Tonight’s docket features an all-time great slate of NCAA women’s volleyball games

September 18, 2024
With three regional rivalry matchups between Top-25 teams plus a showdown between two of the sport’s most prestigious programs, NCAA women’s volleyball is officially in its “must-see TV” era
CollegeVolleyball
Tonight’s docket features an all-time great slate of NCAA women’s volleyball gamesTonight’s docket features an all-time great slate of NCAA women’s volleyball games
Source: NCAAVolleyball/X

The GIST: Is tonight the most exciting night in college volleyball…ever? With three regional rivalry matchups between Top-25 teams plus a showdown between two of the sport’s most prestigious programs, NCAA women’s volleyball is officially in its “must-see TV” era — even ESPN is serving up a double-feature tonight.

No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions (8-0) vs. No. 1 Pitt Panthers (6-0), 7 p.m. ET (ACCN): Like Anna Sawai at the Emmys, the Panthers are flawless: They’ve swept all six of their opponents this season. But Penn State’s on a four-sweep streak of their own, and with two Top-10 wins already under their belt, the Nittany Lions are Pitt’s toughest challenge yet. Which big cat can stay undefeated?

No. 4 Louisville Cardinals (7-1) vs. No. 11 Kentucky Wildcats (6-3), 7 p.m. ET (ESPN): All three of Kentucky’s losses were to Top-10 teams, which means they’re battle-hardened and hungry for a big upset against red-hot rival Louisville. The Wildcats’ game plan? Limit dominant Cardinals outside hitter (OH) Charitie Luper as much as possible.

No. 2 Stanford Cardinal (7-0) vs. No. 5 Nebraska Cornhuskers (8-1), 8 p.m. ET (BTN): Two of the sport’s most stacked rosters make this matchup a true clash of titans. Stanford’s feeling good as hell coming off Sunday’s win over No. 8 Texas, but the Cornhuskers boast one of the country’s most balanced attacks — and one of the toughest home stadiums for visitors.

No. 8 Texas Longhorns (3-3) vs. No. 20 Baylor Bears (7-2), 9 p.m. ET (ESPN): Speaking of Texas, the reigning national champs haven’t been as dominant as expected this season, giving Baylor a chance to snag an upset. All eyes will be on Longhorn OH Madisen Skinner as these former conference rivals duke it out in a Texas-sized tussle.