Could This Be the ACC’s Year in NCAA Women’s Volleyball?
It’s time to get excited, volleyball fans! The NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament is here, and this year, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is making waves like never before. With two No. 1 seeds—Pittsburgh and Louisville—and the final four set to take place in Louisville, an ACC city, the stars might just be aligning for the conference to finally claim its first national championship.
Historically, the ACC has been the underdog in women’s volleyball. The Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and the now-defunct Pac-12 have all celebrated national champions. The ACC? The closest it’s come is a championship match appearance. But this year feels different. This year, the ACC is stacked, and the league’s long-awaited breakthrough could be just around the corner.
ACC Powerhouses Lead the Charge
Let’s talk about the heavy hitters. No. 1 seed Pitt boasts an incredible 29-1 record, while Louisville isn’t far behind at 25-5. Both teams have been dominant all season, and their presence at the top of the bracket is no fluke. But wait, there’s more! Two new ACC members, Stanford and SMU, are also in the mix as No. 2 seeds. Stanford, a nine-time NCAA champion, brings a legacy of excellence, while SMU holds the distinction of being the only team to defeat Pitt this season. Talk about a stacked conference!
In total, nine ACC teams made the tournament, matching the Big Ten and SEC. The Big 12 isn’t far behind with six teams. Historically, 12 schools have combined to win the previous 41 NCAA women’s volleyball championships, with Stanford leading the pack. Penn State and Nebraska, the other two No. 1 seeds this year, have seven and five titles, respectively. The competition is fierce, but the ACC is ready to make its mark.
Pitt’s Rise to Prominence
Pitt’s journey to the top is nothing short of remarkable. A decade ago, the Panthers were in the midst of an eight-year NCAA tournament drought. Enter Dan Fisher, who took over as head coach in 2013. Fast forward to today, and Pitt is in its ninth consecutive NCAA tournament and has reached the final four three years in a row. While those runs ended in the national semifinals, this year could be different. Pitt—and the ACC—are hungry to take that final step and hoist the trophy.
The Road to Louisville
The tournament kicks off with first and second-round matches streamed on ESPN+ from Thursday through Saturday at campus sites. Regionals will follow from Dec. 12-15, also at campus sites. Then, it’s on to the national semifinals on Dec. 19 and the championship match on Dec. 22, both held at Louisville’s KFC Yum Center. The stage is set, and the drama is palpable.
Bracket Surprises and Tough Roads Ahead
When the bracket was revealed, there were a few surprises. Louisville snagging the No. 4 overall seed over Stanford raised some eyebrows. As Sam Gore noted, many expected Stanford to get the nod after ending the regular season on a nine-match winning streak and defeating Louisville in their final matchup. However, the committee emphasized Louisville’s complete season résumé, which ultimately gave the Cardinals the edge. Stanford, of course, now has extra motivation to prove the committee wrong, which could make for some thrilling matches.
Meanwhile, Purdue’s No. 13 overall seed also caught some off guard. The Boilermakers had impressive wins over Kansas, Utah, Oregon, and Minnesota, yet they were placed outside the top 10. As Aishwarya Kumar pointed out, the parity in this year’s field made for some unpredictable seedings.
As for the toughest road to Louisville, many experts agree that Louisville itself faces a daunting path. A potential rematch with Stanford looms, and the pressure of playing at home could weigh heavily on the Cardinals. Nebraska, on the other hand, might have to beat Wisconsin for the third time this season—a tall order against a very good team. And let’s not forget about two-time defending champion Texas, which faces a challenging bracket despite being a No. 3 seed.
Underdogs to Watch
Every tournament has its Cinderella stories, and this year is no different. No. 6 seed Minnesota, which has battled injuries all season, is a team to watch. The Golden Gophers have wins over Texas and Wisconsin, proving they can hang with the best. Western Kentucky, riding a 24-match winning streak, is another dark horse. Other potential bracket-busters include No. 6 seed Texas A&M, No. 7 seed Missouri, and No. 6 seed Florida. These teams have the talent and grit to make deep runs.
Players Who Could Steal the Show
Let’s talk stars. Pitt’s Olivia Babcock, the reigning AVCA Freshman of the Year, is a must-watch player. Her jump serves and heavy swings are electrifying, and she’s a strong contender for Player of the Year. Florida’s Kennedy Martin is another standout, with her ability to dominate even when everyone knows the ball is coming her way.
Other players to keep an eye on include Stanford’s Kami Miner, Nebraska’s Harper Murray, and Louisville’s Anna DeBeer. Each brings a unique skill set and the ability to take over a match. And don’t forget about Texas’ Madisen Skinner, Wisconsin’s Sarah Franklin, and Pitt’s Rachel Fairbanks. This tournament is loaded with talent, and these players are sure to deliver highlight-reel moments.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With powerhouse programs, intriguing storylines, and a deep pool of talent, this year’s field has something for everyone. Will the ACC finally break through and claim its first national title? Or will one of the traditional powerhouses add to its trophy case? One thing’s for sure: you won’t want to miss a single set.
Originally Written by: Michael Voepel
