Austin, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The No. 2 Texas volleyball team achieved a commanding 3-0 victory over Vanderbilt in their SEC opener, maintaining an impressive undefeated record of 9-0. Despite the absence of setter Ella Swindle due to injury, sophomore Rella Binney stepped up, delivering an outstanding performance with 36 assists. The team showcased a robust offensive attack led by Torrey Stafford, who contributed 14 kills. Head coach Jerritt Elliott praised Binney’s contributions and the team’s depth as they prepare for their next matchup against No. 21 Missouri.
Texas Volleyball Dominates Vanderbilt in SEC Opener Despite Absence of Setter Ella Swindle
Austin, Texas – The No. 2 Texas volleyball team continued their impressive start to the season by defeating Vanderbilt 3-0 in their Southeastern Conference (SEC) opener. The match ended with set scores of 25-13, 25-18, and 25-21, ensuring an undefeated record of 9 wins and 0 losses for Texas, who stands at 1-0 in SEC play.
Setter Ella Swindle was absent from the match due to a lower leg injury, and was visibly wearing a walking boot on the sidelines. Swindle’s status is currently day-to-day, but she could potentially return in the next match against No. 21 Missouri on Friday.
In Swindle’s absence, sophomore Rella Binney took over as the starting setter, marking her first collegiate start. Binney delivered an impressive performance, recording a total of 36 assists, along with three digs and two blocks. Her strong play was critical to Texas’s overall success against Vanderbilt.
Texas’s offensive effort was led by standout player Torrey Stafford, who contributed 14 kills to the team’s total of 32. In addition, Abby Vander Wal added 10 kills, Cari Spears contributed 9 kills, and middle blocker Taylor Harvey registered 8 kills, showcasing a well-rounded attack. The Longhorns outperformed with a hitting percentage of .446, demonstrating their efficiency with only five hitting errors compared to Vanderbilt’s 11 digs in the match.
Head coach Jerritt Elliott expressed pride in Binney’s contributions and highlighted the depth of the team, a crucial element of their ongoing success. Players, including libero Emma Halter, commended Binney for her performance and decisiveness on the court, praising her ability to step up despite limited training in blocking before the match.
Looking ahead, Texas will host Missouri at Gregory Gymnasium on Friday, September 26, as they continue their pursuit of an undefeated season.
Key Match Highlights
- Match Result: Texas 3, Vanderbilt 0
- Set Scores: 25-13, 25-18, 25-21
- Current Season Record: 9-0, 1-0 SEC
- Absence of Setter: Ella Swindle due to lower leg injury
- Rella Binney’s Performance: 36 assists, 3 digs, 2 blocks
- Top Scorers: Torrey Stafford (14 kills), Abby Vander Wal (10 kills), Cari Spears (9 kills), Taylor Harvey (8 kills)
- Team Hitting Percentage: .446
- Texas Errors: 5 hitting errors compared to Vanderbilt’s 11 digs
- Next Match: Friday, September 26 against No. 21 Missouri
FAQ Section
What was the outcome of the Texas vs. Vanderbilt volleyball match?
The No. 2 Texas volleyball team won 3-0 against Vanderbilt, with set scores of 25-13, 25-18, and 25-21.
Who filled in for Ella Swindle in the match?
Sophomore Rella Binney stepped in as the starting setter, marking her first collegiate start.
What was the team’s hitting percentage during the match?
The team showcased a hitting percentage of .446 during the match.
When is Texas’s next match?
Texas will host Missouri on Friday, September 26.
Key Features of the Match
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Result | Texas 3, Vanderbilt 0 |
| Set Scores | 25-13, 25-18, 25-21 |
| Current Record | 9-0 Overall, 1-0 SEC |
| Absence | Setter Ella Swindle (Lower leg injury) |
| Starting Setter Performance | Rella Binney (36 assists, 3 digs, 2 blocks) |
| Top Scorer | Torrey Stafford (14 kills) |
| Next Match | vs. No. 21 Missouri on September 26 |
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Texan
- Wikipedia: University of Texas at Austin
- Burnt Orange Nation
- Google Search: Texas Longhorns Volleyball
- Texas Longhorns Official Site
- Google Scholar: Texas Longhorns Volleyball
- Austin American-Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Longhorns Volleyball
- Texas Longhorns Official Site
- Google News: Texas Longhorns Volleyball
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