Hook 'em, Texas Moves On: Volleyball Victory Secures Spot in National Championship

The Texas Longhorns showcased their resilience and prowess on the volleyball court, securing a thrilling 3-1 victory over Wisconsin in the NCAA semifinals. The Longhorns' victory was a testament to their tenacity and strategic play, earning them a spot in the national championship game.

Set 4 Dominance

In a nail-biting encounter, Texas surged in the final two sets, overcoming Wisconsin 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-13, 25-16). The fourth set statistics reflected Texas's dominance, with the Longhorns acing 11 times—a season-best for the squad. Madisen Skinner's career-defining game at the service line, along with contributions from Asjia O'Neal and Emma Halter, played a pivotal role in Texas's triumph.

Ella Swindle's Stellar Performance

Ella Swindle's exceptional performance as a setter stood out, tallying 46 assists that set up her teammates for greatness. Four Longhorns recorded double-digit kills in the decisive set: Madisen Skinner (18), Asjia O'Neal (11), Molly Phillips (10), and Jenna Wenaas (10).

Texas Defense Shines

Despite Wisconsin's attempts to stifle Texas's offensive efforts, the Longhorns contained Sarah Franklin to her season-low four-set killing performance at 13. The defensive prowess of Texas libero Emma Halter played a crucial role, leading her team to out-dig Wisconsin 56-44.

National Championship Aspirations

This victory marks Texas's eighth national championship appearance as they seek their second consecutive championship and fourth in program history. However, a formidable challenge awaits as they face Nebraska in the national finals. Texas and Nebraska have crossed paths in the national finals twice before—in 1995 and 2015—with the Longhorns yet to secure a win against the Huskers on the grand stage.

Key Moments in the Match

11 Consecutive Points Decide Set 3 for Texas (10:14 PM, December 14, 2023)

Texas showcased their dominance in an exceptional 11-point run during the third set, securing a convincing 25-13 victory. Madisen Skinner's aces and Asija O'Neal's kills played a crucial role in this decisive stretch.

Court Defense to the Rescue (10:06 PM, December 14, 2023)

An impressive defensive display led by Texas kept the ball alive, ultimately resulting in a 13-3 lead in the third set, forcing Wisconsin to call a timeout.

Wisconsin Turns the Tide in Set 2 (9:37 PM, December 14, 2023)

After a strong start in the first set, Texas faced a resilient Wisconsin in the second, ultimately falling 25-20. Anna Smrek's impressive performance, including seven unanswered points, propelled Wisconsin to victory.

Record-Breaking Attendance

The 2023 NCAA semifinals set an indoor attendance record with 19,598 fans, making it the most-attended indoor college volleyball matches ever.

Next Stop: National Championship

Texas will now face Nebraska in the national championship, aiming to secure their place in history with a consecutive championship win. The clash promises to be a battle of volleyball titans, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN.