Austin, Texas: Longhorns Gear Up for NCAA Volleyball Tournament
As the excitement builds in Austin, the Texas Longhorns volleyball team is ready to kick off the NCAA Tournament for the 2024 season. The Longhorns, boasting an impressive 18-6 record, will face off against the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders, who come into the matchup with a commendable 20-10 record. The highly anticipated match is set for Thursday, December 5, at 6:30 p.m. CT at the historic Gregory Gymnasium.
A Longstanding Rivalry
These two teams have faced each other four times in the past, with the Longhorns coming out on top in every matchup. All previous encounters have taken place in Austin, making this home-court advantage crucial for Texas. The Longhorns last met A&M-Corpus Christi in an exhibition match last spring, which keeps the rivalry fresh in the minds of both teams as they prepare for this NCAA showdown.
Looking Ahead: Possible Matchups
The Longhorns have a rich history in tournament play, with a potential second-round match that can see them face either UT Arlington or the USC Trojans. Texas coach Jerritt Elliott has familiarity with USC, having served as the interim coach there from 1999 to 2000. In contrast, their record against the Trojans is 6-4, while they share a long-standing rivalry with UT Arlington, having not played against them since 2003 despite a solid 28-20 all-time record against them.
Chasing History
As the Longhorns embark on this tournament journey, they are on a quest for their third consecutive National Championship. Texas holds an impressive all-time NCAA Tournament record of 116 wins against 36 losses and has never lost in the first round, boasting a perfect 36-0 record. Looking back, Texas has achieved 5 national titles throughout its history—1981, 1988, 2012, 2022, and 2023.
All-SEC Honors
This year, Texas had a stellar performance in the SEC (Southeastern Conference), with standout players Madisen Skinner and Marianna Singletary earning spots on the All-SEC First Team. Their teammates Reagan Rutherford and Ayden Ames also received accolades, being recognized on the All-SEC Second Team and All-Freshman Team, respectively. This level of recognition showcases the talent and hard work put in throughout the season as Texas transitions to life in the SEC.
The Road to This Point
Texas encountered a challenging regular season, playing a total of 16 matches against teams that made the NCAA Tournament. They faced nine teams from the SEC, a league that turned out to be one of the strongest in this year’s postseason, alongside the ACC and Big Ten, each boasting nine selected teams.
Consistency is Key
Longhorns volleyball has become synonymous with success over the past decade. They have consistently ranked in the top 10 for 18 consecutive seasons and firmly established themselves as a powerhouse. With an ongoing record of 18 straight appearances in the NCAA Regional Semifinals, it’s no wonder that the Longhorns have a deep-rooted legacy within collegiate volleyball.
Attendance Boosts Support
Fans have rallied behind the team, evident in their impressive sell-out streak of 40 matches since the start of the 2022 season. Last year, they attracted an average of 4,495 fans per home match, making them fifth in national rankings for attendance and emphasizing the significant local support for Texas Volleyball.
A Rising Star and A Seasoned Veteran
Fans are excited to see players like Marianna Singletary, who dominated the court this season, especially in October, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors three times. Singletary’s total of 128 blocks and .356 hitting percentage highlights her ability to both defend and score. Meanwhile, senior player Madisen Skinner not only brings experience but also ranks among the top players in the nation with over 1,800 career kills. This season, she claimed the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player title, reaffirming her status as one of the league’s top athletes.
What’s Next?
The Longhorns will aim to keep their winning momentum going as they step onto the court this coming Thursday. With an enthusiastic crowd cheering them on, Texas is ready to add more victories to their already stellar record in pursuit of another trip to the National Championships.
