The 2024 NCAA DI women’s volleyball regionals are here, with 16 teams battling for spots in the national semifinals. Let’s break down each regional semifinal matchup, drawing from NCAA Digital's Michaela Chester and her insights and additional notes.
Pittsburgh Regional
Pitt vs. Oregon
Top-seeded Pittsburgh faces Oregon in what promises to be an exciting rematch. The two teams opened their 2024 seasons against each other, with Pitt sweeping Oregon in Eugene. While Pitt has remained dominant throughout the season, dropping only 12 sets in 32 matches, Oregon has shown significant improvement, overcoming early roster turnover and injuries. The Ducks swept High Point and defeated No. 20 TCU to reach their third consecutive Sweet 16. Pitt’s Olivia Babcock, the AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year, leads the offense with 461 kills, while Rachel Fairbanks averages 10.56 assists per set, posting a nation-best .336 team-hitting percentage. Onye Ofoegbu’s presence in the middle with 1.35 blocks per set will be key in countering Pitt’s offensive firepower. Oregon also boasts one of the best blocking units nationally, averaging 2.89 blocks per set, compared to Pitt’s 2.93.
Kentucky vs. Missouri
Kentucky and Missouri clash in the other semifinal. Kentucky enters with momentum after a tough non-conference slate, buoyed by the return of Erin Lamb and the stellar play of Brooklyn DeLeye, who earned SEC Player of the Year honors. The Wildcats are on a 13-match win streak, having dropped only four sets during that span. Kentucky’s dominance was evident in the first two rounds, where they swept Cleveland State and defeated Minnesota in four sets. Missouri, ranked No. 25 in the nation, advanced to its first Sweet 16 since 2017 by beating Texas State and upsetting SMU. Mychael Vernon, the SEC Newcomer of the Year, leads the Tigers with 493 kills, while Jordan Iliff has been a force on the right side with 66 aces, a single-season program record. The Tigers rank fifth nationally in kills per set (14.53) and will look to avenge their two regular-season losses to Kentucky.
Louisville Regional
Louisville vs. Purdue
Louisville and Purdue meet in an exciting Big Ten-ACC showdown. The Cardinals, seeded No. 4 nationally, survived a grueling five-set match against Northern Iowa after sweeping Chicago State in the opening round. Middle blocker Cara Cresse set a tournament-high with 14 blocks against UNI, while outside hitters Anna DeBeer and Charitie Luper each recorded double-doubles. Libero Elena Scott, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, added a season-high 26 digs in the win. Louisville leads the nation in blocks per set (3.11) and ranks fourth in opponent hitting percentage (.139).
Purdue enters the matchup fresh off two dominant sweeps over Western Michigan and Loyola Chicago. The Boilermakers, led by AVCA Midwest Region Player of the Year Eva Hudson, boast a strong defensive presence, ranking ninth nationally in blocks per set (2.81). Hudson, who averages 4.27 kills per set, is supported by senior middle blocker Raven Colvin, who is third in the NCAA in blocks per set (1.58). Purdue’s Big Ten experience has prepared them well for high-stakes matches, and they’ll look to carry their five-match win streak into Freedom Hall.
Stanford vs. Florida
Florida and Stanford square off in a battle of powerhouse programs. The Gators, ranked No. 22 nationally, advanced by sweeping NC State and edging Kansas in a five-set thriller. Florida’s Kennedy Martin has been a standout, ranking third nationally in kills per set (6.38) and points per set (7.19) during the tournament’s opening weekend. Libero Elli McKissock anchors the defense with 4.14 digs per set. Stanford, seeded No. 2 in the Louisville quadrant, has been equally impressive, sweeping Sacramento State and LMU while hitting a nation-leading .467 in the first two rounds. Setter Kami Miner, the AVCA Pacific Region Player of the Year, orchestrates a high-powered offense featuring Elia Rubin, who averages 3.94 kills per set. Middle blocker Sami Francis, fourth nationally in blocks per set (1.56), anchors the defense. Stanford’s storied history includes nine NCAA titles and 23 national semifinal appearances, making them a formidable opponent for Florida.
BRACKET: See the full DI women's volleyball championship bracket
Nebraska Regional
Wisconsin vs. Texas A&M
Wisconsin and Texas A&M face off in a rematch from earlier this season when the Badgers swept the Aggies in straight sets. Wisconsin, the No. 2 seed in the region, advanced by defeating Fairfield in straight sets and rallying past Georgia Tech in the second round. Sarah Franklin, the AVCA North Region Player of the Year, has been a force all season, recording double-digit kills in 29 of 31 matches. She’s supported by a strong front line featuring Carter Booth and Anna Smrek, both of whom earned All-Region honors.
Texas A&M is in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019 and is riding high after taking down Colorado State and upsetting Arizona State. Logan Lednicky leads the Aggies with a .500 hitting percentage in the tournament, showcasing her elite efficiency. The Aggies have grown significantly since their early-season loss to Wisconsin and are peaking at the right time under head coach Jamie Morrison.
Nebraska vs. Dayton
Nebraska takes on Dayton in a matchup of experience versus underdog grit. The Huskers, making their 40th NCAA Regional appearance, swept Florida A&M and Miami (Fla.) in the opening rounds while holding opponents to a .010 hitting percentage. Harper Murray leads the attack with 3.29 kills per set, supported by Bergen Reilly’s 11.10 assists per set. Lexi Rodriguez, the Big Ten Libero of the Year, anchors the defense with 3.81 digs per set and is closing in on Nebraska’s career digs record.
Dayton, in its first-ever Sweet 16, upset Baylor in five sets to advance. Lexie Almodovar, a two-time Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, leads the Flyers with 5.02 kills per set and had a career-high 34 kills in the second round. Setter Alyssa Miller facilitates the attack with 10.79 assists per set, while Dayton’s defense ranks fifth nationally in opponent hitting percentage (.140). The Huskers’ experience and home-court advantage, bolstered by a 43-match home win streak, will challenge Dayton’s Cinderella run.
Penn State Regional
Creighton vs. Texas
Creighton and Texas square off in a highly anticipated matchup. Texas, back in a 5-1 rotation, has Maddie Skinner in top form as she chases her fourth national title. Creighton’s Kendra Waite, with 17 kills as a setter in the early rounds, leads a balanced team ready for the challenge. Texas has won eight straight matches, showcasing a .349 hitting percentage during this streak, while Creighton is riding a 24-match win streak and ranks second nationally in hitting percentage at .332. This showdown promises high-level volleyball from two offensive powerhouses.
Penn State vs. Marquette
Penn State meets Marquette in the other semifinal. The Nittany Lions’ Izzy Starck, a standout freshman setter, has been key to their success. Marquette’s Yadhira Anchante has been a defensive force, recording 41 digs in the first two rounds. Penn State remains unbeaten at home in 2024, while Marquette advanced by defeating Utah in five sets. This matchup promises grit and intensity as both teams aim to advance to the regional final.
