Starkville Set for Thrilling Volleyball Showdown as Texas Longhorns Face Mississippi State Bulldogs

Starkville, Mississippi Welcomes Texas Longhorns for Exciting Volleyball Matchup

On the evening of November 6, volleyball fans in Starkville will get a treat as the Texas Longhorns, currently boasting a record of 12-6, take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who come in with a 10-8 record. This matchup, taking place in the Newell-Grissom Building, marks the first ever meeting between these two teams, which promises some thrilling volleyball action for those in attendance.

A Fresh Experience in the SEC

With this year representing the Longhorns’ debut in the SEC, fans are eager to see how the team fares against some unfamiliar opponents. Earlier this season, Texas faced off against South Carolina for only the second time and met Arkansas for just the third time. Upcoming matches against Auburn and Ole Miss will also be only the second of their kind in program history, and a highly-anticipated first encounter with Alabama is on the horizon.

Longhorns on a Winning Streak

Texas kicked off their SEC journey with remarkable momentum, pulling off a stunning nine-match winning streak that included their first seven league victories. During this phase, the Longhorns hit an impressive .300 average and racked up 14.13 kills per set, coupled with 13.07 assists and 2.82 blocks per set. For the season, their overall stats show a hitting percentage of .259 and an average of 12.99 kills, showcasing their potent offensive capabilities.

Star Players to Watch

When it comes to standout performance, middle blocker Marianna Singletary has been a revelation. She isn’t just a team player; she’s made her mark, earning the title of SEC Defensive Player of the Week for three consecutive weeks! With a total of 100 blocks this season, Singletary ranks sixth in the nation with an impressive 1.52 blocks per set. Her offensive contributions are notable too, with 118 kills and a hitting percentage of .318.

.Strong Legacy and Ranking

Coming into this match as reigning National Champions, the Longhorns maintain a rich legacy in women’s volleyball. With 29 all-time league championships under their belt, including 16 Big 12 titles and 13 Southwest Conference Championships, they are a force to be reckoned with. Their recent dominance includes a historic streak, clinching their seventh consecutive Big 12 Championship in 2023.

A glance at their current stats shows that the Longhorns are ranked high in the SEC Coaches’ Poll, coming in at the top position. They are one of three SEC teams participating in the top-25 rankings, which includes Kentucky at No. 13 and Florida at No. 22.

Fans Make a Difference

Fans have been flocking to see the Longhorns play! The team has established a sell-out streak of 37 consecutive matches, dating back to the 2022 season. Last season, Texas boasted the fifth-highest average attendance nationally, with an enthusiastic crowd of 4,495 per home match.

Proud Coaching History

Under the guidance of Jerritt Elliott, who was recently inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame, the Longhorns have secured over 561 wins—a testament to his leadership and long-term vision for the program. The legacy of magnificent middle blockers, as well as the promising talents ready to step up, speaks volumes about the future of Texas volleyball.

As Texas prepares to take the court against Mississippi State, excitement is in the air. Will they extend their winning streak? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the atmosphere at Newell-Grissom Building is going to be electric!