Texas vs. Wisconsin: 2023 NCAA volleyball semifinals | FULL REPLAY

[Applause] two physical dominating teams going head to head here in Tampa the crowd did not leave the volleyball is too good a packed amily [Applause] Arena Kelly Sheffield talked about it all four teams that made it to Tampa capable of winning in different ways it makes them so dangerous including these two of course well Wisconsin is the second best offensive team in the country and the first best blocking team so much balance Kelly sheeld is fifth National semi-final in the last 11 Seasons Jared Elliott his 23rd year leading the Texas Longhorns his 11th appearance in the semi-final he has two national championships at Texas and it starts with a service error point for the Longhorns worth noting when you watch Wisconsin play they're in a 62 offensive system you're going to see two setter set out of the back row they will have three options in the front row at all times for Texas in a 5-1 with a true freshman Setter Ellis Windle and it's taken Texas a while to get in that good rhythm with Ellis Swindle but I'd say they and Sarah Franklin tooling the block of a O'Neal and it's going to be interesting to see where Texas attacks and serve reive they've got true two true libros in the back court for [Applause] Wisconsin Ellis Swindle backside to Molly Phillips and Phillips will terminate in the opposite and if you saw Molly Phillips at the beginning of the Season she and Ellis Swindle were really struggling to connect she was hitting 130 and now she's up in the 400s they really found a rhythm Jared Elliot said we tried to go too fast too early and so they had to work on that kind of tempo to that back set and they have certainly found it as you saw there it's important too because they'll run Asia O'Neal on the slide behind the cter that's such a key part of their offense and that connection has gotten stronger free ball back to Texas but it's coming right back [Applause] there's the slide to Asia O'Neal and it's dug up by MJ Hamill Sarah Franklin readjusting IM M halter steps into bump set Maddie Skinner to the back corner out is this some set Emma halter does a nice job getting that ball high so Matty Skinner can go deep corner crosscourt right between two Defenders excellent placement by mty Skinner Madison Skinner won a national championship in the 2020 Co season season with Kentucky with her sister transferred to Texas and won a title last year wouldn't a third be nice service eror for the [Applause] Longhorns for Wisconsin you talk about a hot start started the season 18-0 that is a School record they have 30 wins for the eighth time the second time in the last three seasons and they went 17 and0 at home don't mess with the [Applause] Fieldhouse tole to Skinner going for the tip it dances across the net tape dein Robinson right side Ashburn will go with Franklin Now dug up by Skinner she'll get the [Applause] swing Skinner again off the block and out Point Longhorns Devin Robinson looking at our head coach asking possibly for a challenge and Kelly Sheffield is going to challenge this and immediately after the block dein Robinson thought that the ball grazed Matty Skinner on the way [Applause] [Music] down each team gets two challenges if you're correct in your challenge you get to keep it I do not see a touch there it goes off of Devin Robinson and then yeah I don't know I don't see it touching Matty [Applause] Skinner no she actually does a nice job of ducking her way out of [Applause] it so they're still taking a look at this the original call was no touch and then it was a point for Texas and another early challenge here we saw this in the first match too and you see matd skner explaining it to Emma halter I didn't touch that yeah so we have a [Music] decision call is confirmed so Wisconsin down to one challenge unless we go to a fifth set they'll get an additional challenge Wisconsin running a stack on the left side of the Court Devin Robinson number 10 in white most likely going to run all the way across the court to get to that right side and the sales long for MD Skinner talking about Skinner how much do you think confidence has to do with her performance especially in this postseason everything she's been able to step up lead her team and and really Embrace that role a role that she wasn't that comfortable with because she lacked that confidence you're filling a huge role right Logan Egleston who was a longtime captain and leader for Texas graduating last year leading them to a national championship and then you have to fill her shoes so a touch on it's a point for J Wiis in Texas I think Jared Elliot said it best you don't have to be Logan Egon just be you you is good enough and you know she wanted a second chance she transferred from Kentucky came to Texas and said she needed to refind her love for the game and she said immediately being with this group being with this coaching staff she was able to find it again wow so Kelly Sheffield is going to use his second challenge there was a touch called on this they can also look to see in out on this at First Look I did not see a touch not sure if that got Carter booth on the pointer finger but the ball was definitely long the ball's definitely out now you see it hitting all parts of the blue if it grabbed any piece of that line it would be in but it does not look that way and then we look for the touch and I don't think Carter Booth touched it I think you can see a space between her index finger on that inside hand and the ball there the original call was that there was a touch and the point was given to Texas looking for any finger movement [Music] here so no touch the call is reversed and Wisconsin will get to keep their challenge they have one remaining unless we go to a fifth wow kind of like in our first semifinal we saw John Cook use two challenges early in the first set I mean we haven't even reached 10 points [Applause] [Music] [Applause] yet Sarah Franklin suring winess takes it Ellis Swindle going that scin her out of the back row and this is something you're going to see all evening long great set by Swindle to go on the up back row big set to MADD Skinner nobody's home she's got the whole Court to work with she is so lethal from the back row you can't lose sight of her no matter where she is on the court Carter boo turns it and drops it in but going back to Madison Skinner out of the back row 27% of ins system swings come from the back row she hits 314 out of the back row that's a huge number and if you saw on that last play Jared ellot is actually going to challenge this last play we're trying to set a record for most challenges before 10 points you get into a great rhythm with all the stoppage but let's go back to the back row attack Carter Booth was cheating out to the pin and that opened up the middle for Matty Skinner and the fact that Matty Skinner is in the back for put so much pressure on the middle Blocker of the opposing team and then the rate that she hits out of the back row is impressive that's something that has come on as Emma as Ella Swindle has gotten more comfortable running the show for Texas the original call was ball in Point Wisconsin well it looked like Carter Booth bounced this ball cross body but oo oo that look looks like it was wide if it grabs any piece of the line it's in in O this could be a great look wow might have got a sliver yeah are we seeing enough to overturn it that's the question just wonder if there's a gap between that line and ball there from that angle call is reversed ball was out Point [Applause] Texas so we've had three challenges in this match two calls have been overturned [Applause] already Texas with two challenges remaining Wisconsin with one unless we go to a fifth Robinson that was in Devin Robinson on the right side she is one of the two opposites for this Wisconsin team and she is dangerous offensively down that line Julia Orel who has moved from outside hitter to libero this year for Wisconsin gets Texas out of system Izzy Ashburn going back to Robinson she's blocked Jenna wnis she could be an ex factor for Texas I agree such a great inside swing thumb down wrist away swing to go angle to angle in zone four heck of a swing from wnis if she gets going look out I think that's the key for this Texas team winess has been up and down when it comes to her efficiency but she was great in Stamford Timmy Thomas Alara Bella bergmark the attacking eror into the net Point Wisconsin Texas wants to use Bella Berg Mark out of the middle surprise Wisconsin a little bit but that set too low for bmar so Wisconsin makes its double Sub in MJ Hamill the new Setter comes in she checks in along with Anna schre those two stay paired up in the 6-2 offense that looked a lot better what a swing and great isolation in the middle one onone that's a smart way to attack Wisconsin because when they're two together and they are a wall hard to get [Applause] by Carissa Barnes the trans from Texas A&M Corpus Christie Timmy Thomas Aura it's long not touched here goes texus little bit of a miscommunication and out of system for Wisconsin Sarah Franklin thought about attacking that ball from the back court luckily no collision between the two outside hitters but service pressure right now the key for [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Texas Thomas isara and a smre saw it coming over the net she was the MVP two years ago when they won it all Matty skanner can't fight this one to keep it on her own side shre makes you [Music] pay and a 69 out of Ontario the tallest in Wisconsin history Ace buj G toen out of turkey I love the passion in the celebration and she is an international Libro and she just learned to serve last year because International libros do not serve the ball she's doing pretty well she's their best secondary Setter too great platform and a SM is blocked SM again off of Skinner here she goes setting up Sarah Franklin that's what we're talking talking about GG with the bump set to Franklin guen with a really nice set here she gives Sarah Franklin a lot of room to work with look at this she goes over top of the block Sarah Franklin over top of two massive blockers for Texas for the kill and Sarah Franklin loves that sharp angle and Kelly Sheffield was looking for that match up Franklin against [Applause] bergart mat Skinner will respond she's up to four [Music] [Applause] kills so MJ Hamill who's the floor Captain she's the only one on the floor that can approach the up official talking to Michelle Prader who is our R1 today [Applause] Franklin duck up by halter Molly [Applause] Phillips Emma halter the new libero for Texas filling Zoe Flex spot keeps it alive and then Molly Phillips from the right side with the kill in transition gin with a nice pass they go to the Middle with Crawford and the kill out of the middle for cc Crawford nice job by Crawford getting on a low set going wrist away for a nice kill Wisconsin has so many weapons and that's one of the benefits of the 62 yeah Kelly Sheffield talking to him about this system he said there's no right or wrong system it's how you leverage your talent and for Wisconsin running the 62 is the best option to use all of their weapons your personnel has to dictate the system that you're in and they've got too many weapons too many arms as Sarah Franklin gets a kill to not have him on the court you also have two Setters that have bought into that they do they're they're working as a team one comes off one comes on the court and they give each other feedback they have decided to make this a collaborative setting team for Wisconsin KY shefield said last year it was a bit of an adventure when it came to the set cuz they' set two very different balls but now they're much more similar and that helps the hit [Applause] and a SMP On The Run both sides having to hustle but Texas is going to get that point well that whole rally started with a huge stuff on Matty Skinner but Texas able to cover it and keep it alive and now watch AIA O'Neal and Molly Phillips go to work swatting that ball down Wisconsin can't run it [Applause] down takas up by one in a close first set [Music] [Applause] frin with the pass and the swing goes angle that wrist away Ball by Sarah Franklin her signature kills sharp Texas knows it's coming and they still can't dig it when you think back to May of this year Sarah Franklin they discovered a blood clot in her arm wasn't sure she would play volleyball again and here she is having a first team All In American season in the [Applause] [Music] [Applause] semi-finals it's coming back over h wnis Ashburn goes with Franklin Asia O'Neal on the slide and a net violation on Wisconsin Sarah Franklin arguing with the Down official and she said it's your jersey that touched the net there Jersey is a net violation hair is not and Holly you can tell that Texas is really trying to test Sarah Franklin as a passer and servac here well you want to load her up with responsibility she is the only player on the floor all the time for Wisconsin gin will take that pass and the set was too tight that's all that Franklin could do with it Ella sendle a sneaky freshman Texas the first to 15 and that's the benefit of a 5-1 you get a front row Setter who can go live and she can dump Texas with a three-point lead here in set one another gear she writes on one hand and Faith over fear on the other I just think her time at Texas has empowered her she says my life has transformed every single area of my life has been impacted positively and that's because of the people that I'm around in Texas including her grades in the classroom that's impressive Jared Elliot told us that watching her emotional development has been so much fun she has grown into the person we know now into the player we see now on the floor like that five kills hitting over 500 Matty Skinner the most dangerous attacker out of the back row this time Carter boo stays home forcing the cross body but Maddy Skinner still finds a way [Applause] one-on-one Carter booth in the middle Asia O'Neal stops that between Asia O'Neal and MADD Skinner they are leading in this young Texas team and they've done an amazing job a 6 to1 run for Texas they are up 1712 here in set [Applause] one and I think it comes down to the pressure they've put on Wisconsin from the service line I agree and and their block is working they know what they want to do defensively and I also feel like they've come out and they're playing like they have nothing to lose they are the underdog everybody thinks Wisconsin's getting to that final game Madison Madison Skinner leading Texas right now she's won two national championships one at Kentucky one at Texas has Olympic dreams on the mind and keep in mind she was late to volleyball she was a dancer and then played opposite at Kentucky now moved over to Texas playing on the outside playing six rotations and stepping into that LE leadership role too that's a lot she said her role for every National Championship has been different right she was a freshman that was an old veteran team she just wanted to do her part and play as well as she could then she came to Texas she was in and out three rotations and six rotations they were trying to find her role she was able to get it done certainly that was a phenomenal Championship run we saw a year ago in Omaha and now she's leading this team here and they're off to a great start in set one thanks in part because of her Dynamic play yeah look at her numbers right now five kills no errors she's said a you know 625 in a bunch out of the back row but she finds different ways to score obviously the opponent knows that she's going to get the ball and they still have a hard time stopping number six five straight points for the Longhorns Service Long out of the timeout nice job by Sarah Franklin tracking that ball back to the line to follow it out and now she'll get the chance to serve [Applause] Wisconsin as they play catch up here that's once you want out of the timeout though right you get your team your opponent to have a service eror get the momentum back on your side alter lays out in comes wnis tooling the block and hits the block then the antenna so it's out and that's her third kill she's come out really aggressive managing her swings well against the big block of Wisconsin Jenna winess the transfer from [Applause] Minnesota service a second in a row for Texas this one from Asia [Applause] O'Neal Texas front row Setter Matty Skinner available out of the back row they try to serve it skanner halter will take it instead Wiis with the tip Orel to Timmy Thomas [Applause] isara wnis yes how about Jenna wnis she is feeling it and you talked about it earlier I think she's The X Factor for this Texas team if she can have a big match she comes up with a dig and then look at the swing down the line perfect location deep into the court Jared Elliott said she gained a lot of confidence from the way that she played at Stanford against Stanford he said that was a really rewarding match she had a little bit of sass to her and she's picked up right where she's left off and he and he says he hasn't seen that sass All Season till now well she was hitting 111 in the tournament and right now she's hitting 429 in this match as Devin Robinson terminates and that shot there from Devin Robinson not necessarily about power just about placement between two Defenders really nice spot great job dropping that ball in so Robinson rotates out MJ Hamill into set an A smrek in to play the right [Applause] side birar get the middle Hamill using Sarah Franklin out of the back row Halter's got a hustle to get there free ball back to Wisconsin Orel to smre and a smre we talk about the weapons for Wisconsin Anna smre at 6'9 one of the two right side players for Wisconsin watch her get her feet to this ball and just go OT over the top of the block for Wisconsin [Music] Anna SM told us it's so fun to be here and watch my teammates that have not been here before experien it for the first time but it's a business trip for her Jenna W it's another kill four to start for Texas that is huge for her to get those numbers early in this match it because quite frankly she's been a very streaky outside hitter for Texas the entirety of the Season tonight all consistency and Jared Elliott told us she has been getting extra reps All Season she's been working so hard to be more consistent Skinner is blocked and that time Anna smre number 14 in white stayed in the middle to block that ball CCE number nine who usually lines up as a middle Blocker in the left hand of SM gets that ball I love that it's a chess match right so if you're Matty Skinner you're expecting a smaller blocker inside in CC Crawford by switching it you're not expecting to see that big wall and that's a big wall at 69 yes it is gu to Ken laying out for the Dig R shot from Skinner Hamill backside to smre Skinner readjusting s Sarah Franklin to the donut I love that offensive decision by Sarah Franklin Texas on the perimeter playing defense in that middle of the court that donut is open and she throws it down and Texas is going to take a time out Wisconsin down just two now in the opening set 17 and0 at home in the regular season over the first time in school history and Sarah Franklin was named the Big 10 player of the year and now an ABCA first team allamerican once again Wisconsin last five NCAA tournaments they won it all their very first title back in 2021 in last year just two points to get to that National semi-final they lost and they remember that definitely motivation here they are down two in the opening set against Texas the defending champs Skinner oh smre if you're Kelly Sheffield you like this match up Anna smre your biggest blocker oneon-one with the best hitter for Texas and look at how big Anna SM is that is terrifying at 6'9 if you're Ellis wendle you've got to be able to push the ball all the way to the antenna so Matty Skinner can swing both ways mly Phillips going angle but wide and a five to one run for Wisconsin we're tied at 20 well head coach Jared Elliot talked about giving her a little bit of room to cut back down the line but SMR takes up a lot of Bas defensively for Wisconsin service error for gaken a race to 25 points some teams call this the Red Zone once you hit 20 points and a O'Neal in the front row for Texas once you hit 20 points you got to play clean volleyball yes here's em a [Applause] halter H with the BMP set to [Applause] Franklin Skinner tips away from [Applause] schrek looking to go down the line does not get a TCH Wisconsin ties it and the defense of Wisconsin has been the difference are putting pressure on Texas and it starts with Hamill sliding under this ball they keep it alive taking that tip away from Skinner what a great look at that play from our crew great pass from halter you can go to Asia [Applause] O'Neal a sixthe player for [Applause] Texas this is the rotation for Wisconsin Carter booth and Anna in the front row with Sarah Franklin that's a terrifying block defensively when those two block they're holding their opponent to negative [Music] [Applause] yikes all right Ella Swindle a couple of times she's gotten aggressive okay so you got Wisconsin in a 62 so they have weapons all across the net but the beauty of a 51 Setter is when you've got the aggressiveness to be able to go up and throw down yourself I love that from Ellis Swindle a true freshman he's got some guts here keeping this Wisconsin block honest Ella Swindle we talk about her coming in and being the starting Setter from day one but she also has had to change how she's setting these Texas hitters yeah she hasn't been 100% healthy and has had to actually change the way she sets the ball she usually jump sets every ball like most of us Setters do and she's had to manage that and she stays on the ground which changes the tempo and the Rhythm but it's also helped the location of her back sets with which in turn has helped Molly Phillips offensive numbers go way up sometimes when you jump set you can cheat a little bit because you're running through the ball so you don't always get your feet underneath the ball but when you're jump setting it helps the location well now that she no longer can jump set because of the lower body injury that she's been dealing with they've kept her on the ground it's forced her to have to fight to get her feet underneath the ball and so her back sets have gotten a lot better and her middle connections have actually gotten a lot better but she said it's a really hard transition going from jump setting to then staying on the floor it's not it doesn't feel as natural this time last year guys Ellis Swindle was in high school and she came to Omaha Nebraska to cheer on her future team and watch them win a National Championship wow how things change in a year here she is in the semi-finals setting them back on the stage she said she looked up as a kid high schooler to a player like AE O'Neal she said what it would be like to set somebody like that and now she's actually doing it said it's been a dream come true yeah Asia O'Neal in her sixth season deciding to come back those two have gotten the team [Applause] up gin laying everything on the line Sarah Franklin drops it in she's got six kills the first Contact for Wisconsin gu toen number 21 and white puts it right in her Center MJ Ham's hands and then Sarah Franklin going to that corner we've seen all the offensive tools from Sarah Franklin already Izzy ashern the career Aces leader at Wisconsin [Music] [Applause] serving Swindle to Skinner dug up by Orel Set Point Texas Texas doing a good job passing that ball stain in system Skinner able to [Applause] score Skinner serving at Franklin Devin Robinson off of one foot what a swing Wiis saved by Orel s one to Texas how about that Texas coming out hot they hit 282 in the first set held Wisconsin to 206 this is only the fourth time that Wisconsin has dropped the first set all season Texas the so-called Underdog the defending national champions take set one 2522 we saw towards the end of that set Wisconsin started to grab the momentum but Texas didn't let them didn't let it go all the way no I thought Wisconsin looked like they had momentum that they could finish that first set but Texas fought back and made some plays I think that was just a taste we're going to have one heck of a volleyball match these two as they make adjustments what changes here in set two [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] so Carissa Barnes will step back and serve the winner of this match moving on to our national championship on Sunday to play Nebraska Franklin dug by halter Skinner blocked oh and then smre with a throw [Applause] down Jered Elliott arguing with the Down official I think that smre cross the plane to the net and was over she slam dunked that ball she did that was [Applause] awesome referee saying that ball was on top of the net might have been Ace for [Applause] Wisconsin Wisconsin is really focused on picking up the pressure from the service line they have strategies on where they want to attack the passer and that sets up their [Applause] block Mars will take it Skinner looking to swipe it off the block does not get the touch and Wisconsin out to a three nothing lead to your point Holly a lot of times people try to run away from Anna schme because she is such a big block but the serve Forces teams out of system and they only have one place to go bird Mark in the middle [Applause] and a net violation on Wisconsin that will be the first point in this set for Texas we're seeing some Elite blockers on both s side of the net Bellow bergmark for Texas Carter Booth battling there net violation on Wisconsin John Cook looking on scouting his next opponent Skinner adjusting going down the Lan Hamill cleans it [Applause] up Barnes laying out Skinner off of spr's hand it's a block for Wisconsin and these are the challenges of playing against someone like Anna smre I mean mdty Skinner's trying to manage her offense that time trying to go outside of the hand and smre too good turns it [Applause] in [Applause] [Applause] Robinson she'll take it out of the block I he Ashburn back to Franklin but an attacking error Point Texas Miss time there by Wisconsin Izzy Ashman was on the run she tossed that ball really high s Franklin had already started her Approach at that point a little bit uncharacteristic from Wisconsin's offense Kaya aana had an ace on National Championship point last year onehanded set a little too low for Carter boo in Carter Booth is 6' s you have to get that ball up high enough she's got a high contact point you want to lift that ball so she can use her length to kill that ball but when it's not there tip your way out of it recycle the ball and know that your defense can get you another [Applause] chance Franklin coming in aana will take it with her hands and mty Skinner is rejected by dein Robinson and Carter Boo this is by far the biggest block that Matty Skinner will face it'll be interesting to see she's gotten blocked a couple times here early in set two great job by these I mean that is just a four toi wall between Deon Robinson and Carter Bo it'll be interesting to see how she manages the frustration as we move throughout the match because they're going to get their blocks but can you work your way through three blocks for Wisconsin as a team Swindle pops it over and I love that deep Corner attack by the setter that's just a heads up play knowing that that left back Defender is short in the [Applause] Court that's three kills for Texas's Center you guys okay to a couple of Setters over here loving the uh the offense I do I love it I love the [Applause] aggressiveness will push it out to Thomas isara as's O'Neal on the slide oral to dein Robinson Emma halter Skies it Thomas iara Timmy Thomas isara the transfer from Northwestern playing in her very first NCAA tournament and I think she's been a little bit tentative she needs to stay aggressive that's when she's at her best offensively look at this larm stab by Ashburn and then big swing in the crosscourt finally able to beat Emma halter that's going to be double contact on Madison Skinner Wisconsin has some good momentum now mhm and it starts with their block they blocked a couple of balls big momentum plays here to start set [Music] two only eight teams all season have hit above 200 against Wisconsin their defense their block has been so big Texas hitting zero in this [Applause] set Texas hit 300 in the first [Applause] set Dr it in the middle Thomas iara looking for hands she will get them now you're just seeing the range from iara there we saw the Deep crosscourt shot gets the kill there great set all the way out into the antenna she feels that line and she's able to just tip it [Applause] deep making sure there's no slippery spots on the [Music] court Texas won a close first set 25-22 Wisconsin built momentum at the end of that set and they've been using it here in set two Jenna wines didn't go away though five kills in set one here she's back how about Jenna wenis number 13 for Texas handles the pass comes inside and crushes that angle she is feeling it [Applause] today dribbler for Ellis Windle just like she Drew It [Music] [Applause] Up Texas within [Applause] one watch Anna smre possibly attack out of the middle here they like to stack everybody on the left side oo nice dig Oro with the bump set to Thomas isara off the block Thomas isar is just so powerful to pack that much punch and an arm swing is incredible it's been an adjustment for her a different system you know she got everything set the last four years at Northwestern and she's had to find her way into this Wisconsin offense their summer trip to Europe was massive for Thomas iar just kind of get acclimated get some extra reps more playing time with this team before the season got going L attacking on the right G toin will set up Franklin Swindle back to [Applause] Phillips I mean wow all right Anna well timing of the Texas block I'm not sure if they lost sight of it or their timing was off but Anna smre uses her length to go over Texas four kills for smre no [Applause] errors attacking eror for burkmar Swindle needs to get a little bit more under that ball you talked about her footwork as a Setter especially if she's not jump setting give it a little more lift Wisconsin has responded up 117 Over Texas in the second set look at all of Wisconsin standing on the ground and breaching over the net and then the jump in the Press that's a lot to hit around and it's one thing to be big but they're also effective blockers sometimes you can be tall you see the length 69 67 64 63 62 but LeBron James's Jimmy Butler's M Murray you know big time NBA stars if you want the the reference and right there the block felt in full force by Texas from pin to pin and then Sarah Franklin 13 and white finally able to shut down wenis on that right side swing 40 run for Wisconsin they are the number one blocking team in the nation just over three blocks per set [Applause] Phillips W with the roll hble back to [Applause] Franklin shre on the right side and it Ricochet off of Matty Skinner all the way over the net and out and Oro lucky to get away with this one I don't think she realized if it was in or out she tracks the ball all the way back to that in line but a great swing by smre mat sker just can't hold on to it Marsh luy she didn't touch it did you see Kelly Sheffield in the corner safe the sound of that ball coming off Anna sm's hands was pretty powerful it's Wide Point Wisconsin that's six straight do you see how sharp of an angle Molly Phillips was trying to swing that's what this block does to you you don't feel like you have anywhere to go so you have to swing sharp angle and unfortunately that one goes just a little bit wide so Mariana single ter number 11 in burnt orange is going to sub in as Texas stuck in this rotation they'll set her [Applause] immediately that went right back over to Wisconsin I don't think Matty Skinner's meant to send it and it's a 70 run Texas will take a timeout and SMR is on fire for Wisconsin Texas has had no answer for her on either side of the [Applause] ball Anna smre with six kills no errors she's hitting 545 she told us her biggest growth has been her attacking the angles in which she can hit because of her height is so difficult to defend obviously an overpass she's going to be able to capitalize on that but she's gotten it done in every capacity this evening attacking defending eanet as a blocker she is such a force and I can't imagine how frustrating it must be facing her as an attacker on the opposing side for Texas right now this is the first time Mana smck has ever played against a Texas team too she's she was excited for the opportunity when we talked to her yesterday Texas is such a physical team and SM obviously excited for that opportunity to see how she would fair but right now in set two it has been all Wisconsin they have been the more physical team so far in set two well don't miss the NCAA division one volleyball championship it is Sunday at 3 Eastern on ABC for the first time for more information on all 90 NCAA championships visit ncaa.com Nebraska awaits the winner of this match and a SM four for four in this second set hitting a perfect 1,000 Anna smre I'd say height runs in the family NBA fathers volleyball daughters we've got a few in this match Anna smre one of them her dad Mike won a couple of titles with the Lakers was a second round pick in 1985 in the NBA [Applause] [Music] draft seven straight points for Wisconsin and Molly Phillips inss the Run by the Badgers they call Molly Phillips the surgeon she's so precise doesn't have the heaviest arm but knows how to find open port and it's 6'5 she's got lots of [Applause] [Music] range [Applause] [Music] Franklin coming in hot dug up by halter that [Applause] Skinner Franklin this time goes roll single T in the middle Hamill back to Sarah Franklin for a third [Applause] time what a rally Franklin has to hustle Barnes was waiting Phillips we keep going Molly Philips ends the longest rally of the match so many good digs in that last rally watch Molly Phillips on the right side she and Mari single ter take care of that block for [Music] [Applause] Texas MJ Hamill immediately telling Sarah Franklin that's my bad because she felt like she set her too tight right into that block it was at least three swings in that rally for Sarah Franklin alone maybe four she's got to be ready to go again that drops in the block Molly Phillips back to back in single ter in on the Block she's known as an offensive middle but she's getting it done on the defensive side look at how big and physical she is as a Defender at the net and that's the reason why Jared Elliot went from Bella Berg Mark to single T hoping to provide a spark offensively but get it done at the net defensively and she's doing that so far so that's going to make Wisconsin take a time out they were on a 70 run now Texas has responded with three straight points including backto back blocks of single T and Phillips teaming up [Applause] [Music] well a new record are we surprised ladies that we have an attendance record 19598 fans in a year where we have seen attendance records shatter time and time again it's been incredible and we keep seeing more eyes on the sport on television more people in the stands throughout the country at different venues and it's been incredible to see the growth it started off the season started off with a bang Nebraska held its opener in their football stadium in front of 92,000 and three fans that's a world record for women's sporting event 30 plus program set an attended attendance record this year and the Minnesota Wisconsin match had a record 1.66 million viewers we at ESPN had our most watched regular season in history you got to show the game to grow the game and I love the commitment we've seen not just from our network but other networks to put these women in Prime Time spots right but they've deserved it they've earned the opportunity to get the platforms that they deserve ABC on Sunday phenomenal opportunity first time a championship for volleyball will ever be on ABC so welld deserved as you can tell they are incredible athletes this is such a fun sport to watch there's always something athletic happening and plenty left to happen tonight just set two between these two [Applause] heavyweights Philips just had to set it and yes so smart s them scrambling rather than taking a bad approach because that ball is coming over your shoulder and taking a bat swing possibly an error she just stays on the ground in this situation gets her feet under it and just puts it in a really good spot she goes to zone two Hamill unable to get there in time Molly Phillips helping Texas catch back up within four [Applause] now coming in she got hands high flat off the Texas block Sarah Franklin scores 16 for [Music] [Applause] Wisconsin I feel like sometimes we forget about Molly Phillips because there's so many powerful arms but she is such a vital piece of Texas's attack you can't forget about her especially if you're Wisconsin's Block in that situation you expect because swindle's so close to Philips she might set outside I love that she went to Phillips in that situation in close [Applause] proximity it's coming back over Wisconsin got it back Swindle to Skinner back corner and Maddie Skinner needed that she went a little bit quiet Molly Phillips and some other players picked it up you talked about Molly Phillips in December she's hitting 476 and that climbed from like the 130s in August late August she arrived at Texas as a middle blocker her sophomore season moved to the opposite and you feed the hot hand the location of that set from Ella Swindle allows Molly Phillips to get on top of that ball quickly it's so fast right so she's able to beat the big Wisconsin block here going in between that seam 7 to one run for Texas Early in the season that was lacking that right side offense as well as the middle and both areas for Texas have improved wiping up some moisture on the Wisconsin side of the floor now we're set to go an ace for Emma [Applause] halter Emma Halter's been impressive defensively watch her put some extra pop on that ball going down the line gets a piece of the Wisconsin passer Franklin off her left [Applause] arm Point Wisconsin that ends the run for Texas it was four Street points they were within one 1715 is the score here in set two Wisconsin up by [Applause] two and Skinner is long Wisconsin backto back points this set has been a game of Rune just when Texas worked themselves back in they give a couple free points to Wisconsin and now you've got a three-point [Music] [Applause] lead that one goes wide on Izzy Ashburn both teams trying to set up their defense with aggressive [Applause] serving Place Forin she's dug by Barnes a with the set to Skinner and there's Carter booth and her Block in that inside set that Texas likes to run that works against most teams is not working against Wisconsin right now if Matty Skinner wants to work inside that block she needs to hit it sharper but Carter Booth all over that at 6' s nice left hand press defensively five blocks for [Applause] Wisconsin Asia O'Neal call in corner pocket Asia O'Neal running behind the center in a slide situation is her bread and butter off one foot so Dynamic threads the needle not only down the line but hits that deep Center Line as well great shot and that's why they call her the slide Queen yes welld deserved title makes it looks so easy SP to Robinson she got it too Devin Robinson same corner from the right [Music] [Applause] side I think Deon Robinson has such great range she does we've seen her go crosscourt but she's been attacking the line against Texas [Applause] deep they go back to the slide and it just goes right in CC Crawford's face hit throw doesn't matter she finds a [Music] [Applause] way this will be a free ball back to Wisconsin Ashburn backside to Robinson she established that line power that time going off the inside hand of the middle blocker crosscourt Devin Robinson such an amazing offensive weapon on the right Wisconsin just stresses you at all times Robinson obviously lethal showing her range she checks out of the game but then comes in Anna smk who obviously has a size advantage over everyone on the court yeah it's not going to get better MH when they getting easier [Applause] no wi tries to tip in Anna STK and that is a problem and again what we see from the blockers of Wisconsin Anna schre doesn't go out to the right side pin she actually stays in the middle CC Crawford stays on that outside pin she's able to get a good block blocking schemes by Wisconsin are paying [Applause] off [Applause] HL to Thomas isara sharp angle in Texas called in the net Wisconsin two points away from evening the [Applause] match [Applause] [Music] single Terry showing she can go off a one foot two and I love Asia O'Neal's reaction from the sideline she absolutely loves the slide from single ter just as Dynamic going behind the center when you go off one foot and you're able to turn your hip into it you're able to generate so much power single T inserted later into this match here in set two again Anna SM attacking out of the middle of Court showing her versatility again over the top she's so long and that's tough to defend when she goes deep and you can see it from Texas's coaches on the sidelines they kind of just shrug because there's nothing you can do defensively when she's going over the top like that Set Point [Applause] Wisconsin Molly Phillips seven kills for Molly Phillips she has been a bright spot offensively in the second set for Texas both teams finding a lot of success on the right side whether that's on slides going behind the center or just setting the right side pins Molly Phillips slide Hitters from Texas as well as Robinson and for Wisconsin second set Point [Applause] Wisconsin Here Comes smre bird mark back in for Texas in the [Applause] middle CC Crawford to the floor and Wisconsin has even the match we will at least play four [Applause] and it's been about the block putting all sorts of pressure on Texas in the second set good response after the first set to tie it up seven blocks for Wisconsin on the night and GJ gaken will start serving for the [Applause] Badgers bird Mark in the middle back in the match and ready to go and that's been a bright spot Bella bergmark was known as a defensive middle blocker but she's been connecting with Ellis Swindle much better on that little one push [Applause] set Frankin passed that from her knees and still got back up to get a swing [Applause] off Franklin again coming back over ceer takes it d by Swindle dog by [Applause] halter gu toin with the [Applause] up and Asia O'Neal with the cannon how do you not love college volleyball did you see the sick plays we just saw back to back to back to back they are unbelievable athletes look at the Dig andma halter and Ella Swindle had one to start that rally and then a O'Neal crossbody one-on-one out of the middle to end that long rally Skinner off hands and there you see the adjustment Matty Skinner much more aggressive hitting away from schrek who was on the outside working the inside hand of CC Crawford you don't have to bounce balls right you just got to be able to get kills get points string them together and that's a great start from Matty Skinner on the outside towels on both sides of the Court when you have Scrappy play and players die all over the floor you're going to have to wipe up some [Applause] sweat three straight for Texas to start this set three throwing at Franklin Anna smre and Anna smre is up to Nine Kills no errors well Kelly Sheffield talked about the high contact point you see it here by Anna SM she just reaches keeps it high doesn't try to hit the ball straight down using her length [Applause] effectively going to readjust guck setting up [Applause] [Music] Franklin and J Hamil back to Sarah Franklin and it Ricochet off of [Applause] Skinner this is the signature swing by Sarah Franklin thumb down look at her get on top of that ball crushing that ball in the sharp angle for the Wisconsin point that gives her Nine Kills she's coming off 20 kills against Oregon crosscourt for Molly Phillips [Applause] [Music] Molly Phillips was hot for Texas Texas in the second set hit 272 while the rest of her team hit [Music] [Applause] zero Franklin carries a huge load 34 swings tonight and she's got 10 kills and that is such an impressive swing this is her superpower inside the block and to be able to do that against Asia O'Neal who has such a strong inside left hand makes it even more impressive back in her home state she's from Lakeworth Florida her family about 3 hours away her grandmother who she calls Grammy actually bought a site so her family is inside Emily Arena cheering her on it's a heck of a Grammy to buy a whole suite for the family I love it good on you Grammy she was expecting 30 40 friends and family to come support her [Applause] tonight Franklin Looking to turn it it's long and she immediately looks to Kelly Sheffield to pull the green challenge [Applause] card this is the third challenge by Wisconsin if they're not correct they'll be out of challenges until the fifth set [Applause] there was no touch called on this do you see anything different from this replay I don't it looks like it passes the right hand of Ellis Swindle look at it fingers I don't see any fingers moving yeah it almost looks like the ball goes lower than her fingers on the outside of her right wrist yeah but you don't see the ball Chang directions like hitting her arm Sarah Franklin was very confident when she turned around and told her coach to challenge that call original call was no touch and the point was awarded to Texas do you see anything Katie I do not not enough that is to overturn the [Music] call [Music] they're still looking at this play now they have a decision the call is confirmed there was no touch so Wisconsin will not have any more challenges unless we go to a fifth [Applause] set Texas has both challenges remaining it's coming over Asia O'Neal loves [Music] that served up on a platter this is every middle blocker's dream and overpass for the [Applause] taking her dad Germaine O'Neal has become one of the biggest volleyball fans that we know of course a six-time NBA Allstar what a travel schedule he has this week oh yeah her brother is playing basketball in the Bahamas so he's flying back and forth he's actually the coach [Applause] yes we'll head out tomorrow to coach and come back if Texas wins s looking at do Gigi all over it Skinner back R the defense for Texas is much improved in this third set they're throwing their body behind the ball keeping it alive and Emma Halter's been fantastic look at again we get to see MADD Skinner out of the back row from the middle of the Court where she's been very effective to think that Emma halter filling in for Zoe Fleck who is such a phenomenal Libro for Texas I love what Jared Elliot told us he said before this season started Zoe Flex met with Emma halter and said you're going to be better than me how empowering and that's what Zoe Flex does she he's a connector timeout is called five straight points for Texas in Wisconsin need to talk about it this is a player who has come in and brought Joy she always has a smile on her face super competitive and Jared Elliot said there was pressure at the beginning of the season to take over the libero Jersey from the great Zoe Fleck but man she's been good I think she came in last year unafraid with help the team defensively didn't have all the pressure on her this year was different on Ace for the long horns MADD Skinner scoring from the service line six straight points for Texas you see the ace leaders in the NCAA tournament Skinner on this [Applause] list [Music] here O'Neal third kill on the slide tonight but it starts with Matty Skinner and middle back putting this defensive ball in system so that Swindle can set AE O'Neal on the slide great pass great run 70 run now [Applause] dein Robinson blocked and now Texas doing things defensively we saw it in the back court now we're seeing it the net isn't it wild how drastically the momentum can shift back and forth between two teams and wasin grabbed it right at the end of the first set carried it into that second set we saw them go on a 70 run in set two now it's Texas on an 80 run here in set [Applause] three oh what a serve pepper you got to update your graphic she's climbing that [Applause] list MADD Skinner finding ways to score for Texas it hasn't always been easy in the front row but now serving up Aces for [Music] Texas Wisconsin will take its final timeout in this set nine straight points for Texas Aaron pepper delivering the graphic is updated Katie fast fingers Aaron [Music] pepper Texas 10 here in set three you know Jared Elliot superpower has been a a term that has been tossed around with the coaches this week Jared Elliot said superpow for his team is they always fight and they're going to fight for each other he saw that out in Stanford he certainly did they had a match point in the fourth Tennessee had them on the ropes and they fought they dug deep they embraced that Underdog roll and they made things happen they've had a tough season right they started the season Maybe 5 and three there was a lot of ups and downs a lot of adversity yes you want to win as many games as possible but sometimes if you're battle tested and you struggle you actually come out better on the other side when you get to an NCAA tournament and Jared Elliot told us we took the pressure off the players and told them look us as coaches we're going to get you ready for the next match just trust [Music] us well both season begins Saturday seven games on ESPN ABC and ESPN plus this ABC triple header starting at noon Eastern Howard and Florida A&M Miami of Ohio taking on App State and then UCLA and Boise State coming up on Saturday Jared Elliot told us that this Texas team from beginning to now has transformed I mean they're a completely different team because of the work they've been putting in in the gym every day more than any other team he's had in one season the growth has been tremendous oh oh my gosh just reach in your back pocket and pull out an ace Matty Skinner an ace or three or four such a nice job contacting this ball and dropping it right before gaken it's serving that scene between Franklin and guen and so they're going to make a substitution Wisconsin will bring in Joselyn Boer number one in white as Texas has scored 10 straight points Madison Skinner with three [Applause] Aces still out of system it's a free ball back to Texas lynis calling for it tooling the block wow Jenna wena staying aggressive when that was a scary Block in front of her Carter booth and Devin robinsson W it's able to Tool them out of [Applause] bounds dig by [Applause] halter and a Center Line violation on Texas that ends an 110 run missed opportunity right I mean that transition set is too tight to the net when you're playing a team like Wisconsin you give your hitter nowhere to go no options unfortunately when you set him that inside and that [Applause] tight and Wisconsin hands the momentum right back to Texas with a service [Applause] error Vio right behind as [Applause] O'Neal toy Thomas isora Swindle to wnis much better set there giving Jenna wenas room to work around that big block you see they like to leave it inside so she's got that cut back down the line and she works it in inside that middle blocker's left hand so this set is obviously less than ideal for Wisconsin and you could say that this might be a foregone conclusion because they have so much work that they've got to do right so Holly how how do you think of this set if you're Wisconsin like let's try to steal back as much momentum before we go to four here definitely we saw that at the end of the first set Wisconsin was able to grab momentum they didn't win the first set but they took it into the second set and dominated that one service error by Asia O'Neal that ends a 12 to one run that has rocketed Texas out to the 17 to5 lead here in set three Wisconsin is hitting zero in this set and a service error again their last two serves you talk about the offense Wisconsin hitting zero Texas redot hitting 500 in the set [Applause] going with [Applause] Crawford Lis is blocked by Crawford and Robinson Crawford goes to work Works her inside hand watch her left hand press over and cut that ball off thought it was left hand I can't tell if that was Robinson or Crawford but beautiful defensive work at the net first big block we've seen from Wisconsin in quite some time that's a credit to Texas's attackers being able to move the ball and hit different shots it's their first block in this set Skinner flying soaring out of the back row for a kill lately matd Skinner's been more effective out of the back row then from the front with that big block in front of her this is the BX set the back row quick behind that 3 meter line is where she has to take off and she has been really good from back there she can land anywhere as long as both feet take off behind that [Music] line Thomas isur with the power but the Dig by halter and then MD Skinner to terminate she's got 11 kills Emma halter is taking care of Defense in the back court look at her throw her body behind that ball and then Matty Skinner turns it down the line Deep In transition against almost any defense in the country Thomas aaro would have a kill [Applause] there somewhere Zoe Fleck is smiling watching him a halter there you go Timmy Thomas isara with the kill and she makes a good adjustment hitting away from M halter going to that deep corner where there's no [Music] Defender so Wisconsin will stick with Joselyn Boer who was inserted here in set three a transfer from [Music] Iowa and she gets an ace not in Easy roll to step in Off the Bench and attack from the service line but Jos Boyer look at her pop this ball that has a ton of movement and drops ahead of Emma halter the passer her eighth Ace of the [Music] Season there a Franklin dug by halter everywhere and a net violation on Wisconsin Emma halter is having a heck of a third set here heck of a match quite frankly look at the movement so disciplined able to get down pop that ball up so our attackers can take a big swing 16 digs for Emma halter and a smre blocked by Skinner spr adjust goes inside High contact Point driving that ball inside Asia O'Neal if you're whis hon can you rattle off as many points as possible to try to steal some momentum back before you go to the fourth [Applause] set set tight that's all that fron could do but it was enough she sent Texas scrambling nice save play by Sarah Franklin that one gets away from Texas [Applause] service era [Applause] Wisconson [Applause] Franklin down the line on her 40th swing of the night Texas has really stepped up their service pressure they've been able to get Wisconsin out of system look at Sarah Franklin spin around work to get behind that ball and find find that opening deep down the [Applause] [Music] line here comes Asia O'Neal on the [Applause] slide such a fun play to watch develop and Texas has done this nice job putting balls in play for Ella Swindle to be able to get her midds involved and then you see how important it is for Ellis Swindle to get comfortable setting behind again she struggled with that earlier in the season but her staying on the floor to set has really helped with her balance Wisconsin trying to answer with a slide of their [Applause] own Skinner two Wide Point Wisconsin she's been mostly going cross body that's the first time she went wrist away not sure if the block forced her that way but the defense of Texas has been giving them opportunities to [Applause] score Ella Swindle get it set point Texas and I love it I love the aggressiveness from Ella Swindle when you need a point call your own number and throw down she's been successful what is she four for four tonight on her dumps four for six yep the make line yeah it is four kills 33 assists five [Applause] [Music] digs oh that's the most power we've seen out of Timmy Thomas Zara Timmy Thomas allar this is the most powerful big swing I feel like Wisconsin knows that this is crucial they need to put some energy into getting momentum back on their side what a [Applause] rip still set point Texas Wiis almost a collision between Devin Robinson and Sarah Franklin madis Skinner to the floor Texas has a two to one lead in this match just a dominant response from Texas it was all Texas in set three if you're Wisconsin you wipe it clean you move on and you regroup before we go to set four what a big difference in the last set and it's started with the defense of Texas Emma halter in her second year at Texas stepping into some big shoes has really had a gigantic impact 17 digs seven assists to help her team beat one of the best teams in the country 2513 in that last set she also dug in system right it's not like she's just making a play to keep it alive she's digging in system so Ella Swindle can run out of it 11th Street match with 10 plus digs for Emma halter Texas dominated that last set winning 25-13 their largest set win since October 26th against Baylor they went on an 110 run early and hit 444 I think the service attack was huge MD Skinner took them on I can't even remember how many points a long run because she 11 yeah exactly thank you yeah so curious to see how Wisconsin starts these first Five Points Five Points here in set four how do you respond after a 2513 set three this isn't a position they've been in very often [Music] no if anyone can flip the switch it's Wisconsin though a must-win set for the Badgers a win for Texas they are going to the championship on Sunday and we start with a service [Applause] error and now within's got that powerful front row defensive combination of Carter booth and Anna SMR in the front row with Sarah [Applause] [Music] Franklin mly Phillips tipping over the block of Franklin and booth that was a double quick behind the setter Ellis Swindle feeling really confident you see bergmark go for that little back one and then the ball set a little wider to Molly Phillips first meeting between these two teams since 2018 Texas has not beaten Wisconsin since 2006 and there's the ace the service pressure has really been the difference the last two sets every time you talk to a head coach no matter the match they're going to tell you got to win the serf pass game that's how important it is smre and there for Wisconsin you get a great pass which allows Hamill to set up schre on the right side but Anna smre scores and then she's off the court and that's her 11th kill she has no errors tonight hitting 550 but yeah she rotates out de Robinson over there [Applause] now it's going over Carter Bo knew it he O'Neal it to and Matty Skinner gets a kill off of that look at this Throwdown Asia O'Neal usually battles at the net that time she's Scoops up that dig and Maddie Skinner takes care of business O'Neal is such an allaround volleyball player she can dig she can play defense she can also step in and set the second ball if need be to an outside pin she's so well-rounded her story incredible in her sixth season she's had two open heart surgeries one of those after her red shirt sophomore year hoping to play in Paris in the Olympics for Team USA next [Applause] summer MADD Skinner lethal it's been an interesting game for Matty Skinner she started off hot went a little bit quiet because of the block and then look at her work this ball inside of Carter Boo's left hand great swing Matty Skinner six kills in the first set just one in set two but six kills in set [Applause] three Robinson looking for the slide it's a bit long Wisconsin likes to stack all their hitters on the left side so they have that movement dein Robinson going off the slide Carter Bruce staying in the [Applause] middle that looks good from Carter Bo Texas blockers there but late on the press and Carter Booth able to score for Wisconsin on the quick and that's her first kill tonight for Carter Booth [Applause] wow she is hitting in the negative one kill on eight swings a player that usually hits 444 third in the nation the up for a Wisconsin still going Timmy Thomas iur never giving up on the play I love this from aana she just sits in here digs it straight up and Wisconsin matches it with great defensive Pursuit and Thomas iara gets the kill he's O'Neal on the slide Thomas isara halter is there [Music] [Applause] Skinner second slide is good I'm not sure how a O'Neal hit that angle but it was pretty impressive trying to avoid the Wisconsin block this ball set from off the net little bit deeper than O'Neal wants it but she goes cross body and hits it inside the defense are you not entertained she is five for nine on the slide tonight not [Applause] bad wow again MADD Skinner with four aces tonight that is a new career high in the tough serving has taken Carter boo out of the offense in the NCA tournament Carter Booth was hitting 472 that is a huge weapon that Wisconsin has not been able to use tonight yeah she is in the negative [Applause] tonight SLE getting a [Music] block [Applause] stop it five if my math is correct she just passed Olivia Babcock in terms of most aces in the NCAA tournament pepper will have to let us know five service ases for Madison Skinner tonight a career Hive she individually has 18 points yes off of 24 well she's they've scored 18 points off of her wow wow wow wow and she now has the lead pepper confirms way to stick with it if you're Wisconsin just hard to stop that yeah it is is controlling the ball defensively and then they've got the weapons Asia O'Neal the slide Queen able to score on the right side and the Texas Longhorns are feeling it a 5 run Asia O'Neal no attacking error she's hitting [Applause] 667 wow the service pressure has Wisconsin all out of sorts six Aces and Wisconsin is going to use its final timeout what is making that sered by Madison Skinner so tough for Wisconsin well first off she floats the ball her hand contact is so good on the ball that allows it to move in the air and Float but she's also I think moved the ball around she's gone down the line Ed that needle she's also dropped the ball in short so you don't know exactly what to expect from her because she's got so much range with that serve I think it's the pace on her serve yes it's got all that movement but it's over 35 milph it's got Pace that's disruptive to the passer Madison Skinner remember this is her third National semi-final she already is a two-time national champion and now she's leading Texas again not a lot of people win national championships with their sister let alone get to play with them so just making that memory with her is something that I'll always cherish forever the point before winning just you kind of get a rush throughout your body and you're like oh my gosh we're actually about to do this thing and then when the ball goes down obviously it's just a surreal feeling it's hard to defend a national championship especially with all the talent that we're seeing but just to be back here and have another opportunity to compete for a national championship alongside some of my best friends is so special and I'm looking forward to it and to think this almost didn't happen this is the text that matd Skinner originally sent Jared Elliot when she was in the portal thank you so much for reaching out I have so much respect for you and your program but I want to be up front that I don't see myself coming back to Texas she told him no could you imagine where she'd be if she hadn't transferred to Texas she didn't love the game when she left Kentucky she was trying to refind that passion for volleyball and at Texas she refounded I mean she has said every aspect of her life has improved improved because she went to Texas and the people that she is around on a daily basis and now to think that when she was great last year the year before when she was at Kentucky she's playing her best volleyball right [Applause] now touch kill for Timmy Thomas Zara that ends a 60 run by Texas again this is a must win set for Wisconsin a win for Texas and they are going to the championship match to face Nebraska on [Applause] Sunday coming back over but outside the antenna so that is out it was outside the antenna when it crossed over the [Music] net Texas hitting 5006 kills on 12 swings in this set Wisconsin hitting 154 a Wisconsin team that's second in the nation in hitting percentage they hit 313 on the season Robinson readjusting and sends it long I just don't think you can say it enough Texas is stressing Wisconsin right now so badly from the service line they are out of system yes they have all these weapons running a 6'2 but they are out of system so often that their offense has become onedimensional [Applause] everybody's getting involved that tough service pressure Texas attacking the scams and really putting a lot of pace on this ball a O'Neal going be between orgil and Franklin right in the scene that is 10 Aces for Texas Six for Matty Skinner backto back a season High 11 Aces for Texas Wisconsin doesn't have any timeouts left last week in Palo Alto it was about the blocks but now it's about the [Music] [Applause] service [Applause] Tammy Thomas isara in her first NCA tournament for Wisconsin crushes this ball Jenna wed just getting in the way you could hear the sound and it sounded like it hurt it did could you imagine me over here yeah you imagine having that much pop on your [Applause] ball just sends it over MJ Hamill going to CC [Applause] Crawford and Crawford will get the block as she's on the right side usually in the middle Big Time block Big Time momentum play can you use that and start to cut this deficit down you got to be able to go on a run if you're Wisconsin with your [Applause] serve to Skinner back row 16 kills for Matty Skinner it's just such a good run you've got two blockers in front of you and yet you're able to cut that ball wrist away back to zone five and beat Orel [Applause] coming back over on the Texas side Phillips saved by orzel with one hand free ball to the Longhorns bird Mark in the [Applause] middle and it goes out Point Texas it feels like Texas is ahead in every play that Wisconsin's responding to whatever Texas does and Advantage Texas they're unable to control the ball and attack back and that puts Texas ahead every [Applause] [Music] play W with the hammer is what you're used to seeing that from start to finish you were in full control of great pass from Franklin allows hell to set up a 31 ball and Shrek goes straight through the block look at the urgency you got to have it if you're Wisconsin you got to go [Applause] now I mean what is the answer for that Wisconsin hasn't found it we talked about how effective she is out of the back row good pass by wenis and then Swindle locates that ball perfectly for Matty Skinner out of the back row 17 kills for Matty [Applause] Skinner and double contact called on Texas Point Wisconsin Emma halter every [Applause] [Music] [Applause] everywhere service error makes it 19-9 Texas getting closer to the championship [Applause] match hardler Booth with her second kill of the match nice placement heads up play by by Carter Booth recognizing I got a block in front of me just place this tip just Out Of Reach of the defense Wisconsin needs some stops and that starts with their [Applause] defense in or with an ace I he aspon one of the best servers on this Wisconsin team catches the back line the career leader in Aces at Wisconsin she's also played more matches than any other player in Wisconsin [Music] history Skinner Madison Skinner hit zero through the first two sets since then she's hitting 900 this a really nice run by Swindle here they hold with the middle and the right side which allows Matty Skinner to go up in a one-on-one situation and get a monster [Applause] kill six Aces for her the most in a semifinal or championship match in NCAA [Applause] history and that's going to be a double called against the Longhorns but Texas touching a lot of balls defensively getting positive block touches they're in the play they missed two opportunities with a double on the second [Music] [Applause] contact service there Texas needs four more [Applause] points Wisconsin not doing themselves any favors from the service line right now they've had 11 service errors tonight meanwhile Texas has had 11 [Applause] Aces thasara again it's tight Texas ball back row attack I believe is the call for [Applause] [Music] Wisconsin she motion for back row attack [Music] yeah they called an illegal attack and I saw the backrow attack motion come out for Wisconsin no argument there by [Applause] Wisconsin just long for Madison Skinner and I think Jared Elliott will be okay with that she's had six Aces [Applause] tonight but it's again back into the block third time the Wisconsin block prevails good discipline by Wisconsin to go three for three in blocks against jenno Wiis nice coverage from Texas but again just sealing that net time and time [Music] [Applause] again Texas First Contact in serve receive has been really good they're putting the ball right in freshman Setter Ellis swindle's hands look it she doesn't even have to take a step and she's able to put that ball in a juicy spot for Asia O'Neal how fun is it to set a slide with a hitter like Asia O'Neal so F I don't know what it's like setting that's true that's true I can imagine yes off hands Timmy Thomas [Music] [Applause] Lara Wisconsin needs to put some service pressure and a SM in the front row she can affect this [Applause] game Swindle to Bell Burg mark it was touched and it's Match Point [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Texas [Applause] thinner the bump set to wnis and a double called on Jenna wienis second match point [Applause] [Music] [Applause] coming net violation Texas will defend its title on [Music] [Applause] Sunday a 3 to1 win over Wisconsin its first win over the Badgers since 2006 I'm so impressed by the way Texas came out attacking obviously the blocks of Wisconsin it's it's dangerous but Texas attack from the surface line and their defense was the difference and they were able to adjust right against that block Wisconsin win set two but the response from Texas in sets three and four were dominant and just two very impressive performances from Nebraska and Texas this evening Nebraska forced Pittsburgh out of their comfort zone Pittsburgh's an excellent team Wisconsin is an excellent team and Texas was able to do the same forced Wisconsin out of their comfort zone they were not able to get anything going offensively inste three and four Texas came in Jared Elliott told us we feel like The Underdogs we haven't been talked about as much they lost their very first match of the Season that does not matter they have battled back as a two seed and they will defend their title on Sunday against Nebraska who has only lost one match all year