The Texas Longhorns are back, and they're not here to play nice. After a rocky 2024, they're looking to make some noise at the Opening Spike Classic.
A New Era Begins
It's a different roster, but the stakes are just as high. Head Coach Jerritt Elliott isn't shying away from a challenge. "I try to schedule tough because playing the best teaches you a lot," Elliott said. The Longhorns face No. 12 Creighton and No. 8 Wisconsin in Madison. Two matches that could set the tone for the season.
Fresh Faces, Big Expectations
Half the roster is new to burnt orange. Freshmen like Taylor Harvey, the top-ranked middle blocker, and Cari Spears, a local star, are expected to shine. Then there's Torrey Stafford, a powerhouse transfer from Pitt, bringing her .358 hitting percentage to Texas. That's big time.
But don't forget the returnees. Emma Halter is holding down the backline, while Ella Swindle runs the show as setter. Ayden Ames and Nya Bunton add depth in the middle.
Redemption Match
Opening against Creighton? That's not just any match. Texas fell to them in the NCAA Tournament last year. You could feel it coming. Texas stumbled at home, losing four times at Gregory Gym. But now, they're out for revenge.
Creighton will lean on Ava Martin, who knocked down 19 kills in their opener. But their .167 hitting percentage against Penn State? Texas can exploit that.
Battle with the Badgers
Then it's Wisconsin. With Carter Booth and her 182 kills back for more, the Longhorns can't let up. And let's not forget Charlie Fuerbringer, who tallied 1,270 assists last season.
Both games are streaming on the Big Ten Network. First serve against Creighton is at 8:30 p.m. Central on Friday, followed by Wisconsin at 1 p.m. Central on Saturday.
And just like that, Texas could flip the script on last season's disappointment. Watch out.
Source: burntorangenation.com
