For just the second time in program history and the first time in 15 years, Indiana volleyball is headed to the NCAA regional semifinals with a chance to make history.
The Cream and Crimson have already surpassed the most wins in a single season in program history with a 25-7 overall record and have the chance to write even more history this weekend in Austin, Texas. An Indiana victory over the University of Texas on Friday would advance the Hoosiers to their first ever Elite Eight appearance.
Indiana defeated the University of Toledo in three sets on Dec. 4 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament inside Wilkinson Hall. Indiana followed up that performance with another three-set victory over No. 5-seeded University of Colorado in the second round, earning themselves a ticket to the Sweet 16.
Throughout the tournament thus far, Indiana has been productive from all areas of the floor. On the offensive end, the Hoosiers tallied 88 kills with just 23 errors and picked up 11 total aces. While on the defensive side, Indiana earned 20 blocks and held the pair of opponents to below a .210 hitting percentage.
Candela Alonso-Corcelles was the leader throughout the first weekend, just as she has been all season long. The senior outside hitter averaged 4.67 kills per set, 2.33 digs per set and held a .397 hitting percentage.
Throughout the season, the Hoosiers offense has been led by its trio of pin hitters in Alonso-Corcelles, senior Avry Tatum and freshman Jaidyn Jager. Each average over three kills per match and tallied 389, 353 and 374 kills on the season, respectively.
If the Hoosiers wish to extend their season and advance to the Elite Eight, they will need to carry high efficiency offense and scrappy defense into their matchup with the No. 1-seeded Longhorns. A Hoosier victory would be the highest ranked win in program history, as Texas holds the No. 3 ranking in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.
Meet Texas
Texas comes into the match with a 25-3 overall record, only succumbing losses to then-No. 9 Texas A&M University on Oct. 31 and University of Kentucky. The Wildcats were ranked No. 3 in their win over the Longhorns on Nov. 2 and No. 2 in their victory Nov. 25.
Much like Indiana, the Longhorns handled the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament with ease. Texas defeated Florida A&M University in three sets on Dec. 5 and dismantled No. 8-seeded Penn State in three sets. The Longhorns held the Nittany Lions under 20 points in each set, including just nine points in the second set.
Texas has fared well against top teams this season, as it has accumulated 11 wins over opponents in the top 25 AVCA rankings.
The Longhorns are no stranger to the NCAA Tournament and have been known as a volleyball powerhouse with its continuous success and five national championships. The program most recently won two back-to-back NCAA titles in 2022 and 2023.
The Longhorns are coached by Jerritt Elliot in his 24th season at the helm. Elliot took over the program in 2001 and holds a 589-114 overall record and won three national championships. Elliot turned the program into a recruiting hot spot, as all but four of his recruiting classes have been ranked nationally, and 10 of those have held a top two ranking.
This season, the Longhorns have been largely led by junior outside hitter Torrey Stafford and freshman outside hitter Cari Spears. Stafford averages 4.74 kills per set and has tallied 488 total kills. Spears averages 3.28 kills per set and has accumulated 338 total kills. As a team, the Longhorns hit an average percentage of .316 and hold opponents to a .195 percentage.
Indiana and Texas will face each other at noon on Friday at Gregory Gym in Austin, Texas. The match will be streamed on ESPN, marking the first time in program history that Indiana will appear on main ESPN.
Follow reporters Savannah Slone (@savrivers06 and srslone@iu.edu) and Kasey Watkins (@KaseyWatki8773 and kaslwatk@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana volleyball season.
