It's that time of year. The NCAA volleyball tournament selection show is about to drop the bracket bombshells.
Purdue Takes Center Stage
Purdue Volleyball wasn't supposed to be here. They lost a ton to graduation and the transfer portal. But here they are, projected as a No. 3 seed, hosting games in the NCAA tournament. The Boilermakers (24-6, 15-5 Big Ten) didn't just survive. They thrived, ranked 11th in AVCA and 12th in RPI. Talk about a season to remember.
Michella Chester has them hosting Toledo first. Win that, and they're up against either Florida or Arizona. Keep winning, and we're talking No. 2-seed Arizona State and No. 1 Pitt for a Final Four ticket.
Indiana's Uncharted Waters
Then there's Indiana Volleyball. It's been 15 years, but they're back in the NCAA dance, with a program-high ranking. This isn't just a feel-good story. It's a new era. They're projected as a No. 4 seed. Hosting Fairfield first. Get past them, and it's Tennessee or North Carolina next. The big one? No. 1-seed Texas looms. And if the stars align, No. 2 Texas A&M is on the horizon.
Nebraska's Perfect Storm
Now, let's talk top dogs. Nebraska enters the tournament with a flawless 30-0 record. The Cornhuskers are no joke. They've swept 25 of those matches. Only Pitt, Kentucky, Creighton, Utah, and UCLA managed to take even a set off them. That's straight-up dominant.
They join Kentucky, Pitt, and Texas as the top seeds. And the star power? It's real. Kentucky has former Purdue star Eva Hudson. Texas boasts Emma Halter, a Roncalli grad and Indy Ignite pick in the MLV draft.
The Big Reveal
The selection show airs live on ESPN at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30. This is where the hype meets reality. Nebraska's perfect run, Purdue's hosting surprise, and Indiana's comeback story all take center stage.
When the dust settles, who's got what it takes to make the Final Four? Keep your eyes on the Cornhuskers, but don't sleep on Purdue or Indiana. This is where it all changes.
Source: indystar.com
