As the regular season approaches, the Texas volleyball team is gearing up for one final showcase before embarking on their quest for a third consecutive national title. The Longhorns will be participating in their annual intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Gregory Gym on the University of Texas campus. This free event will give fans a chance to see the team in action and provide the players with an opportunity to impress before the season officially kicks off.
Star outside hitter Madisen Skinner, who was named volleyballmag.com’s player of the year, expressed excitement about the talent among the team’s eight new players. She emphasized the competitive nature within the squad, with every player vying for a spot on the court. Skinner’s leadership and experience will be crucial as the team looks to integrate new faces and maintain their winning mentality.
In last week’s scrimmage against UTSA, several newcomers showcased their potential to contribute to the team. Freshman middle blocker Ayden Ames, along with Reagan Rutherford and Whitney Lauenstein, demonstrated their skills and readiness to step up in key roles. Head coach Jerritt Elliott praised the new players‘ performances and highlighted the importance of building team chemistry and solidifying rotations during the upcoming scrimmage.
Elliott also emphasized the need to instill a winning mentality in the team, especially for those who may be new to the program’s championship culture. Winning back-to-back titles is no easy feat, and the Longhorns are determined to continue their success and make a run for a historic third consecutive championship. The scrimmage will serve as a platform to reinforce the team’s expectations and focus on the journey ahead.
Looking ahead to the start of the season, Texas faces a challenging double-header in Milwaukee against top-ranked opponents. The Longhorns will square off against No. 3 Wisconsin on September 1, followed by a match against No. 18 Minnesota on September 2. These early matchups will test the team’s readiness and provide a gauge of their potential against elite competition.
The Longhorns will return home to Gregory Gym for their season opener against Indiana on September 5, followed by their SEC home opener against South Carolina on October 2. The team is eager to showcase their skills in front of their home crowd and continue their pursuit of another championship season.
In summary, the upcoming intrasquad scrimmage presents a valuable opportunity for the Texas volleyball team to fine-tune their game, integrate new players, and set the tone for the season ahead. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the Longhorns are poised to make a strong push for a third straight national title. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive season as Texas looks to solidify its place among the elite programs in collegiate volleyball.