The Longhorns celebrate defeating Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Longhorns celebrate defeating Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Longhorns celebrate defeating Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Longhorns celebrate defeating Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns setter Ella Swindle (1) blocks a hit from Indiana Hoosiers outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles (3) as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) celebrates a point as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) spikes the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns setter Ella Swindle (1) tips the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Cari Spears (23) celebrates a point as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) serves as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Cari Spears (23), Texas Longhorns middle blocker Nya Bunton (55) and Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) triple block a hit from Indiana Hoosiers outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles (3) as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns setter Rella Binney (3) celebrates a point as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Abby Vander Wal (6) and Texas Longhorns middle blocker Ayden Ames (5) jump to block a hit from Indiana Hoosiers outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles (3) as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Jerritt Elliott cheers on his team as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns libero Ramsey Gary (32) passes the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns setter Ella Swindle (1) serves as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas fans cheer as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Cari Spears (23) jumps to block a spike as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Longhorns fans react as the 3rd set is tied as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns setter Rella Binney (3) and her teammates celebrate a point as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns setter Ella Swindle (1) sets up her teammate for a hit as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Cari Spears (23) spikes the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas fans cheer as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns middle blocker Ayden Ames (5) spikes the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein (26) tips the ball over the net as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein (26) and Texas Longhorns middle blocker Ayden Ames (5) block a spike from Indiana Hoosiers outside hitter Jaidyn Jager (24) as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) celebrates a point as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns middle blocker Nya Bunton (55) blocks a hit as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) jumps to spike the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) reacts to scoring a point as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein (26) spikes the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Fans watch Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) return the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein (26) spikes the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) digs up a serve as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein (26) spikes the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns setter Rella Binney (3) serves as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) passes the ball as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns setter Rella Binney (3) celebrates winning the 2nd set as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Longhorns huddle as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Fans cheer as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Way back in August, Texas volleyball travelled to Wisconsin and rolled to a 3-0 win over the Badgers in its second game of the season.
But that result is irrelevant, Texas coach Jerritt Elliott said Saturday, a day before his top-seeded Longhorns face No. 3 Wisconsin in an Elite Eight matchup at Gregory Gymnasium. And that match might as well have taken place last season.
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“They’re a completely different team, and so are we,” he said. “We’ve been able to add a lot of layers on since the preseason, and we had some young players. I think what you’re going to find is just two well-trained teams that are going to battle and having a big-time match.”
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Texas, Wisconsin part of current blue-blood volleyball crop
Both programs certainly have big-time bona fides, especially in recent years. Wisconsin (27-4), a traditional Big Ten Conference power, is seeking its fifth Final Four berth in the past seven years and its second national title after winning the 2021 championship. Texas (26-3), out of the SEC, has been in three of the past five Final Fours and won back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023.
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Recent history favors the Longhorns, even if Elliott dismisses the previous matches. Texas has won four consecutive contests over the Badgers, including a 3-1 triumph in a 2023 national semifinal in Tampa, Fla.
But at this level of play, said Indiana coach Steve Aird, early-season results don’t mean much. Aird’s team got swept by both Wisconsin and Texas this year. After his team’s season-ending defeat Friday to the Longhorns, he said Texas would be tough to beat in Gregory Gymnasium but thinks Wisconsin’s experience could negate some of that home-court advantage.
Indiana Hoosiers middle blocker Madi Sell (1) reacts to a game-point call as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
“With the top teams that are used to playing deep into the tournament, they’re a little bit more at ease with the environment and the event,” he said. “I love the Big Ten. I think it’s the best volleyball conference in the country, and it does prepare you. I think there’s a reason why there’s five or so teams that were advancing to the Sweet 16. Texas is good enough to beat anyone in the country if they play well, and I’d say the same thing about a variety of the Big Ten teams on any given night.”
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Texas setter Ella Swindle agreed that each squad has played its way into contention for a national title next week in Kansas City, Mo., regardless of who wins the region.
“I feel like both teams are just a lot more developed at this point in the year,” she said. “At the beginning of the season, we were kind of just figuring out who we are and who we wanted to be. So now, at this point, I feel like we know our identities, and we’re ready to go out and battle.”
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Wisconsin volleyball: Charlie Fuerbringer sets tone
Wisconsin certainly seems more prepared to battle Swindle and a loaded Texas lineup than in August. Since sophomore All-American setter Charlie Fuerbringer returned from a midseason injury, the Badgers have been almost unstoppable. They’ve won 10 straight matches since she came back to the court in a Nov. 9 match against Indiana and a total of 12 in a row. In that span with Fuerbringer, Wisconsin has a hitting percentage under .350 just twice.
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The Badgers have hit better than .400 twice in the NCAA Tournament, including a sizzling rate of .420 in Friday’s 3-1 win over a splendid defensive team in Stanford.
“I think we just (have) a lot of trust in one another,” said Fuerbringer, who led the Big Ten with 12.2 assists per set. “I mean, for me, if one of our hitters got blocked or made an error (against Stanford), they were right back in the huddle saying, ‘Got you next ball.’ ”
Mimi Colyer v Torrey Stafford: Matchup of star outside hitters
No one has gotten more balls to the court for Wisconsin than Mimi Colyer, the Badgers’ counterpart to Texas star outside hitter Torrey Stafford.
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Two of the premier attackers in the nation share plenty of similarities. Stafford, a junior, transferred to Texas after a pair of All-American seasons at Pittsburgh while Colyer joined Wisconsin following an All-American career at Oregon. Stafford hits at a rate of .368 for the season, one of the highest for any outside hitter in the SEC. Colyer counters with a .341 hitting percentage, one of the best in the Big Ten for a pin player.
And both enter Sunday’s showdown on the heels of a scorching performance. Stafford fired 19 kills on 28 swings without a hitting error in the Sweet 16 win over Indiana while Colyer hammered 27 kills on 51 swings against Stanford.
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) celebrates a point as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
“I want to get in these big games and be competitive and play with a group of girls that want to win, that need to win,” Colyer said after the win over Indiana. “And I think our team is doing just that. I think we’re gelling at the right time, and we’re gaining so much momentum, and there’s so much trust. This team is just really, really good. We’re firing on all cylinders.”
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But Texas is clicking in the NCAA Tournament as well. The Longhorns have hit better than .400 over their three matches, and freshmen Cari Spears and Abby Vander Wal provide effective complements to Stafford.
Sure, Stafford and Colyer may draw the focus on both defenses as well as the television cameras, said Elliott. But don’t discount the rest of two deep, talented squads, added the Texas coach.
“They’re both able to take over matches at any point in time,” he said. “What a great thing for TV, what a great thing for our team to be able to figure out how to be able to manage that, and what a great thing for Wisconsin to try to figure out how they’re going to stop (Stafford). But there’s also five other really good players (on the court) that can take over a match. I think it’s going to be a team effort. There’s so many things that go into play, but it’s fun for media and it’s fun to see those guys take major-league swings every single time at each other. But there’s other players that can do the same thing.”
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Texas vs Wisconsin: How to watch
What: NCAA Tournament Elite Eight match
Where: Gregory Gymnasium
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday
TV/streaming: ESPN