A big stage brings a big test.
For the second consecutive year, Texas A&M volleyball is headed to Lincoln, Nebraska, for the NCAA Sweet 16.
For the first time in program history, the No. 3 seed Aggies will appear in back-to-back regional semifinals when they face No. 2 seed Louisville on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. CT inside John Cook Arena. The match will be televised on ESPN2.
Last year’s trip to Lincoln ended in a five-set heartbreaker to Wisconsin.
The Aggies were the underdog then.
Now, they know exactly what they are capable of, and they’re ready to push even further.
The difference comes down to mindset.
“I think it’s just belief,” said Maddie Waak earlier this week. “Last year showed us what we can do. This year was a continuation of that, and we want more. We made it to the Sweet 16. We knew what it took, and we just want the next round and the rounds after that so bad.”
That mentality seems to have been set by the A&M head coach.
“Last year we felt like the underdog,” said Jamie Morrison. “This year, we feel like we belong.
“We’re accepting any challenge that comes our way, and the next one is Louisville."
Standing in their way is a program that has grown into a volleyball powerhouse.
Louisville was the national runner-up last year after losing to Penn State. The Cardinals are led by first-year head coach Dan Meske, who has led them to a 26-6 record. He was previously the assistant coach under Dani Busboom Kelly, who is now at Nebraska.
The Cardinals are led by Chloe Chicoine, who leads Louisville in kills per set with 3.25. She finished with 28 kills in last week’s five-set win against Marquette.
Behind her was Payton Petersen, with 19 kills. She is second in kills per set at 3.23.
The Cardinals’ strong block will challenge A&M’s offense, as they are second in the nation in blocks per set (3.1), while A&M is 32nd (2.55). Middles Cara Cresse and Hannah Sherman each average 1.45, ranking 17th and 18th nationally.
The Aggies feature a strong block of their own, as All-American Ifenna Cos-Okpalla ranks third in the nation for blocks per set (1.67). Behind her are Logan Lednicky (0.85) and Morgan Perkins (0.78).
Against a physical defense, a balanced attack, along with using the block to their advantage, will be crucial.
Waak controls the offense, leading the nation in assists per set and creating the best opportunities for her hitters.
A&M’s dynamic trio of Cos-Okpalla, Lednicky and Kyndal Stowers have been leaders all season. In their last match against TCU, Lednicky and Stowers each had double-doubles, as Lednicky had 21 kills and 12 digs, while Stowers racked up 19 kills and 13 digs. Cos-Okpalla had seven kills and four blocks.
That ability to lead on both offense and defense will continue to play an important role as they take on a tough Louisville team.
The Aggies have had a historic season, but they're not ready to be done just yet.
Last year, they fell short.
This time, they’re looking for redemption and a chance to prove they have what it takes to go all the way.
