Austin, September 8, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas women’s volleyball team achieved a historic feat by defeating Stanford in a thrilling five-set match, drawing a record crowd at the Moody Center. The Longhorns now hold a perfect 4-0 record for the season. Key players Torrey Stafford and Cari Spears led the charge, while the match atmosphere was electric, showcasing the growing popularity of women’s volleyball in Texas. Coach Jerritt Elliott praised the fans for their support. The Longhorns are set to face No. 3 Louisville next.
AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas (UT) women’s volleyball team achieved a historic milestone on September 7, 2025, when they defeated Stanford in a thrilling five-set match at the Moody Center. The match drew a record-breaking crowd of 10,899 fans, setting a new state attendance record for regular-season volleyball in Texas.
UT’s victory improved their season record to 4-0, marking the team’s first 4-0 start since winning the national championship in 2022. The Longhorns displayed an impressive performance, especially in the early sets, winning the first two convincingly with scores of 25-15 and 25-23.
Junior Torrey Stafford was a standout player, leading the Longhorns with 18 kills and 10 digs, achieving her third double-double of the season. Freshman Cari Spears made a significant impact as well, contributing a career-high 14 kills. Setter Ella Swindle recorded 32 assists, showcasing her pivotal role in the Longhorns’ offensive strategy, while libero Emma Halter added depth to the defense with 10 digs.
However, the match took an unexpected turn as Stanford rallied back, winning the third and fourth sets with robust offensive play. Stanford’s resurgence put pressure on Texas, forcing a decisive fifth set. In this final segment of the match, Texas initially trailed 10-5 but pulled off a remarkable comeback, highlighted by a critical 6-0 run that shifted the momentum back in their favor.
The nail-biting fifth set featured five ties before the Longhorns secured the victory, ultimately clinching the match on a scoring run, concluding with a Stanford attacking error. This win also marked the first time Texas defeated Stanford in a five-set match, adding another accomplishment to their storied rivalry.
The match atmosphere was electric, with head coach Jerritt Elliott acknowledging the invaluable support from the fans, which played a key role in motivating the players throughout the match.
Looking ahead, Texas is set to challenge No. 3 Louisville in Fort Worth on September 10, 2025, as they aim to maintain their perfect season record.
Key Stats from the Match
- Final Score: Texas 3, Stanford 2
- Set Scores: 25-15, 25-23, 21-25, 13-25, 18-16
- Attendance: 10,899
- Texas Record: 4-0
- Top Performers:
- Torrey Stafford: 18 kills, 10 digs
- Cari Spears: 14 kills
- Ella Swindle: 32 assists
- Emma Halter: 10 digs
Background Context
The Longhorns have a rich volleyball history, having previously won national championships and consistently ranking among the top programs in the nation. Their recent victory over Stanford further solidifies their standing as a prominent contender in NCAA women’s volleyball. The match drew significant local interest, contributing to the record attendance and showcasing the growing popularity of women’s volleyball in Texas.
FAQ
1. When did the match between Texas and Stanford take place?
The match occurred on September 7, 2025.
2. What was the final score of the match?
Texas won the match 3-2, with set scores of 25-15, 25-23, 21-25, 13-25, 18-16.
3. How many fans attended the game?
The match had an attendance of 10,899, setting a new state record for regular-season volleyball matches in Texas.
4. Who were the top players for Texas in the match?
Junior Torrey Stafford led with 18 kills and 10 digs, while freshman Cari Spears contributed a career-high 14 kills.
5. What is Texas’s current season record?
Texas improved its record to 4-0 with this victory.
Match Overview Chart
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 7, 2025 |
| Location | Moody Center, Austin, Texas |
| Final Score | Texas 3, Stanford 2 |
| Set Scores | 25-15, 25-23, 21-25, 13-25, 18-16 |
| Attendance | 10,899 |
| Top Performer (Texas) | Torrey Stafford (18 kills, 10 digs) |
| Next Match | vs. No. 3 Louisville on September 10, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Volleyball Team Sets Attendance Record at Moody Center
Texas Volleyball Triumphs Over Rice Owls
University of Texas at Austin Launches Hollister Feel Good Fest
Texas High Schools Shine in U.S. News Rankings
Torrey Stafford Shines in Texas Volleyball Preseason Scrimmage
Longhorns and Tigers Set to Clash in NCAA Super Regional
Trump Advocates for Women’s Sports at Alabama Graduation
Starkville Set for Thrilling Volleyball Showdown as Texas Longhorns Face Mississippi State Bulldogs
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns Women’s Volleyball
- KXAN
- Google Search: Texas Longhorns vs Stanford Volleyball 2025
- Burnt Orange Nation
- Google Scholar: Texas Volleyball
- NCAA.com Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- NCAA.com Live Updates
- Google News: Texas Volleyball vs Stanford
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