Volleyball game between the Texas Longhorns and Stanford Cardinals at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on September 7, 2025. (Photo: UT Athletics)
In a monumental clash of collegiate volleyball titans, the No. 2 Texas Longhorns fought tooth and nail to secure a dramatic five-set victory over the No. 6 Stanford Cardinal. The epic showdown unfolded before a record-shattering crowd of 10,899 fans at the Moody Center, a new single-match attendance record for the state of Texas. With this thrilling win, the Longhorns improved their season record to a perfect 4-0, their best start since their National Championship-winning season in 2022.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum, with each team delivering powerful blows. Texas came out of the gate with purpose, seizing a decisive 25-15 victory in the first set. Freshman sensation Cari Spears was on fire, leading the charge with five kills and a blistering .571 hitting percentage. The Longhorns' defense held Stanford to a mere .147 attack percentage, showcasing their dominance at the net. Spears, who would finish the match with a career-high 14 kills, set a ferocious tone for her team.
Texas continued its impressive run in the second set, prevailing in a tight 25-23 battle. Spears was once again a key factor, adding five more kills, while Ella Swindle's 10 assists kept the offense humming. Despite Stanford's best efforts, the Longhorns' attack proved superior, as they outmaneuvered the Cardinal defense to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
However, the Cardinal would not be easily defeated. In a display of grit, Stanford rallied in the third set, spreading their offense across five different attackers to win 25-21. This momentum carried over into the fourth set, where they completely dominated, holding Texas to just six kills en route to a 25-13 victory. The Cardinal's impressive 12-1 run, fueled by the powerful plays of Erika Sayer and Elia Rubin, evened the match at two sets apiece, pushing the contest into a decisive fifth.
With everything on the line, the final set was a display of pure adrenaline. Junior Torrey Stafford took control, delivering five crucial kills and single-handedly helping Texas fend off three match points. The record-breaking crowd, sensing the high stakes, roared to life, fueling a 6-0 Longhorn scoring run. The deafening cheers from the stands culminated in a final attack error by Stanford, sealing the victory for Texas and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The Longhorns will now turn their attention to a new challenge as they travel to Fort Worth to face off against No. 3 Louisville in the highly anticipated Showdown at the Net Classic.
University of Texas Volleyball
web | facebook | x | instagram
