No. 2 Texas volleyball fed off its impressive showing in Madison, Wisconsin, to get another road win, this time against the Rice Owls. With a bevy of burnt orange in the stands, the Longhorns showed out to improve their record to 3–0.
However, the match did not come without some early difficulties. Rice, who looked outmatched against No. 9 Texas A&M on Aug. 29, hoped to bounce back and make a statement against a top team. As a result, the Owls came out swinging, with senior outside hitter Taylor Preston setting the tone with eight kills in the first set. The Longhorns were unable to match the intensity and dropped their first set of the season 23-25.
With momentum on Rice’s side, Texas was forced to make adjustments and be more aggressive.
Junior outside hitter Torrey Stafford, a 2024 first-team All-American at Pittsburgh, recorded an extremely efficient second set and led the push to Texas’ 16 total kills in the second set. The height of 6-foot-4 senior outside hitter Devin Kahahawai played a factor toward the end of the set, as she recorded crucial kills and blocks. Combined with unforced errors from Rice, Texas cruised to even the match, winning the set 25-14.
Stafford’s hot streak continued into the third set, with six of the first seven Texas kills credited to her. Texas jumped out to an early 11-2 lead and then proceeded to spread the wealth when four other Texas players recorded kills to extend the lead to 22-7.
The net aggression seen from the Owls in the first set briefly returned, as Rice blocked several Texas attacks to go on a mini 5-0 run. But it was too little, too late. Texas eventually closed the set, 25-14.
In the fourth set, Rice stayed effective in blocking Texas’ attacks. The Longhorns were far less aggressive in the set overall, recording a match-low 11 kills. However, Rice also struggled offensively, recording a match-high 11 errors in the set. Texas remained in front throughout and closed it with a kill from sophomore middle blocker Ayden Ames to win 25-16.
Stafford was the star of the show with a dominant night, doubling her season-high with 24 kills and recording a .457 hitting percentage.
The Longhorns finally return home from their road trip for their first home match on Sept. 7. All eyes will be on Austin that afternoon, as Texas will take on No. 6 Stanford in a nationally televised game at the Moody Center.
