Austin, September 8, 2025
News Summary
In a landmark match at the Moody Center, the Texas Longhorns volleyball team triumphed over No. 6 Stanford, attracting a record crowd of 10,899 fans. This thrilling five-set victory not only showcased Texas’s offensive strength, with standout performances from players but also set a new attendance record for college volleyball in Texas. The excitement reverberated throughout the arena, hinting at strong possibilities for future rematches. With this win, Texas improved their record to 4-0, solidifying their position as a national contender.
Austin
The Texas Longhorns volleyball team achieved a historic victory over Stanford in their inaugural match at the Moody Center, attracting an unprecedented crowd of 10,899 fans. This turnout marks the highest attendance for a college volleyball game in Texas state history. The match concluded with a thrilling five-set win for Texas, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the nation.
The game sold out in under 24 hours, showcasing the immense interest in this event, further emphasized by the presence of notable alumni and local sports figures, including former Texas football coach Mack Brown and basketball coaches Sean Miller and Vic Schaefer. The crowd enhanced the festive atmosphere with orange and white balloons and glowing thundersticks, creating an electrifying environment at the Moody Center.
In terms of match statistics, Texas, ranked No. 2, improved their record to 4-0 by defeating No. 6 Stanford. The match featured fluctuating momentum, with Texas initially securing wins in the first two sets (25-15, 25-23). However, the Cardinal rallied to take the next two sets (21-25, 13-25), setting up an intense fifth set. Faced with a 10-5 deficit, Texas staged an impressive comeback, scoring six consecutive points led by standout performances from freshman Cari Spears and middle blocker Nya Bunton. The match was finally sealed with an attack error from Stanford’s All-American Elia Rubin.
Head coach Jerritt Elliott expressed pride in the development of the Texas volleyball program, reminiscing about the time when games averaged only 1,200 fans a quarter-century ago. The Longhorns’ key players included Torrey Stafford, who recorded 18 kills and 12 digs, showcasing her offensive prowess. Freshman outside hitter Cari Spears contributed significantly, adding 14 kills in her first major match.
The match’s atmosphere and intensity drew praise, with Stanford’s head coach Kevin Hambly noting the exceptional energy from the crowd, declaring it one of the loudest arenas he had experienced. The performance from both teams hints at potential rematches in future competitions, including possible encounters in the NCAA Tournament.
Texas previously claimed back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023 and continues their impressive streak this season, having already defeated three ranked opponents, including Creighton. The Longhorns are targeting their next match against the No. 3 Louisville Cardinals, looking to maintain their momentum following the historic victory.
Looking forward, Texas has scheduled another marquee matchup at Moody Center, pitting them against Wisconsin in 2026. This match is expected to attract similar enthusiasm and showcase the evolution of college volleyball in Texas.
Key Match Highlights
- Final Score: Texas 3, Stanford 2 (25-15, 25-23, 21-25, 13-25, 18-16)
- Attendance: 10,899 (record-setting for Texas)
- Texas Ranking: No. 2
- Stanford Ranking: No. 6
- Texas Record: 4-0
Upcoming Matches
- Texas vs. Louisville (No. 3) – Date TBD
- Texas vs. Wisconsin – 2026
FAQ
What was the significance of the match between Texas and Stanford?
The match marked the inaugural volleyball game at the Moody Center and set a record for the highest attendance at a college volleyball game in Texas history, with 10,899 fans.
How did the match conclude?
Texas won the match in a thrilling five sets, rallying to win the final set after initially trailing.
Who were the standout players for Texas in this match?
Torrey Stafford led the team with 18 kills, while freshman Cari Spears added 14 kills in her debut match.
Match Statistics Overview
| Team | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Set 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 25 | 25 | 21 | 13 | 18 |
| Stanford | 15 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 16 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UT Women’s Volleyball Team Breaks Attendance Record
Texas Volleyball Team Sets Attendance Record at Moody Center
Texas Volleyball Triumphs Over Rice Owls
Texas Volleyball Climbs to No. 2 After Sweeps of Ranked Opponents
University of Texas at Austin Launches Hollister Feel Good Fest
Texas Longhorns Volleyball Opens Season with Victory over Creighton
Austin High School Volleyball Team Dominates Tournament
Torrey Stafford Shines in Texas Volleyball Preseason Scrimmage
Ten Former University of Texas Student-Athletes Inducted
Longhorns and Tigers Set to Clash in NCAA Super Regional
Additional Resources
- Texas Longhorns Official Site
- Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns Volleyball
- Houston Chronicle
- Google Search: Texas vs Stanford volleyball
- The Daily Texan
- Google Scholar: Texas volleyball Stanford match
- NJ.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Longhorns volleyball Stanford match
- Rice University Athletics
- Google News: Texas volleyball Stanford 2025
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