Texas Longhorns vs Texas A&M and Other Same-State Rivalries Between Various NCAA Volleyball Teams

Before facing Texas A&M in its Southeastern Conference debut this season, the Texas Longhorns had to face three defeats. One of those came to the Longhorns’ home. This had come as a tremendous blow to the back-to-back national champion women’s volleyball squad. Furthermore, it also stood to be a challenge to the star Madisen Skinner to make her team run again. However, the orange and white squad achieved their comeback against their same-state rival on Friday by the margin of 3-1. Did that rivalry motivate Skinner and others to go an extra edge? 

It can’t be flouted outrightly. Rather, the same state rivalries in women’s volleyball go beyond the decades, perhaps before the introduction of Division 1 women’s volleyball under the NCAA’s umbrella. Here are four such same-state rivalries in women’s volleyball, along with Texas Longhorns vs Texas A&M, that have kept the fans riveted to the sport. 

1. Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies

After the victory in Reed Arena on Friday, the Texas Longhorns lead the all-time series against the same state rival, Texas A&M. The score is now 77-23, whereas in College Station, it stands at 26-13. But the moment of amazement may extend if the reader gets to know about the stats when these two powerhouses met last time, in 2023. At that point, the Longhorns won by the same score, 3-1. That stamps the depth of the rivalry between the two teams. However, the Longhorns’ marquee player already had an idea of what could come with the match on Friday. 

On Friday, Madisen Skinner appeared with a shoulder harness. “I know it’s going to be an intense match,” she said. With 11 kills in the game, she stood firmly on her statement. However, throughout the history of women’s college volleyball, this is not the only same-state rivalry. 

2. Ole Miss Rebels vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

In the recent history of women’s college volleyball rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State Bulldogs, the former is ahead. From November 3, 2000, to November 19, 2023, the Ole Miss squad proved itself overpowering the Bulldogs by taking 4 extra wins in its locker. The stats look to be more fitting, as in their last encounter in the 2023 season, Ole Miss Rebels sealed the victory in Mississippi’s home arena by the scoreline, 3-0. Regardless, in the data available before November 3, 2000, the Bulldogs showcase a sad affair. 

According to the stats, from September 30, 1975, to November 2, 2020, Mississippi won 14 games while the Rebels won 55. So, is there a better chance on the cards for Mississippi? The fans of the fold will accept that happily. 

3. Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles

On September 17, the no. 16 Florida Gators countered the same state rival, Seminoles, in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The Gators had to maintain the home advantage and things did not look to go on their way. The home team even dropped the second and third sets in the run, leaving itself trailing behind. But the mindset never felt rusty. 

Ultimately, the Gators claimed its first victory this season by defeating the nemesis by a 3-2 scoreline. Additionally, it is the first five-set victory for the Gators, contributing to its 7-2 record against Florida State. Overall, the advantage is on the Gators’ side as before the last face-off, it held the 45-21 advantage. Last year, the Gators finished on a high note. Will we have a similar experience this year? The clock is ticking. 

4. Washington Huskies vs. Washington State Cougars

The Washington State Cougars women’s volleyball squad stands above the Huskies. This fact was proved again when the former faced the latter this month in the home game. Ultimately, after the second set of the match, the arch-rival couldn’t stand a chance and was dismantled in front of the continuous attacks. 

In the end, the scoreline showed 3-1. But it boosted the ongoing rivalry. However, in the last 10 matches, the Huskies are still leading with 7 wins. But in the overall count, the Cougars have the better say with 33 wins against the 11. Now, a lot of things will depend on this season’s matches. But the overall counting will not see much change while maintaining the difference at 22. 

5. Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Iowa State Cyclones

The rivalry in women’s volleyball between Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones goes back to 1977, years before women’s volleyball was recognized by the NCAA. This month, the rival squads faced each other for the 56th time in history. However, it was the Cyclones’ home game and they wanted to utilize the advantage. They had the numbers on their side as well. 

Before their match against the Hawkeyes, the Cyclones had two back-to-back seasons with 20 wins. Furthermore, this season stands to be coach Christy Johnson-Lynch’s 20th anniversary, managing the coaching role in the fold. All these facts motivated the Cyclones to finish the match on September 11 on a better note. It defeated its premier opponent 3-1 at Hilton Coliseum. This victory helped Iowa State to sweep their third straight win against Iowa. On the other hand, it is the seventh victory in the last ten matches against the Hawkeyes. 

Apart from these tales of rivalries, there are a few more, such as between Penn State and Pittsburgh. The Nittany Lions have a 33-18 victory record over the last 32 years. And who can forget the fight between Nebraska and Stanford? However, they have yet to practice their most usual between them after 2019. What’s your favorite between all of these tales? Let us know.