No. 10 SMU Sweeps No. 8 Texas A&M in Top-10 Showdown

Longhorns Stay Perfect with Another Thriller For the second time in less than a week, Texas volleyball found itself pushed to the limit by a top-five opponent. And for the second time, the Longhorns emerged victorious. Playing at the Shriners Children’s Showdown at the Net in Fort Worth, No. 2 Texas rallied to defeat No. 4 Louisville 3–2 (23–25, 25–16, 21–25, 25–22, 16–14). The win improved the Longhorns to 5–0 and gave them their fourth ranked victory in their first five matches of the season. The performance underscored both Texas’ resilience and its ability to rise in critical moments. Despite committing 35 errors and hitting just .153 as a team, the Longhorns found ways to seize momentum in the late stretches of sets. Stafford and Freshmen Shine Torrey Stafford, the Pitt transfer who has quickly become the centerpiece of the Texas attack, once again led the way. She finished with 20 kills, 18 digs, and three aces, marking her fourth double-double of the young season. In the process, she also surpassed 500 career digs, a milestone that highlights her all-around value to the team. Freshman outside hitters Cari Spears and Abby Vander Wal also made their presence felt in the marquee clash. Spears tallied 16 kills while Vander Wal chipped in 14, both career highs. The trio of Stafford, Spears, and Vander Wal combined for half of Texas’ offensive production and delivered in the crucial moments of the fourth and fifth sets. Junior setter Ella Swindle kept the offense organized with 37 assists, surpassing the 1,500 career mark. Libero Emma Halter anchored the defense and surpassed 300 career digs, while middle blocker Nya Bunton produced a career-high nine blocks. Each of them played pivotal roles in stabilizing the team when Louisville threatened to tip the match in its favor. Louisville’s Push Falls Just Short Louisville, now 4–1, nearly handed Texas its first loss of the season. Payton Petersen led the Cardinals with 18 kills, while Cara Cresse delivered a massive performance at the net with 14 blocks, tying a school record. Setter Nayelis Cabello orchestrated the attack with 38 assists and added seven blocks, while Chloe Chicoine contributed 13 kills and 14 digs. The Cardinals held a slight edge in blocking with a 20–15 margin, and their defense frustrated Texas for long stretches. Louisville won the first and third sets largely on the back of their serving pressure and ability to capitalize on Texas errors. However, a string of late miscues and Texas’ knack for producing clutch points prevented them from sealing the upset. How the Match Played Out The opening set went Louisville’s way after the Cardinals surged to a 5–0 lead behind Kamden Schrand’s serving. Texas clawed back to tie the score at 15–15, but eight attack errors in the frame proved too costly, and Louisville closed it out 25–23. Texas answered in the second set with one of its cleanest stretches of play, hitting .500 in the early stages and cruising to a 25–16 win. Stafford and Spears combined for 10 kills, while Bunton anchored the defense at the net. Louisville, in contrast, hit a negative percentage and struggled to stay competitive. The Cardinals regained control in the third, as freshman Hannah Kenny’s serving run, which included back-to-back aces, pushed them ahead. They eventually closed the set 25–21, while Texas hit just .053, its lowest output of the match. Facing elimination, Texas regrouped in the fourth. Spears produced five kills and Vander Wal added four, while Bunton chipped in three blocks to slow Louisville’s rhythm. The Longhorns held off several late pushes to take it 25–22 and force a decisive fifth set. The finale was as dramatic as advertised. Louisville built a 10–6 lead and later held match point at 14–13 following Cresse’s record-tying block. Texas, however, dug deep with a four-point surge fueled by Vander Wal’s decisive kill to secure the 16–14 win. The Numbers Behind the Win Statistically, the teams were nearly identical, with Texas hitting .153 to Louisville’s .144. The Cardinals held the edge in blocks with 20 compared to Texas’ 15, and both teams were nearly even in service aces, with Louisville finishing with six and Texas with five. The glaring difference came in how Texas closed the match, outscoring Louisville 8–2 across the final 10 points of the fifth set. What It Means For Texas, the victory was more than another addition to the win column. It marked the third time under head coach Jerritt Elliott that the program has beaten four ranked opponents in its first five matches of a season, joining campaigns in 2009 and 2022. More importantly, it reinforced the Longhorns’ reputation as a team capable of grinding through adversity while still finding ways to win. Louisville left Fort Worth with its first defeat of the year, but not without positives. The Cardinals’ depth and defensive prowess were on full display, and their ability to push Texas to the brink validated their place among the nation’s top teams. Despite the loss, they showcased the potential for another deep run later in the season. Final Takeaway The clash between No. 2 Texas and No. 4 Louisville delivered on its promise as one of the best early-season matches in college volleyball. Texas’ combination of Stafford’s leadership, the emergence of Spears and Vander Wal, and timely defensive plays propelled them to victory despite bouts of inconsistency. Louisville, meanwhile, demonstrated toughness and skill but faltered in the closing moments. The 23–25, 25–16, 21–25, 25–22, 16–14 result will be remembered as an early-season classic, one that further established Texas as a national title contender while affirming Louisville as a worthy challenger.

Tigers Control from Start to Finish In the first-ever Showdown at the Net , Auburn volleyball delivered a statement performance on its home court at Neville Arena, sweeping Virginia 3–0 with set scores of 25–17, 25–16, and 25–21. The Tigers improved to 5–1 on the season, while the Cavaliers dropped to 4–2 as they struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Auburn squad. From the opening serve, Auburn dictated tempo. Their combination of aggressive serving, precise setting, and relentless blocking put Virginia under pressure throughout the night. By the time the Cavaliers adjusted to one problem, Auburn found another way to exploit gaps.  Auburn’s Offensive Depth The Tigers showcased the balance of their attack, with multiple players stepping up at critical moments. Liz Markovska led all scorers with 11 kills, hitting with consistency on the outside. Lauren Dreves added 10 kills, continuing her streak of double-digit performances to open the year. Bel Zimmerman chipped in nine kills while hitting .500, and also contributed five blocks, tying her season best. Setter duo Kalei Edson and Shanelle Puetz kept the offense humming at a blistering pace. Auburn hit .333 as a team, including an efficient .412 in the opening set. Their ability to spread the ball across multiple options made it difficult for Virginia to key in defensively. The Tigers also made serving a weapon. Coming off a 10-ace performance against Jackson State, Auburn delivered four more against the Cavaliers, with Puetz recording two and both Edson and Dreves adding one each. Those service runs often created separation midway through sets when the score was tight. Defense Leads the Way While the offense was balanced, Auburn’s defense may have been even more impressive. The Tigers recorded 10.5 team blocks, marking their third straight match with double-digit totals. Zimmerman’s five blocks set the tone at the net, while Grace Havlicek and Kate Mansfield each added key stops. The collective effort forced Virginia into uncomfortable swings and ultimately limited them to just a .148 hitting percentage. Back-row defense was equally strong, with Alexis Dacosta registering 10 digs to anchor the floor. The ability to funnel Virginia’s attacks into predictable spots allowed Auburn to transition smoothly from defense to offense. Virginia’s Struggles For the Cavaliers, the night was defined by inconsistency and errors. Virginia committed 21 errors overall, compared to Auburn’s 11, repeatedly halting their own momentum. In the opening set, they made seven unforced errors and fell behind early. Although they battled closer in the second and third frames, late runs by Auburn sealed each set. Junior outside hitter Lauryn Bowie was a bright spot for Virginia, finishing with nine kills to lead the team. She provided timely points, including several during extended rallies, but lacked consistent support from the rest of the offense. Jasmine Robinson added three blocks, while Hannah Scott led the defense with eight digs. Still, the Cavaliers showed glimpses of their potential. A long rally late in the second set that ended in a Virginia point seemed like it might spark a turnaround, but Auburn responded with a 12–3 run to close the frame. Their youth and inexperience were evident, as mistakes compounded at critical junctures. How the Match Played Out The opening set was all Auburn after a quick 8–2 start. Virginia cut the deficit to four midway through, but the Tigers closed on a 6–1 run to take it 25–17. The second set was the most competitive early on, featuring nine ties and five lead changes. Virginia even led 13–12 before Auburn unleashed a 9–0 run fueled by blocks and aces to claim a 25–16 win. The third set featured 12 ties and four lead changes, with the Cavaliers fighting to extend the match. At 19–18, Auburn tightened its play, finding kills from Mansfield, Zimmerman, and Markovska. The Tigers secured the sweep with a 25–21 finish. What It Means Going Forward For Auburn, the sweep was more than just another win — it was validation that the team is building momentum and cohesion. The Tigers have now hit above .300 in four matches this season and are proving they can blend offensive variety with defensive strength. Head coach Brent Crouch praised his team’s decision-making and execution, noting the improvement in chemistry as the season progresses. Virginia, on the other hand, faces questions as ACC play looms. After starting 3–0, the Cavaliers have now dropped two straight matches. With a roster heavy on young players, their challenge will be limiting errors and finding consistent offensive flow. Upcoming matches against Michigan will provide opportunities to regroup before facing top ACC competition. Final Takeaway Auburn’s 3–0 sweep of Virginia in the inaugural Showdown at the Net was defined by balance, efficiency, and defensive dominance. With Markovska, Dreves, and Zimmerman all producing offensively, and the blocking corps shutting down the Cavaliers, the Tigers never allowed Virginia to fully settle into the match. For the Cavaliers, Bowie’s play provided hope, but unforced errors and lapses at key points told the larger story. Auburn capitalized each time and left Neville Arena with a convincing victory that sets the tone for the rest of their non-conference schedule.

A Rivalry Renewed College football fans were treated to one of the sport’s great rivalries on Saturday as Missouri and Kansas met for the first time since 2011. The Border War returned in dramatic fashion at a sold-out Faurot Field, where Missouri overcame multiple deficits to defeat Kansas 42–31. It was the Tigers’ second win of the season and extended their home winning streak to 12, the program’s longest in more than 80 years. The series, which dates back to 1891 and is rooted in the states’ Civil War history, had been dormant since Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC. The long-anticipated renewal delivered the intensity fans expected, with wild swings, clutch plays, and a late Missouri surge that sealed the game. Early Jayhawks Advantage Kansas struck quickly, taking control in the first quarter with three touchdowns in rapid succession. Quarterback Jalon Daniels connected with DeShawn Hanika on a 15-yard pass, then the Jayhawks defense capitalized on a fumble return to extend the lead. A long 50-yard completion to Levi Wentz set up Daniels’ sneak from the goal line, pushing Kansas ahead 21–6. The Jayhawks looked poised to run away with it, combining defensive pressure with explosive plays on offense. Kansas became the first FBS team in a decade to be outgained by 200 yards in a half yet still not trail at halftime, illustrating how opportunistic they were despite Missouri’s statistical dominance. Tigers’ Second-Quarter Surge Missouri responded in the second quarter with a display of resilience. Quarterback Beau Pribula orchestrated a 15-play, 75-yard drive capped with a touchdown pass to Kevin Coleman Jr. The defense followed with a sack and forced fumble that resulted in a safety, then another long drive ended in a field goal. By halftime, Missouri had erased the deficit and tied the game at 21–21. The Tigers dominated the quarter, running 28 plays to Kansas’ four and outgaining the Jayhawks 186 to minus-18. Their ability to control possession and capitalize on mistakes swung momentum back to the home team, igniting the Faurot Field crowd. Back-and-Forth in the Second Half Kansas regained the lead in the third quarter with a field goal from Laith Marjan and then pulled ahead 31–28 early in the fourth after Daniels once again found Hanika for a touchdown. Each time, Missouri had an answer. Pribula kept drives alive with clutch throws and timely scrambles, eventually hitting Brett Norfleet for two critical second-half touchdowns. Norfleet finished with career highs of seven catches for 76 yards, including the 27-yard go-ahead score with just over four minutes remaining. It was a defining moment in a breakout performance, and it pushed Missouri into the lead for good. Closing the Door With Kansas still within striking distance, Missouri’s defense forced a quick three-and-out. Running back Jamal Roberts then sealed the game with a 63-yard touchdown run, his best performance as a Tiger. Roberts finished with 143 yards on just 13 carries, adding another dimension to Missouri’s balanced attack. Pribula capped the night completing 30 of 39 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Coleman contributed 10 receptions for 126 yards, giving Missouri a 300-yard passer, a 100-yard rusher, and a 100-yard receiver in the same game for the first time since 2023. Ahmad Hardy also rushed for over 100 yards, marking the first time in nearly a decade the Tigers had two 100-yard rushers in one contest. By the Numbers Missouri outgained Kansas 595 to 254, including a decisive 261–3 advantage on the ground. The Tigers also dominated possession, holding the ball for over 40 minutes compared to Kansas’ 19. Missouri converted 14 of 24 third- and fourth-down attempts, while Kansas managed just five of 12. Despite trailing at multiple points, Missouri’s consistency in sustaining drives proved the difference. The Tigers have now won the last four matchups in the series and six of the last seven overall, extending their all-time lead to 58–54–9. What It Means For Missouri, the win was about more than just extending their unbeaten start. It was a statement of resilience, a reminder of their ability to respond under pressure, and another step in establishing Faurot Field as one of the toughest venues in college football. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s squad showed balance on offense and toughness on defense, traits that will be crucial as SEC play looms. Kansas left Columbia disappointed but not without positives. Daniels threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, Hanika caught both scores, and the defense created opportunities that kept the Jayhawks in front for much of the game. However, an inability to stop Missouri on fourth down and the defense’s late collapse were decisive factors. The Jayhawks still have Big 12 opportunities ahead, beginning with their conference opener against West Virginia. Final Takeaway The return of the Border War lived up to its billing, with momentum swings, late heroics, and a charged atmosphere reminiscent of the rivalry’s past. Missouri’s 42–31 win was defined by poise, balance, and timely execution. Kansas showed fight and flashes of brilliance, but the Tigers’ persistence and finishing power ultimately carried the day. For fans on both sides, the rivalry’s renewal was long overdue. If Saturday’s clash was any indication, the Border War will once again be a fixture worth circling on the calendar every season.

Sooners Reclaim the Spotlight in Norman After a 6–7 season in 2024 that left fans and alumni restless, Oklahoma needed a performance to restore confidence in Brent Venables’ tenure. The Sooners delivered in front of 84,107 at Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, defeating No. 15 Michigan 24–13 in a top-20 showdown. With quarterback John Mateer leading the offense and the defense showing toughness from start to finish, Oklahoma announced itself as a team determined to reassert national relevance in 2025. The victory pushed Oklahoma to 2–0 on the season while Michigan fell to 1–1. It was only the second all-time meeting between these two historic programs — the Wolverines hold the most wins in FBS history, while Oklahoma owns the most since World War II — and this clash was as much about identity as it was about rankings. For the Sooners, it was proof that a season of frustration can be followed by a resurgence when the pieces align. Mateer’s Breakout Performance Much of the spotlight was on quarterback John Mateer, a Washington State transfer making his first start against a ranked opponent. He did not disappoint. Mateer threw for 270 yards, ran for 74, and accounted for all three of Oklahoma’s touchdowns. His poise against a defense known for physicality impressed from the opening drive. In the air, Mateer spread the ball effectively. Deion Burks led the receiving corps with 101 yards on seven catches, and Jaren Kanak contributed 69 yards. Both receivers stretched the field and gave Mateer targets at crucial moments. On the ground, while the Sooners weren’t dominant in rushing, Mateer’s scrambles kept Michigan’s defense honest and extended drives that otherwise could have stalled. Mateer’s two rushing touchdowns were both momentum-shifting plays. His 2-yard score just before halftime gave Oklahoma a 14–0 lead, creating a cushion that allowed Venables to lean on his defense in the second half. Later, his legs helped sustain Oklahoma’s marathon drive in the fourth quarter that closed the game. Wolverines Struggle Under Pressure Michigan entered Norman with a highly touted freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood, making his first start in a hostile environment. It showed. Underwood completed just nine of 24 passes for 142 yards, failing to establish rhythm as Oklahoma’s front consistently applied pressure. The Wolverines’ lone offensive highlight came on the first play of the second half, when Justice Haynes broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 14–7. Haynes, a transfer from Alabama, finished with 125 yards on 19 carries and was easily Michigan’s most reliable weapon. Outside of that burst, however, the Wolverines’ offense generated little sustained production. Michigan’s defense did produce key plays, including interceptions by TJ Metcalf and Cole Sullivan, but the Wolverines were unable to capitalize fully. A missed field goal in the first half and an inability to convert in Oklahoma territory proved costly. For much of the contest, Michigan’s offense was held off balance, and by the time its defense began to tire in the fourth quarter, the game slipped away. Oklahoma’s Defense Sets the Tone For Venables, long known as a defensive strategist, this was a signature performance. His unit held Michigan to just 288 yards of total offense and forced multiple three-and-outs in the first half. Ernest Hausmann led the Wolverines with 11 tackles, but Oklahoma’s defense dictated the terms. Key to the effort was limiting Underwood’s ability to settle. Oklahoma’s pass rush created hurried throws, while the secondary prevented deep shots that could have flipped momentum. Even after Haynes’ long touchdown run, the Sooners regrouped and allowed only six more points the rest of the way. The Wolverines managed only 143 yards outside of the third quarter, underscoring how dominant Oklahoma’s defense was for three of the four frames. Crucially, the Sooners also stood firm after turnovers, holding Michigan to just six points on possessions following Oklahoma miscues. The Drive That Sealed It The defining moment came late in the fourth quarter. Leading 21–13, Oklahoma took over with just over 10 minutes remaining. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle called a perfectly balanced 16-play, 78-yard march that drained more than eight minutes off the clock. The Sooners mixed inside runs with short passes, grinding down the Wolverines’ front seven. The drive ended with a short field goal by Tate Sandell to push the lead to 24–13. More importantly, it left Michigan with under two minutes and no real chance to respond. For a program that prided itself on physicality, Oklahoma’s ability to control possession and impose its will in the trenches was as symbolic as it was decisive. Why the Win Matters For Oklahoma, this was more than just a victory over a ranked opponent. It was validation that the offseason adjustments — a new quarterback, lineup changes on the offensive line, and a recommitment to physical play — are paying dividends. The Sooners, now 2–0, are positioned to climb in the AP Top 25 and carry momentum into their upcoming matchup against Temple. Michigan, meanwhile, leaves Norman with questions. The Wolverines showed flashes, particularly from Haynes in the run game, but Underwood’s struggles and the lack of consistency on both sides of the ball highlight issues that must be addressed before Big Ten play. They will attempt to rebound at home against Central Michigan. Final Takeaway Oklahoma’s 24–13 victory over Michigan was a showcase of resilience, discipline, and identity. Mateer’s breakout performance gave the Sooners an offensive leader, Venables’ defense reaffirmed its toughness, and the closing drive symbolized the kind of football Oklahoma has been striving to reclaim. For Michigan, the setback underscored the difficulties of breaking in a freshman quarterback on the road against a ranked foe. For Oklahoma, it was the kind of win that not only boosts rankings but also reestablishes belief in a program eager to leave last year’s disappointment behind.

Hurricanes Offense Rolls Early The Miami Hurricanes delivered a commanding performance on Thursday night at Hard Rock Stadium, cruising past Bethune-Cookman 45–3. Ranked No. 5 nationally, Miami displayed the efficiency, balance, and depth that has elevated the program into early playoff conversations. By the time the first quarter ended, the Hurricanes had established control, and by halftime the outcome was essentially sealed. Quarterback Carson Beck, in his second start for the Hurricanes, was nearly flawless. He completed 22 of 24 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns, setting a program record by opening with 15 consecutive completions. That mark broke Bernie Kosar’s longstanding record from 1984 and underscored the poise Beck brings to the offense. Wide receiver CJ Daniels emerged as the primary scoring threat with two touchdown receptions, while Malachi Toney led the team with 80 yards on six catches, keeping the chains moving on critical downs. The run game was equally punishing. Mark Fletcher Jr. provided the power, rushing for 86 yards and scoring twice, while Marty Brown and Girard Pringle Jr. added touchdowns that highlighted the depth of Miami’s backfield. With multiple backs contributing, Miami was able to wear down Bethune-Cookman’s defense over four quarters. Bethune-Cookman Struggles to Find Rhythm For Bethune-Cookman, the evening was an uphill battle from the opening snap. Facing the highest-ranked opponent in program history, the Wildcats were limited in their ability to generate explosive plays. Quarterback Timmy McClain was accurate, completing 13 of 15 passes, but most of his throws were short, and he finished with just 86 yards through the air. The Wildcats managed only 191 total yards and averaged just 3.8 yards per play. Their lone scoring drive came late in the second quarter, when McClain strung together completions to set up a 32-yard field goal by Juan Dominguez. While the drive briefly lifted the visiting sideline, Miami answered with a quick touchdown of its own to squash any momentum. Bethune-Cookman’s inability to sustain drives or establish the run left its defense exposed for long stretches. Against a top-five team with multiple offensive weapons, the Wildcats simply lacked the depth to compete beyond isolated flashes of success. Defensive Statement for the Canes While Miami’s offense piled up points, the defense played with equal dominance. The Hurricanes’ front seven controlled the line of scrimmage from the outset, producing 10 tackles for loss and holding Bethune-Cookman to just 84 rushing yards. Safety Keionte Scott delivered three tackles for loss, while Rueben Bain Jr. added a sack and forced fumble that halted one of the Wildcats’ few promising possessions. Linebacker Kellen Wiley led the team with five tackles, showcasing Miami’s ability to swarm to the ball. The secondary limited McClain’s options, forcing Bethune-Cookman to rely on underneath throws that rarely gained significant yardage. The unit’s discipline prevented big plays, ensuring that the Wildcats never seriously threatened the end zone. Miami’s defensive performance was not just about talent but also about consistency—every level of the defense executed assignments and smothered opportunities. Game Flow and Key Moments Miami wasted no time setting the tone, driving 90 yards in under two minutes on its opening possession. Beck capped the drive with a 40-yard strike to Daniels, and the rout was on. Fletcher added a 16-yard touchdown run moments later, and by the time Brown plunged into the end zone from short range, Miami was ahead 21–0. Bethune-Cookman’s lone highlight came late in the second quarter with its field goal, trimming the score to 21–3. The Hurricanes, however, answered immediately with a methodical drive capped by Daniels’ second touchdown catch to restore the margin to 28–3 before halftime. The second half was more of the same. Fletcher scored again on Miami’s opening possession, and Pringle added a 30-yard rushing touchdown that electrified the home crowd. A late field goal extended the advantage to 45–3, closing out a performance that left little doubt about the difference between the two programs. What This Win Means The victory improved Miami to 2–0 and marked its eighth consecutive win over Bethune-Cookman. For head coach Mario Cristobal, the game offered not just another victory but also confirmation that his team has both the depth and discipline required to contend at the highest level. This win also sets the stage for a crucial stretch of four consecutive games against in-state opponents. The Hurricanes will next face South Florida before clashing with Florida and Florida State—two contests that will likely shape the trajectory of their playoff hopes. Starting that gauntlet with a dominant, injury-free performance was exactly what Miami needed. For Bethune-Cookman, the loss was expected given the talent gap, but it still provided valuable experience for players competing on a national stage. Now 0–2, the Wildcats will turn their focus to a more manageable opponent in South Carolina State, where they hope to secure their first victory of the season. Bottom Line Miami’s 45–3 dismantling of Bethune-Cookman highlighted everything that makes the Hurricanes a legitimate contender in 2025. Beck’s record-setting accuracy, Fletcher’s power on the ground, Daniels’ playmaking ability, and a suffocating defense combined to create one of the program’s most complete performances in recent memory. For Miami, this was more than a routine win—it was a statement that the Hurricanes are equipped to dominate lesser opponents while building momentum toward tougher tests ahead. For Bethune-Cookman, the night was a reminder of the gulf between FCS competition and the top tier of the FBS, but also an opportunity to learn and regroup. The Hurricanes march forward at 2–0, their sights set firmly on an in-state gauntlet that will determine just how far this team can climb.

Wolfpack Bounce Back in Manhattan The NC State volleyball team rebounded strongly at the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Classic, sweeping Nevada 3-0 at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas. With set scores of 25-18, 25-21, and 25-16, the Wolfpack moved to 4-1 on the season and earned its first road win of the year. For Nevada, the defeat extended a difficult start to its non-conference slate. The Wolf Pack fell to 0-2 in the tournament and will look to regroup quickly against host Kansas State. Bryant and Ring Power NC State Senior outside hitter Courtney Bryant set the tone for NC State with nine kills, four service aces, and a .500 hitting percentage, tying her career high for aces in a match. Bryant’s presence from the service line sparked runs in both the first and second sets, keeping Nevada on its heels. Freshman Rebecca Ring added six kills, while fellow newcomer Jordan Smith chipped in three in the decisive third set. The performance highlighted the team’s blend of experience and youth, with veterans leading while younger players stepped up in supporting roles. Set-by-Set Recap NC State jumped out to an early 10-6 lead in the first set, fueled by Bryant at the service line. A 6-0 run widened the gap, and the Wolfpack closed the frame 25-18 behind consistent attacking and defensive pressure. The second set initially looked lopsided as NC State built a double-digit advantage, but Nevada rallied late. The Wolf Pack trimmed the margin to just two points at 23-21 after kills from Jess Walkenhorst and McKaley Herr. NC State, however, closed it out 25-21 to take a 2-0 lead. In the third, Nevada again hung close early, tying the set at 6-6. NC State answered with a 5-0 run, keyed by kills from Ring and Smith, to regain control. From there, the Wolfpack extended its advantage and finished the sweep 25-16. Defensive Strength Defense was a decisive factor in NC State’s win. The Wolfpack recorded six team blocks, with freshman Kamryn Tifft leading both sides with four. Nevada tallied five blocks but struggled to sustain momentum in long rallies. NC State’s back row was steady throughout, controlling serve receive and limiting Nevada’s opportunities. Ring and Smith each made timely digs to extend rallies, while Bryant contributed on both ends of the floor. Nevada’s Bright Spots Despite the sweep, Nevada showed flashes of potential. Walkenhorst led the Pack with six kills, while Herr added five and Haylee Brown chipped in four. Setter Audrey Jensen finished with 17 assists, distributing effectively during Nevada’s second-set rally. Singleton provided an ace and led the team in digs with 10. Still, inconsistency plagued the Wolf Pack across all three sets. After battling back late in the second, errors and missed connections in the third prevented Nevada from extending the match. Program Notes and Milestones The victory marked NC State’s first-ever win over Nevada and its 820th in program history. It was also the fourth victory under head coach Megan Wargo-Kearney in the current era of Wolfpack volleyball. Bryant and Ring were later recognized with All-Tournament honors for their performances across the weekend, underscoring their growing impact on the squad. Looking Ahead NC State returns to Raleigh to host South Carolina on September 10 as part of the “Showdown at the Net” series. With momentum from a sweep and a strong 4-1 start, the Wolfpack will look to carry confidence into its home slate. Nevada will continue in the Classic against Kansas State , aiming to even its record after a challenging start. Building consistency and capitalizing on the sparks provided by Walkenhorst, Herr, and Singleton will be key as the Pack pushes forward. Final Takeaway NC State’s sweep of Nevada highlighted a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent. Bryant’s serving and efficient hitting, combined with Ring’s energy, proved too much for Nevada to counter. For the Wolf Pack, late rallies showed promise, but errors and missed opportunities kept them from extending the match.

Mustangs Turn the Tide After Dropping the Opener SMU’s home opener doubled as a milestone night. The No. 11 Mustangs shrugged off a slow start and defeated Washington in four sets, 23–25, 25–22, 25–22, 25–19, to move to 3–0 and record the program’s 250th victory inside Moody Coliseum. The match had the tension and swings of a ranked-level duel: Washington’s physical pins landed early blows, but SMU’s balance, blocking, and late-set poise steadily seized control of the match and the narrative. Washington arrived intent on spoiling the celebration. The Huskies’ first-set efficiency forced SMU into chase mode and briefly quieted the building. From the second set on, however, the Mustangs made decisive adjustments—tightening first contact, setting quicker to the middle, and turning the match at the net. The result was a clean, fast-tempo offense that climbed all the way to .385 hitting on the night while limiting the visitors to extended sideout stretches. Livings, Jones, and Carlson Drive an Unstoppable Engine On a roster full of options, Jadyn Livings supplied the centerpiece performance: 18 kills at a crisp .371, plus nine digs and six blocks. Malaya Jones complemented her with 12 kills and a team-high 15 digs, underlining how often SMU’s outsides started and finished rallies. Averi Carlson conducted it all with 49 assists, guiding the Mustangs to their best attacking efficiency of the young season and sprinkling in seven digs for good measure. The lift in sideout speed was most obvious from set two onward. Carlson’s tempo to the pins widened gaps, Natalia Newsome’s slide and quicks forced Washington’s middle to stay honest, and the coverage around the attackers recycled tough balls that the Huskies had handled in the first frame. Every long exchange began to tilt SMU’s way, a sign that spacing, rhythm, and first-touch quality had all settled. The Net Belonged to the Mustangs If the offense supplied the spectacle, the block provided the separation. SMU finished with an 11–6 edge in total blocks and completely flipped the net-front story after the opener. Newsome led with seven stuffs, and Livings’ six made Washington think twice about attacking her lane. The effect was cumulative: deflections funneled balls to the floor defenders, transition opportunities multiplied, and the Huskies’ first-swing success from set one faded into grind-it-out points that favored the deeper side. Libero Jordyn Schilling steadied the back row with 13 digs, and freshman Maggie Croft delivered a momentum-jolting stretch in set three—back-to-back aces during a five-point run that swung the frame and, effectively, the night. Washington continued to land shots, but SMU’s block-touch-to-dig pipeline kept the Mustangs on the front foot in transition. How Each Set Was Won Set One (UW 25–23): Washington’s first-swing attack (.341) and a late three-point burst pushed the visitors to the finish line. SMU erased 22–20 with kills from Livings and Favor Anyanwu but couldn’t complete the steal. It was the Huskies’ best blocking set (3–1) and their cleanest sideout rhythm of the match. Set Two (SMU 25–22): The match pivoted here. SMU opened 9–5, weathered a Husky 6–1 push, then surged again with a 4–0 run fueled by Newsome’s quicks and a Livings termination. The Mustangs owned the net 6–1 in blocks in this frame alone, and their first-ball sideout rate spiked. Set Three (SMU 25–22): Washington’s 10–6 start didn’t hold. Croft’s serving run (two straight aces) keyed a five-point swing to 18–15, and Jones closed it down in the final rotations. SMU hit a blistering .526 in the set—its cleanest passing and sharpest spacing of the night. Set Four (SMU 25–19): An immediate 3–0 burst set the tone. Two separate 3–0 spurts later stretched the gap to 18–13, and the Huskies never clawed closer than four. Livings (six kills) and Jones (five) slammed the door while SMU posted .469 to finish. What the Numbers Say SMU out-hit Washington .385 to .239, out-blocked them 11–6, and out-dug them 49–39—a rare trifecta that reflects superiority in first contact, at the net, and in rally defense. The Mustangs’ attack rose steadily after set one, clearing .460 in each of the final three frames, the clearest indicator that the pass-set-hit rhythm settled and stayed. Washington, to its credit, kept pace into the late teens of each set, but SMU’s end-game organization—blocking matchups, serving targets, and transition spacing—was sharper when it mattered. Why This Win Matters Beyond the milestone tally at Moody, the performance reinforces who SMU intends to be this season: a top-tier side with multiple kill outlets, a setter capable of modulating tempo on the fly, and a front line that can win matches even when the serve-pass battle isn’t perfect. Beating a Pac-12 power by controlling the final three frames also builds confidence for the weekend’s quick turnaround and for the longer arc of conference play. Up next is Northern Iowa, another chance to refine the rotation while riding the momentum of a complete, problem-solving win. Bottom Line A first set that belonged to Washington turned into three sets of Mustang authority. Livings’ shot-making, Jones’ two-way impact, Carlson’s tempo, and Newsome’s wall at the net added up to a composed, professional home opener—and a fitting way to stamp victory No. 250 at Moody.