Storylines Beyond Texas
Texas might be the favorite to claim another national title, but the Longhorns are far from the only compelling story in the nation on the volleyball court. Take a look at the top 10, and you’ll see plenty of challengers, most coming from the Big Ten, the ACC and the nearly-departed Pac-12.
All three leagues could have a say in whether or not Texas can retain its crown this year. Here’s a look at some storylines for each.
Pac-12: The Final Season
It’s a shame the Pac-12 is breaking up, because it’s been an amazing volleyball conference. Stanford remains the gold standard of the league, but Oregon and Washington State will be in the mix for the league and there are several solid programs just underneath that trio.
For the Cardinal, there’s extra motivation because this might be the last time they get to win a power conference title. The nature of volleyball means Stanford will be fine even if it doesn’t land in a Power 5 league, but playing the likes of San Diego, UNLV and Pepperdine just won’t have the same feel, even if those are all quality programs. The Cardinal really want to take this title.
ACC: Pitt-Louisville III
It’s a bit simplistic to reduce the ACC to Pittsburgh and Louisville, because Georgia Tech is also very good. But the Panthers and the Cardinals have both reached the Final Four two years running, and both are expected to be very strong again. Pitt coach Dan Fisher and Louisville coach Dani Busboom Kelly have become two of the premier coaches in the sport, and even though both have dealt with losing talented players, both have a strong pipeline coming.
Oct. 13 will tell a lot about the ACC race and who’s the bigger threat to win a title. That’s when Pitt heads to Louisville in the Yum Center for the first of two meetings between the rivals.
Big Ten: Power On Power On Power
Four of the top 10 nationally call the Big Ten home, and a fifth will join next year when Oregon comes aboard. Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota and Penn State all rank in the top 10, and all have made big changes. Wisconsin should be even stronger at the net with new hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara, but Minnesota went defensive by adding All-American libero Kylie Murr. Meanwhile, Nebraska snagged Merritt Beason, Florida’s leader in kills, and Penn State added Mac Podraza, who was Big Ten setter of the year at Ohio State last season.
All the additions should make the league stronger than ever, which should make for a lot of fun to watch. Whether it also means a Big Ten team wins the NCAA title depends on how well each side meshes its new talent with its returners.
[…] And the Huskers are always good at volleyball. Always. […]
[…] The Big Ten remains the best volleyball conference in the nation. With long-time power Washington coming aboard and Wisconsin, Nebraska, Penn State and Minnesota remaining near the top of the nation, Purdue will get challenged plenty in its own league. […]