As regional play approaches, the anticipation builds around the upcoming matches, with experts weighing in on each team’s performance throughout the tournament. Michella Chester has conducted a re-ranking of the 16 teams that have advanced, providing insight into their standings ahead of the crucial regional action set to begin on Thursday.
At the top of the list is Nebraska, which has claimed the No. 1 seed. The Cornhuskers stand out as the only undefeated team in Division I, making them the clear favorites as they prepare for their next matchup.
Close behind are the Kentucky Wildcats, also a No. 1 seed. Despite suffering only two losses throughout the season, they demonstrated vulnerability by being the only top seed to lose a set in the first two rounds of the tournament. Their strong season performance keeps them firmly in the mix as contenders for the title.
The Texas Longhorns, another No. 1 seed, had a challenging second-round matchup against No. 8 Penn State. However, they managed to dominate with a sweeping victory, including an impressive performance that limited the Nittany Lions to just nine points in the second set.
Pittsburgh, the fourth-ranked team and also a No. 1 seed, faced a tighter battle against Michigan in the second round. Although the Panthers secured a sweep, both the first and second sets were tightly contested, winning by just two points. With Olivia Babcock, the reigning AVCA Player of the Year, powering their lineup, they remain a formidable force in this year’s tournament.
Rounding out the top five is Southern Methodist University, ranked fifth as a No. 2 seed. The Mustangs earned this newfound recognition after setting an NCAA tournament record with a remarkable .618 hitting percentage in their first-round game. With momentum on their side, they are considered a dark horse with potential to make waves in the upcoming rounds.
As the anticipation for regional competitions builds, teams will be looking to prove their mettle and secure a spot in the next phase of the championship.
