As the NCAA volleyball tournament advances to its Sweet 16 stage this weekend, excitement builds with crucial matchups that will determine the teams headed to the Final Four in Kansas City on December 18. All four No. 1 seeds remain intact, yet several teams may cause surprises, enhancing the thrill of the competition.
One standout team, the Cal Poly Mustangs, has already made headlines by eliminating sixth-seeded BYU and fourth-seeded USC in nail-biting five-set matches. Star player Emma Fredrick has been pivotal, contributing a remarkable 37 points across those crucial games. Cal Poly faces its toughest challenge yet against the No. 1 seed Kentucky, which will be competing on home turf. Kentucky’s formidable size adds significant pressure, and Cal Poly will need to minimize errors to stage another upset.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are another team that fans can’t afford to miss. With an incredible track record, they haven’t lost a set since mid-November. Their junior setter, Bergen Reilly, has been instrumental in orchestrating the offense, averaging 10.42 assists per set, while Harper Murray contributes significantly with an average of 3.51 kills per set. Nebraska’s matchup against Kansas on Friday night at 9:30 p.m. ET promises to be a thrilling display of their dominance.
A fascinating clash will be between storied programs Stanford and Wisconsin, both former powerhouses in women’s volleyball. Stanford, boasting nine national titles with its last in 2019, faces a revitalized Wisconsin, which won the championship in 2021 and has shown strength by quickly dispatching North Carolina and Eastern Illinois in preceding rounds. This matchup, scheduled for Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. ET, presents an opportunity for either team to reclaim its place among the elite.
Additionally, the tournament features several players with notable legacies, including Cari Spears from Texas. As the daughter of former Dallas Cowboys player Marcus Spears and a remarkable talent in her own right, Cari has made a significant impact, earning SEC Player of the Week honors twice this season. Keep an eye on her performance against Indiana as Texas aims to advance further in the tournament.
The schedule for the upcoming matches is as follows:
**Thursday, Dec. 11**
– No. 2 Arizona State vs. No. 3 Creighton, 1 p.m. ET on ESPN2
– No. 1 Kentucky vs. Cal Poly, 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2
– No. 4 Minnesota vs. No. 1 Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2
– No. 2 SMU vs. No. 3 Purdue, 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2
**Friday, Dec. 12**
– No. 1 Texas vs. No. 4 Indiana, 12 p.m. ET on ESPN
– No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 2 Stanford, 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
– No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 2 Louisville, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2
– No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 4 Kansas, 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2
The excitement will continue throughout the weekend as the regionals lead into the anticipated Final Four matches next week, showcasing the best in collegiate volleyball. Fans should prepare for a thrilling showcase of talent, determination, and potential upsets as they support their favorite teams.