Purdue Volleyball has made history once again by advancing to the Elite Eight for the sixth time in the program’s history and the fifth time under head coach Dave Shondell. The team secured a 3-1 victory over the second-seeded SMU in a thrilling Sweet 16 match, marking the second time this season the Boilers have triumphed over the Mustangs with the same scoreline.
The match began on a challenging note for Purdue as they struggled in the first set, falling behind to a significant 17-4 deficit. Despite their efforts to stage a comeback, they lost the opening set 25-16. However, the Boilers regrouped and came out strong in the second set. A series of consecutive aces propelled them to an early 6-1 lead, allowing Purdue to maintain control and ultimately win the set 25-19.
The third set showcased a more competitive spirit, with both teams engaged in long rallies. SMU initially took a 5-1 lead, but Purdue managed to tie the game at 11-11 thanks to impressive kills from Grace Heaney, Akasha Anderson, and Taylor Anderson. The set remained tightly contested, eventually reaching a 20-20 deadlock before Purdue seized the momentum, closing the set 25-22.
The intensity continued to build in the fourth set, where SMU demonstrated resilience, saving multiple match points. Despite a fierce battle, Purdue finally clinched the set 29-27, sealing their spot in the Elite Eight.
This significant achievement marks Purdue’s first return to the Elite Eight since 2021, where they were eliminated by Pittsburgh on their home court. In an exciting tournament run, Purdue boasts an impressive record of 29-4, with their only losses this season to powerhouse teams Nebraska, Stanford, Miami, and Florida. Remarkably, they have yet to lose a set in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their strength and determination. The team is now poised for a challenging semifinal against Pittsburgh after they convincingly defeated Minnesota 3-0 in the other semifinal match.