Texas Volleyball Falls Short of National Crown

[HornSports Staff]

A fast-paced, intense matchup between the #4 seeded Texas and #2 seeded Kentucky in Omaha, Nebraska, ended with a first-ever national title for the Wildcats.    

On the shoulders of the AVCA Player of the Year, Madison Lilley, the team found 70 kills against the Longhorns who were not far behind with 61. While Kentucky bested Texas 3-1 in the match, after the first two sets split, it was the final two that reflected the prowess of both programs and left spectators in suspense until the final point.  

Texas’ Logan Eggleston (OH), an AVCA First Team All American and Big 12 Player of the Year, led the team in kills with 21.  Longhorn setter, Jhenna Gabriel, racked up 52 assists, putting her on par with Lilley’s 53. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome.  The Wildcats highly effective offense, led by Alli Stumler (OH-26 kills), was coupled with the team’s unmatched defense – totaling 55 digs, 19 earned by Lilley, and minimal unforced errors that may have been the difference maker.  

With no seniors on the team, the experienced Texas Longhorn team can return to Austin and focus on next season which this year, is not too far off.

 

[Basis Points]

Congrats to the Volleyball team on a great season/year!!!  Very close games, but it was not our day.  Very proud of our team!!!

 

[tejasrulz]

Alli Stumler, the Kentucky OH and who I thought should have received the MVP award, was a beast. Kentucky took advantage of the fact that she was going against a blocker who was only 5'8" (Gabriel) and it paid off for them.

Kentucky was the better team this past Saturday, so you have to tip your hat to them.

 

[Huskie1]

Tough tough loss. I enjoyed watching this team play at a super high level and can’t wait for the fall. This group will be back with a vengeance