Texas A&M Advances to First Volleyball Final After Sweeping Pitt

Texas A&M’s women’s volleyball team put on an electrifying show, sweeping Pittsburgh in the NCAA semifinal and punching their first-ever ticket to the national championship game. Kyndal Stowers and Logan Lednicky stood out, combining for 34 points to carry the Aggies to victory.

Meanwhile, Kentucky survived a wild five-set battle against Wisconsin, setting up a final that fans have been buzzing about—Texas A&M versus Kentucky. Let’s dig into the key moments and players that shaped these semifinals and set the scene for what’s sure to be an unforgettable championship.

Texas A&M’s Historic Victory Over Pittsburgh

On Thursday, Texas A&M swept Pittsburgh in the NCAA semifinal with set scores of 29-27, 25-21, and 25-20. This win locked in their first trip to the national championship game and marked a new high for the program, as they’d never advanced beyond the final eight before.

Key Players and Performances

Kyndal Stowers and Logan Lednicky really drove Texas A&M’s win. Stowers led with 18 points and 16 kills, hitting at an impressive 53% kill rate.

Lednicky wasn’t far behind, adding 16 points and 14 kills with a 45% kill rate. That match also marked her 22nd straight game with double-digit kills—pretty wild consistency.

• Kyndal Stowers: 18 points, 16 kills, 53% kill rate
• Logan Lednicky: 16 points, 14 kills, 45% kill rate
• Maddie Waak: 47 assists

Maddie Waak kept the offense humming, dishing out 47 assists and keeping the Aggies’ attack unpredictable.

Overcoming Top Seeds

Texas A&M’s path to the final was anything but easy. They knocked out two top-seeded teams—previously undefeated Nebraska and No. 2 Louisville—before taking on Pittsburgh.

That string of upsets says a lot about their grit and hunger to make history.

Pittsburgh’s Valiant Effort

Pittsburgh didn’t go down quietly. Olivia Babcock, a finalist for the American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Year, led the way with 25 points and 22 kills, hitting at 54%.

Still, no other Panthers player hit double digits in points, which really hurt their chances to keep up.

• Olivia Babcock: 25 points, 22 kills, 54% kill rate
• Brooke Mosher: 31 assists

Brooke Mosher chipped in with 31 assists, but Pittsburgh just couldn’t match A&M’s firepower. The Aggies handed them their first sweep loss of the season.

Kentucky’s Thrilling Win Over Wisconsin

In the late semifinal, Kentucky clawed out a five-set win over Wisconsin, with set scores of 12-25, 25-22, 21-25, 26-24, and 15-13. That win stretched Kentucky’s streak to 27 matches and put them in the championship game.

Standout Performances

Eva Hudson stole the show for Kentucky, racking up 31 points and 29 kills—including the final one that clinched it. Her performance was the spark the Wildcats needed, especially after dropping the first and third sets.

• Eva Hudson: 31 points, 29 kills, 53% kill rate
• Brooklyn Delaye: 18 points, 5 blocks
• Kassie O’Brien: 54 assists
• Molly Tuozzo: 17 digs

Brooklyn Delaye added 18 points and led the team with five blocks. Kassie O’Brien and Molly Tuozzo kept things steady with 54 assists and 17 digs.

Wisconsin’s Strong Start

Wisconsin came out swinging, dominating the first set with a 68% hitting rate. Mimi Colyer, another AVCA National Player of the Year finalist, led the Badgers with 32 kills and a 46% kill rate.

Carter Booth chipped in with 21 kills on a scorching 70% kill rate and stacked up six blocks.

• Mimi Colyer: 32 kills, 46% kill rate
• Carter Booth: 21 kills, 70% kill rate, 6 blocks
• Charlie Fuerbringer: 63 assists
• Grace Egan: 15 digs

But Wisconsin couldn’t keep that early momentum, and Kentucky edged them out in a tense finish.

Looking Ahead to the Championship

The national championship game is set—Texas A&M against Kentucky. Both squads have shown serious skill and heart to get here, and honestly, it could go either way.

Texas A&M’s Keys to Victory

For Texas A&M, keeping their offense sharp and riding the hot hands of Stowers and Lednicky will be huge. Their ability to knock off top-seeded teams so far? That’s got to give them confidence heading into this final against a tough Kentucky side.