Kansas City, Missouri, is poised to host the crowning of a new women’s college volleyball champion in just a few weeks, and the path to that title became significantly clearer on Sunday night with the unveiling of the NCAA tournament bracket. The stage is set for a thrilling postseason, but one team enters as the clear favorite: the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers.
The Huskers, completing a flawless 30-0 regular season with dominant sweeps over both Penn State and Ohio State, secured the No. 1 overall seed – a position few doubted they would attain. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, Nebraska has achieved a feat only twice before in program history, and not since the year 2000: a perfect regular season record. Their dominance isn’t merely reflected in wins and losses; they’ve lost a mere seven sets all season, and only one during Big Ten conference play.
Leading the charge is Harper Murray, a strong contender for National Player of the Year honors. But Nebraska’s strength extends beyond individual brilliance. They currently hold the No. 1 ranking in the Evollve Rating system, a metric that assesses a team’s expected point-winning probability against average competition, adjusted for the strength of their schedule. This indicates that Nebraska hasn’t just *won* games, they’ve consistently outperformed expectations against challenging opponents.
Only two teams have managed to push Nebraska to a decisive fifth set this year: Kentucky and Creighton. Both programs find themselves prominently positioned in the bracket. Kentucky earned the No. 3 overall seed, while Creighton, riding a remarkable 20-game winning streak and a perfect 16-0 record in Big East play, is seeded No. 3 within Kentucky’s quadrant. A potential Elite Eight clash between these two programs promises a captivating contest.
Adding a layer of intrigue to Nebraska’s path is the potential for an Elite Eight showdown with Louisville. This matchup would pit Busboom Kelly against her former team, creating a compelling narrative within the tournament. Joining Nebraska and Kentucky as No. 1 seeds are Texas and Pitt, setting the stage for a competitive and unpredictable tournament.
Dominance in the Big Ten: A Conference on the Rise
The Big Ten Conference has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in women’s college volleyball. Six teams from the conference secured top 16 seeds, surpassing all other leagues. The ACC followed with four teams in the top 16. This concentration of talent within the Big Ten suggests a high level of competition and a potential for multiple conference teams to make deep runs in the tournament. Could we see an all-Big Ten Final Four?
Beyond the top seeds, the bracket’s structure hints at the possibility of several intense intra-conference battles in the Sweet 16, potentially including a heated rivalry matchup between USC and UCLA. The depth of talent within the Big Ten is undeniable, and its impact on the tournament will be significant.
Pitt’s Pursuit of a Fifth Straight Final Four: Challenges on the Horizon
The University of Pittsburgh, led by reigning National Player of the Year Olivia Babcock, is aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Final Four appearance. With a 26-4 overall record and a five-game winning streak, the Panthers are a formidable force. However, their journey won’t be without obstacles.
Standing in their way is No. 2 seed SMU, the fifth overall seed in the tournament. While Pitt secured two regular-season victories against SMU (3-2 and 3-1), the Mustangs have surged with nine consecutive wins and boast impressive victories over Stanford, Louisville, Miami, Texas A&M, and Baylor. Beating a team three times in a single season is notoriously difficult, and SMU presents a significant challenge to Pitt’s championship aspirations.
Wisconsin and North Carolina: A Second-Round Matchup to Watch
The Wisconsin Badgers, seeded No. 3 in Texas’ quadrant, enter the tournament on a nine-game winning streak and ranked seventh nationally in the Evollve Rating. Their offensive prowess is particularly noteworthy, ranking second in the nation in assists per set with 13.9. A potential second-round matchup against North Carolina could provide an exciting test for both teams.
For this intriguing contest to materialize, Wisconsin must first overcome Eastern Illinois, while North Carolina needs to defeat No. 6 UTEP. The Tar Heels, despite being one of the last four teams to secure a tournament berth, have demonstrated their ability to upset strong opponents, with victories over Florida, SMU, and Georgia Tech. Jackie Taylor, a key player for UNC, leads the team in service aces and blocks, ranking eighth nationally in block assists with 142.
Other potential second-round matchups to watch include TCU versus Texas A&M, Miami versus Kansas, and Baylor versus Purdue, promising a dynamic and unpredictable tournament.
What impact will the home-court advantage have on the early rounds of the tournament? And which unseeded team has the potential to make a Cinderella run?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Evollve Rating and why is it important in college volleyball?
The Evollve Rating is a statistical metric that measures a team’s expected probability of winning a point against an average opponent, adjusted for schedule strength. It’s important because it provides a more nuanced assessment of a team’s performance than win-loss record alone.
Who is Harper Murray and why is she considered a National Player of the Year candidate?
Harper Murray is a key player for the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers and is considered a National Player of the Year candidate due to her exceptional all-around performance and leadership on the court.
How many teams from the Big Ten Conference made it into the NCAA tournament?
Six teams from the Big Ten Conference earned bids to the NCAA tournament, making it the conference with the most representation in the field.
What makes a potential Elite Eight matchup between Kentucky and Creighton so compelling?
A potential Elite Eight matchup between Kentucky and Creighton is compelling because both teams are on impressive winning streaks and represent strong competition within their respective conferences.
Could Louisville’s history with Dani Busboom Kelly impact a potential Elite Eight game against Nebraska?
Yes, the fact that Dani Busboom Kelly previously coached at Louisville adds a significant narrative layer to a potential Elite Eight matchup against her former team, potentially influencing the dynamics of the game.
What are some other intriguing potential second-round matchups in the tournament?
Some other intriguing potential second-round matchups include TCU vs. Texas A&M, Miami vs. Kansas, and Baylor vs. Purdue, all promising competitive contests.
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle. With Nebraska as the clear frontrunner, but several other strong contenders vying for the crown, the road to Kansas City will be filled with drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
Share this article with fellow volleyball fans and join the conversation! What team do you think will ultimately hoist the championship trophy? Let us know in the comments below.
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