Texas Longhorns Volleyball Dominates Baylor in Three-Set Sweep

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns volleyball team continued its undefeated run with a three-set sweep of the No. 21 Baylor Bears on Friday night, improving their record to 8-0 this season.

Freshman Cari Spears led the Longhorns with a career-high 18 kills, while Torrey Stafford added 10 kills and six digs. Taylor Harvey contributed seven kills on ten attempts and made a strong defensive impact with four blocks.

The match took place at Gregory Gymnasium, where Baylor has struggled historically, holding a 4-95 record against Texas in all-time matchups. This defeat marked Baylor’s third loss of the season, dropping them to 6-3.

In the first set, Texas displayed high intensity with a quick 6-0 scoring run, showcasing their offensive prowess. Spearheading the effort, Spears’s attacking approach kept Baylor on the defensive, forcing them to call a timeout as Texas consistently expanded their lead.

“It’s a luxury to have a quiet night from a star like Torrey Stafford and still control the game,” Texas coach Jerritt Elliott noted after the match. “Our serving and passing have really set the tone this season.”

The Longhorns’ hitting percentage reached .435, illustrating their efficiency and depth in attack. Setter Ella Swindle’s 31 assists played a crucial role in facilitating the offensive flow.

Baylor tried to counter with its own offensive strategies, but inconsistencies plagued their performance. Manuela Bibinbe was the standout for the Bears with four kills, but it wasn’t enough to dent Texas’s dominance.

As they prepare for their upcoming SEC play, the Longhorns seem poised to maintain their competitive edge, especially with the upcoming challenges on their schedule. The crowd’s energy and support were palpable, giving the team an extra boost as they look forward to continuing this successful streak.