Volleyball game between the Texas Longhorns and South Carolina Gamecocks at Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Texas on November 16, 2025. (Photo: Texas Athletics)
The No. 4 Texas Volleyball team concluded its regular season schedule in Austin with a hard fought, dynamic 3-1 victory against South Carolina, securing the final win with set scores of 25-16, 25-21, 19-25, and 25-21. This excellent finish highlights a decade of defensive and offensive mastery under Head Coach Jerritt Elliott, as the program has now registered ten separate seasons with just two regular season losses. Following the thrilling match, the Longhorns took a moment to celebrate four outstanding seniors, Emma Halter, Kenna Miller, Whitney Lauenstein, and Devin Kahahawai, during an emotional ceremony at Gregory Gymnasium.
The offense was powered by another spectacular performance from outside hitter Torrey Stafford, who led the match with a massive 25 kills. This impressive output marked her tenth game this year hitting above the .400 mark (finishing at .408) and her seventh game with 20 or more kills, confirming her status as a prolific attacker. The team’s distribution was managed beautifully by setters Ella Swindle and Rella Binney, who teamed up for a combined total of 45 assists to keep the offense flowing seamlessly.
Defensively, the Longhorns put on a clinic at the net, totaling 11 blocks for the match. This marked their highest block total of the season in a four set match, fueled by four blocks apiece from sophomore Ayden Ames and freshman Taylor Harvey. The Texas defense was relentless, forcing the Gamecocks into 19 errors overall, as the Longhorns settled into a strong .300 hitting percentage for the win.
The match began with Texas immediately asserting control in Set One, using a decisive 4-0 run to cruise to a 25-16 victory. Stafford was efficient and commanding, logging six kills while hitting .400. Defensive specialist Ramsey Gary was sharp on the back line, tallying five digs, while Swindle added six assists. The Texas pressure held South Carolina to a paltry .097 hitting percentage, forcing six Gamecock errors. The Longhorns continued their defensive excellence in Set Two, taking the frame 25-21. The defense erected a wall at the net, contributing four critical blocks that limited South Carolina to a .154 attacking percentage and compelled them into eight errors.
The match took a brief turn in Set Three, which Texas dropped 19 25. Although the Longhorns attempted to rally with a late 5-0 run, they couldn't overcome the Gamecocks’ outstanding efficiency. Stafford remained the offensive engine, posting seven kills and hitting .385, with Swindle contributing eight assists. However, South Carolina had its most impressive hitting set of the night, connecting for a stunning .500 hitting percentage while committing only a single error across 28 swings.
Unfazed, the Longhorns closed the match with authority in Set Four, utilizing a final 4-0 run to secure the 25-21 win. The offense was red hot, recording a stellar .520 hitting percentage, complemented by another four block defensive stand. Stafford once again led the set with seven kills, and Emma Halter anchored the defense with four timely digs.
With the regular season successfully concluded, the Texas Volleyball team now turns its attention to the SEC Tournament. As the No. 3 seed, the Longhorns will travel to Savannah, Georgia, to begin their campaign on Sunday, November 23, at 6:00 p.m. CT. The match, which will be broadcast on SEC Network, will see Texas face Missouri and the winner of the LSU/Ole Miss match in the tournament bracket.
University of Texas Volleyball
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