Austin, TX, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Texas volleyball has risen to No. 2 in the AVCA poll after sweeping No. 12 Creighton and No. 8 Wisconsin in their season opener. With a 2-0 record, Emma Halter played a pivotal role, earning SEC honors, as the team prepares for upcoming matches against Rice and No. 6 Stanford.
Austin, Texas – Texas Volleyball Climbs to No. 2 After Sweeps of Ranked Opponents
Texas volleyball has achieved a notable rise to No. 2 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, following a strong performance during their season-opening weekend. The Longhorns started the season in the No. 5 position but quickly moved up the rankings after decisively sweeping both No. 12 Creighton and No. 8 Wisconsin.
With a total of 1,434 points in the poll, Texas trails only No. 1 Nebraska, which has garnered all 61 first-place votes. The Longhorns currently hold a record of 2-0 after their successful opening weekend matches.
Emma Halter has made significant contributions to the team, earning recognition as both the SEC’s Player of the Week and the Defensive Player of the Week. Over the weekend, she recorded 14 digs and two assists against Creighton, matching her effort with another 14 digs and seven assists against Wisconsin. Under her defense, Texas effectively held their opponents to a .130 attack percentage.
Match Highlights Against Wisconsin
The match against Wisconsin saw Texas winning in straight sets, with scores of 29-27, 25-20, and 25-14. Freshman Cari Spears led the offensive efforts, recording 11 kills and a hitting percentage of .476. Halter was instrumental as well, scoring 14 kills while teammate Ramsey Gary contributed 10 kills in the victory.
In the first set, Texas exhibited a strong start, leading with a score of 16-9 before Wisconsin made a late comeback attempt. However, Texas managed to clinch the first set at 29-27. In the second set, Texas finished strong with a 4-0 run, ultimately sealing the set after a successful challenge by head coach Jerritt Elliott. The third set showcased Texas’s dominance, as they established a significant lead of 20-9.
Upcoming Matches
Texas will continue their schedule with a match against Rice on September 3rd at 6 p.m. CT. Before that, they will face No. 6 Stanford in their home opener at the Moody Center on Sunday at noon. The match against Wisconsin attracted a substantial audience, with 11,678 fans attending at the Kohl Center.
National Rankings Overview
In the latest national rankings, Nebraska leads with 1,525 points, followed by Texas, Louisville, Kentucky, and Penn State. The impressive showing by Texas in their opening matches has set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Key Details Chart
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Ranking | No. 2 |
| Previous Ranking | No. 5 |
| Record | 2-0 |
| Points in Poll | 1,434 |
| Upcoming Match against | No. 6 Stanford |
| Next Match Date | September 3rd |
| Attendance against Wisconsin | 11,678 fans |
FAQ Section
What is Texas volleyball’s current ranking in the AVCA poll?
Texas volleyball is currently ranked No. 2 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.
Who did Texas volleyball defeat during the opening weekend?
Texas volleyball swept No. 12 Creighton and No. 8 Wisconsin during the opening weekend.
When is Texas volleyball’s next match?
Texas volleyball’s next match is against Rice on September 3rd at 6 p.m. CT.
Who was named SEC Player of the Week?
Emma Halter was named both the SEC’s Player of the Week and the Defensive Player of the Week.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Austin Independent School District Welcomes Students with New Policies
Texas High Schools Shine in U.S. News Rankings
Texas School Report Cards Release Highlights Performance Trends
Mixed Results for Austin Independent School District
Austin Schools Rated in Latest Texas Education Agency Reports
Austin High School Volleyball Team Dominates Tournament
Additional Resources
- Texas Longhorns Official Site
- Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns volleyball
- Badgers Wire
- Google Search: Texas Volleyball
- The Statesman
- Google Scholar: Texas Volleyball
- KXAN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Volleyball
- Burnt Orange Nation
- Google News: Texas Volleyball
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