Texas Volleyball has built a reputation as one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. Star Torrey Stafford and freshman phenom Abby Vander wal are two of the best hitters in the sport. But against rival Texas A&M in the SEC semifinal, it was UT’s defense that carried the day as the Horns beat the Aggies 3-1.
The Horns had 15 blocks for points in the game, including three key ones down the stretch. Ayden Ames had 8, many key to stopping an Aggies rally.
Of course, the offense shined too. Stafford had 16 Kills, Vander wal had 10 and Cari Spears slammed down 11.
Texas dominated the first set. The Aggies dominated the second. The third set was one for the ages, going back and forth with no team taking more than a two point lead. The Longhorns had to stave off two match points and finally pushed through to win the set 27-25.
Texas will now face Top-seeded Kentucky in the SEC Tournament Final tomorrow at
FINAL: Texas 3, Texas A&M 1
SET IV: Texas 25, Texas A&M 19
Texas takes the fourth set and the match.
Desperate Aggies take Time Out
Another big Texas block has put the Longhorns on the brink of Match Point. UT leads 22-16.
Texas builds on lead
UT’s 13 block of the night and a 4-0 run has extended the UT lead to 19-14.
UT jumps out to 3 point lead
The fourth set has been almost as close as Set III. Texas has been a little more consistent and have jumped to a 15-12 lead.
Great Texas Blocking
The Horns have 12 blocks so far, an area that has improved throughout the season. UT leads 9-7 in the third set.
UT has slight lead early
Hoping to close out the match, the Longhorns have an early 6-4 lead.
SET III: Texas 27, Texas A&M 25
The Longhorns fought off two set points to take the third set. A big kill by freshman Abby Vander Wal sealed the deal in a set that neither team led by more than two points.
Tied 25-25
Back and forth as both teams try to take a 2-1 set advantage into Set IV.
Aggies takes lead
With star Kyndal Stowers serving the Aggies have surged to a 22-21 lead. UT has now taken a time out.
Texas Ace
An ace by Ava Underwood has given Texas a slim 21-19 lead in the third set. The Aggies immediately took a time out.
Tied late in set
The set is tied 18-18. It is the 12th tie of the set.
Back to back Aces for Aggies
Two aces in a row by server Kyndal Stowers has given the Aggies a slight 13-11 lead in the third set.
Pivotal set tight early
The third set is key to advance. So far the teams are back and forth. 8-8
SET II: Texas 16, Texas A&M 24
Aggies looked more confident in the second set. A&M’s defense was stout and shut down the Longhorns offense late.
A&M holding off Texas
It looked like Texas might make a big comeback in the second set. But A&M has steadied the ship and are close to tying the match at 1-1.
Stafford slams down two
Superstar Torrey Stafford has hammered down two straight kills to chip away that the A&M second set lead. Aggies lead 14-9.
Longhorns lose challenge
Aggies coach Jamie Morrison challenged that there were four hits during a rally eventually won by the Longhorns. Sure enough the ball grazed the head of Ayden Ames. Aggies lead 13-6.
A&M building huge lead
The Aggies have continued their hot play in the second set. The A&M offense has woken up and is battering the Horns front line so far to build an 11-4 lead.
Aggies hot early in second set
A&M isn’t going anywhere. After losing Set I, the Aggies have won five points in a row and let 5-1.
SET I: Texas 25, Texas A&M 18
Texas was by far the better team in the first set. Led by freshman Abby Vander Wal, the Longhorns looked more coordinated and athletic than the Aggies.
Longhorns close in on Set I win
Another huge kill by Vander Wal has Texas four points from taking the first set.
Freshman Hammer
Huge Kill by freshman phenom Abby Vander Wal puts Texas up 19-13.
Aggies gaining some momentum
A&M has settled down a bit and have 3 of the last 4 points in set one. Texas leads 15-10.
UT Blocking Well
A perceived weakness for the Longhorns this season has been blocking. But the Lady Longhorns already have four blocks in the set, now up 11-5.
Texas surges to early lead
UT has jumped out to a quick 8-4 lead after a Kill by Cari Spears.
Close set early
The game has started tight. So far, Texas has delivered more kills and lead 4-2 early.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: RAPID RECAP: Texas Volleyball’s defense beats down Texas A&M 3-1
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
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