Five big questions for NCAA volleyball’s championship match

History in the Making: NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship

As the NCAA women’s volleyball championship match approaches, anticipation is building for a historic showdown between No. 1 seeds Penn State and Louisville. Scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on ABC, this match promises to be a landmark event in the sport’s history.

Why is this match so significant? Well, for starters, no woman has ever won the NCAA title as a head coach since the tournament’s inception in 1981. That will change on Sunday, as either Louisville’s Dani Busboom Kelly or Penn State’s Katie Schumacher-Cawley will lead their team to victory and make history in the process.

For Penn State, a win would mark their eighth title, bringing them closer to Stanford’s record of nine championships. On the other hand, a victory for Louisville would be a first for both the team and the ACC.

All eyes will be on the court at Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center, particularly on whether Louisville’s fifth-year senior Anna DeBeer will play. DeBeer, an outside hitter, injured her ankle early in the fourth set of the semifinal victory over Pittsburgh. Her absence could have been a significant blow to the Cardinals, as she is one of the most experienced players in this final four, boasting 14 kills, 35 receptions (with just two errors), and nine digs before her injury.

Fortunately for Louisville, freshman Payton Petersen stepped up and performed admirably, helping the Cardinals secure a win against the No. 1 overall seed Panthers. DeBeer leads the Cardinals in kills per set (3.37) this season, and Busboom Kelly has expressed determination to get her back on the court, emphasizing the strength of the team behind her.

Schumacher-Cawley, on the other hand, is preparing Penn State as if DeBeer will play, acknowledging her senior status and the likelihood of her competing if she’s able.

Louisville’s journey to the final is not new, as they also competed in the 2022 NCAA final, where they fell to Texas. For Penn State, this is their first final since winning their seventh title in 2014, and the Nittany Lions are eager to reclaim their place at the top.

Key Points to Watch in the Final

• Will DeBeer Play? DeBeer’s injury occurred when she landed awkwardly after a block attempt with teammate Phekran Kong. Despite her desire to return to the game, the pain prevented her from doing so. Her presence on the court is crucial, given her impressive record of 277 career kills in NCAA tournament games alone.
• How Much History Will Be Made? The fact that no woman has won the NCAA title as a head coach is surprising to many. The landscape is changing, with more women like Busboom Kelly and Schumacher-Cawley making significant strides. Both have won national championships as players, and Busboom Kelly also has a title as an assistant coach with Nebraska.
• How Electric Will It Be in Louisville? Playing in their hometown adds an extra layer of excitement for Louisville. The semifinal saw a record crowd of 21,726, and the energy is expected to be just as high for the final.
• Can Louisville Slow Down Mruzik and Jurevicius? Jess Mruzik and Caroline Jurevicius were instrumental in Penn State’s reverse sweep over Nebraska, with Mruzik achieving 26 kills and Jurevicius 20. Louisville’s defense will need to be at its best to contain this dynamic duo.
• How Might Things Be Different from These Teams’ First Meeting? In their previous encounter on September 3, Penn State dominated Louisville. However, both teams have evolved since then, and Sunday’s match is expected to be a closely contested battle.

As the championship match approaches, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. With history on the line and two formidable teams ready to compete, this is a match that promises to be unforgettable. Whether it’s the potential for a first-time female head coach champion or the chance for Louisville to secure the ACC’s first title, the stakes couldn’t be higher.