In an exciting showdown, just No. 1 Kentucky and No. 3 Texas A&M remain from the original 64 teams in the NCAA DI women’s volleyball tournament. This year’s championship runs from December 4 to December 18, showcasing the hard work and determination of both teams.
Let’s break down how these teams made it to the finals.
| No. 1 Kentucky | ROUND | No. 3 Texas A&M |
|---|---|---|
| Def. Wofford, 3-0 | First | Def. Campbell, 3-0 |
| Def. UCLA, 3-1 | Second | Def. No. 6 TCU, 3-0 |
| Def. Cal Poly, 3-0 | Regional semifinals | Def. No. 2 Louisville, 3-2 |
| Def. No. 3 Creighton, 3-0 | Regional finals | Def. No. 1 Nebraska, 3-2 |
| Def. No. 3 Wisconsin, 3-2 | National semifinals | Def. No. 1 Pitt, 3-0 |
No. 1 Kentucky, with a record of 30-2, staged an incredible comeback against No. 3 Wisconsin in the national semifinals. After losing the first set 25-12, they rallied to win the match 3-2. Eva Hudson shone brightly, racking up 29 kills with a .455 hitting percentage. Meanwhile, Molly Tuozzo proved vital in defense with 17 digs, countering Mimi Colyer’s strong performance.
No. 3 Texas A&M (28-4) also made history by reaching their first national championship. They swept No. 1 Pitt in straight sets, driven by Kyndal Stowers’ impressive 16 kills at a .433 hitting rate. Setter Maddie Waak displayed excellent playmaking, helping the team achieve a .382 hitting percentage across the board.
Both teams are peaking at the perfect time, setting the stage for an electrifying matchup. This face-off is particularly exciting since they’re both from the SEC, known for its competitive spirit.
Interestingly, women’s volleyball has grown significantly over the last decade. According to the NCAA, attendance for women’s volleyball has more than doubled since 2010. This growth underscores the increasing popularity of the sport.
As the championship approaches, fans on social media are buzzing with anticipation. Many are sharing their predictions and rooting for their favorite teams, highlighting the growing community support for women’s athletics.
Catch the showdown on NCAA.com this Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. This will be more than just a game; it’s a celebration of skill, determination, and the future of women’s sports.
