The University of Texas Longhorns volleyball team has done it again. On Saturday, November 9th, the Longhorns defeated No. 1 Nebraska in a thrilling five-set match to retain their title as Big 12 Conference Champions. The Longhorns were led by freshman Madisen Skinner and Ella Swindel, who both had stellar performances in the match.
Skinner, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter from San Antonio, had a career-high 20 kills and 15 digs in the match. She was also named the Big 12 Championship Most Outstanding Player. Swindel, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker from Austin, had a match-high 11 blocks and added eight kills.
The Longhorns had to battle back from an early deficit in the first set, but they were able to take the lead and eventually win the set 25-23. The second set was a back-and-forth affair, but the Longhorns were able to take the set 25-22. The third set was all Longhorns, as they dominated 25-15. Nebraska was able to take the fourth set 25-21, but the Longhorns were able to close out the match with a 15-11 victory in the fifth set.
The Longhorns have now won four consecutive Big 12 Championships and are looking to make it five in a row next year. With Skinner and Swindel leading the way, the Longhorns have a bright future ahead of them. The Longhorns will now look to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament and hopefully bring home another championship.
