Austin, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The No. 2 Texas Volleyball team achieved a significant victory against the Rice Owls, winning 3-1. Junior Torrey Stafford led the charge with a career-high 24 kills, demonstrating the Longhorns’ resilience after dropping the first set. The team’s ability to adapt and secure the next three sets showcases their strong performance. With upcoming matches against formidable opponents like No. 6 Stanford, excitement builds as Texas continues its unbeaten season.
Austin
No. 2 Texas Volleyball team delivered a strong performance to defeat the Rice Owls 3-1, improving their season record to 3-0. The victory was marked by a notable performance from junior outside hitter Torrey Stafford, who recorded a career-high 24 kills and was instrumental in the team’s success.
The match played on Friday at Tudor Field in Houston saw Texas dropping their first set of the season with a score of 23-25. However, they quickly rebounded to secure the next three sets with scores of 25-14, 25-14, and 25-16. This match showcased Texas’s ability to adapt after an initial setback, as they adjusted their strategy to dominate the remaining sets.
Key Performances
Stafford’s performance was standout in the match, not only achieving her career-high kills but also contributing 12 digs and 2 service aces, resulting in her second double-double as a Longhorn and the 11th of her career. Freshman Cari Spears also had a notable performance, matching her career high with 11 kills.
Emma Halter led the defensive effort for the Longhorns with a season-high of 18 digs, while Ramsey Gary followed with 16 digs and also secured her first ace as a Longhorn. Overall, the Texas team recorded a season-high of 6 service aces against Rice.
Match Summary
The Owls initially challenged Texas with a strong showing led by senior outside hitter Taylor Preston, who contributed eight kills in the first set. However, Texas regrouped in the second set, demonstrating their offensive prowess by achieving 16 total kills.
In the third set, Texas took command early, establishing an 11-2 lead and maintaining a firm grip despite a brief response from Rice during a 5-0 run. By the fourth set, Texas recorded a match-low of 11 kills, yet Rice struggled to find their offensive rhythm, committing a match-high of 11 errors.
Looking Ahead
The Longhorns are set to host No. 6 Stanford on Sunday at the Moody Center, which will be their home opener. This much-anticipated game is sold out, with seating capacity reaching about 10,700 for volleyball events at the venue. Texas typically plays their home matches at Gregory Gymnasium, which has around 5,000 seats and is known for consistently selling out.
The match against Stanford is scheduled for noon and will be broadcasted nationally, further increasing excitement around the Longhorns’ early-season success and the competitive nature of this upcoming matchup.
FAQ
What was the result of the Texas Volleyball match against Rice Owls?
Texas defeated Rice Owls with a score of 3-1 (23-25, 25-14, 25-14, 25-16).
Who had the standout performance for Texas in the match?
Junior outside hitter Torrey Stafford had a career night with 24 kills and contributed 12 digs and 2 service aces.
When and where is the next match for Texas Volleyball?
The next match for Texas is scheduled for Sunday at noon against No. 6 Stanford at the Moody Center.
What is the seating capacity for the upcoming match?
The seating capacity for volleyball events at the Moody Center is approximately 10,700, and the match is already sold out.
Match Summary Chart
| Match Details | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 23 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Rice Owls | 25 | 14 | 14 | 16 |
| Key Performers | None | Torrey Stafford (kills: 24) | Cari Spears (kills: 11) | Emma Halter (digs: 18) |
| Service Aces | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Texan: Texas Volleyball vs. Rice
- Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns Women’s Volleyball
- Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin vs. Texas Volleyball
- Google Search: Torrey Stafford
- NCAA: College Volleyball Rankings
- Google Scholar: College Volleyball Rankings
- KXAN: Texas Volleyball in Spike Classic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Volleyball
- Burnt Orange Nation: Texas vs. Rice Preview
- Google News: Texas Volleyball Stanford
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