold out 38 consecutive matches dating back to the 2022 season, and they ranked fifth nationally in attendance last season with an average crowd of 4,495 per home match. The atmosphere at Gregory Gym is electric, and the Longhorns will be looking to continue their dominance in front of their passionate supporters.
A Bright Future Ahead for Texas Volleyball
Under the leadership of head coach Jerritt Elliott, who was inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2023, Texas volleyball has enjoyed tremendous success. Elliott is the winningest coach in program history, with 561 career wins, and he continues to guide the Longhorns toward new heights.
As Texas looks toward the future, the program’s rich tradition and legacy of excellence will continue to shine. With talented players like Madisen Skinner, Marianna Singletary, and Reagan Rutherford leading the way, the Longhorns are primed to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament and cement their place as one of the greatest programs in college volleyball history.
A New Chapter in the Rivalry
The Texas Longhorns are set to face the Oklahoma Sooners for the second time this season, and the stakes have never been higher. With both teams looking to assert their dominance, this match will be a crucial test for the Longhorns as they aim to finish the regular season on a high note. Texas has the talent, the experience, and the heart to overcome any challenge, and they will be looking to add another win to their storied history as they prepare for their final regular season road match. The road to the NCAA tournament is just beginning, and the Longhorns are ready to make their mark.
