"Arguably the most dynamic player in the college game, the 6-foot-4 Babcock averages 5.9 points per set and 5.1 kills per set for a team that is looking to return to the final four for the fifth straight time. The ACC Player of the Year had more than 40 kills in two matches this season from her opposite hitter position."
"The 6-foot-3 Swindle led Texas to the national title in 2023 but then played a backup role a year ago when Texas fell to Creighton in the regional semifinals. This year, she has 898 assists -- mostly to hitters she had never played with before the season. Texas' top three hitters are Pitt transfer Torrey Stafford (488 kills) and freshmen Cari Spears (338 kills)."
The NCAA volleyball tournament has reached the final 16 with major questions about Nebraska's potential undefeated run, Pitt's bid for a fifth straight Final Four, Kentucky's return since 2020, and Texas' youth readiness. Ten (11) players have been identified as pivotal to how those questions will be answered. Olivia Babcock is a 6-foot-4 opposite who averages 5.9 points and 5.1 kills per set, earned ACC Player of the Year and 2024 AVCA Player of the Year honors, and produced multiple 40-plus kill matches. Ella Swindle is a 6-foot-3 junior setter with 898 assists this season, reconnecting a largely new offense that is hitting .316.
Read at ESPN.com
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