Just a few days ago, the sixth-seeded and 19th-ranked USC women’s volleyball team faced a tough battle in the NCAA tournament. Their season came to a close after a three-set showdown against third-seeded Texas (26-24, 25-20, 25-22) at Gregory Gymnasium. But let’s talk about the stars who made magic happen one last time even after the tough loss! Ally Batenhorst, the graceful graduate transfer outside hitter who dominated the Trojans with 17 kills, was at her best. Interestingly, this was her thousandth career kill, counting her time at Nebraska—how sweet a moment is that? She contributed three digs, one block, and one service ace to the team’s performance that night.

On the other hand, senior setter Mia Tuaniga had her own record to beat as she surpassed the record for the most number of assists for USC. She recorded 25 assists on the night to break Kendall Bateman’s record of 4,510 and ended her high school career with 4,529. And if that’s not enough, Tuaniga also chipped in four kills, two digs, and one service ace—just throwing in highlights here and there. Now, as these seniors, Ally Batenhorst and Mia Tuaniga, pack their bags and leave the game as they graduate, they are doing so in grand style and with a record that will go down in the annals of volleyball history. Furthermore, they have been awarded a special award for their contribution to the sport and the inspiring stories they have to tell!

On December 10, USC Volleyball turned to X with some exciting news, dropping an update that read, “Ally Batenhorst and Mia Tuaniga were each named to the @AVCAVolleyball All-Pacific Region Team on Tuesday morning.” Talk about making waves! For Mia, this marks her third career nod to the all-region roster, having earned her spot in the Pacific South teams in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Ally snagged her very first all-region honor, adding another glittering gem to her volleyball crown.

But wait—there’s more! These powerhouse Trojans, who were earlier honored as the members of the All-Big Ten Team of the last week, have now helped to increase the overall number of all-region selections of the USC to 72. And the cherry on top? They both are now on the list for the honorable AVCA All-America teams list, and the final list will be released next week.

And guess what? The Trojans weren’t the only ones making waves on the All-Region honors list! Ally Batenhorst was in good company, with her former Huskers teammates also lighting it up as well. Nebraska’s powerhouse lineup includes Libero Lexi Rodriguez, Opposite Merritt Beason, Setter Bergen Reilly, Outside Hitter Harper Murray, and Middle Blocker Andi Jackson, all of whom earned their spots on the list. All five of these stars have been here before, which makes them no strangers to the spotlight.

Talk about a stacked résumé! Four of them even snagged All-American titles in 2023. Rodriguez and Beason led the charge as AVCA First Team All-Americans, while Reilly secured Second Team honors and Murray proudly grabbed a spot on the Third Team. Oh, and don’t forget—Beason wasn’t just a name on the list; she was crowned 2023 Region Player of the Year! And it turns out, Ally Batenhorst has been keeping the reunion vibes alive this year, reconnecting with her former teammates earlier too. And now, she’s gearing up to take another trip down memory lane, heading back to her roots once more!

Ally Batenhorst is set to return to her roots!

Back in September, when the Big Ten season was in full swing, Ally Batenhorst got a heartfelt blast from the past as the Trojans clashed with Nebraska. Once draped in Husker red, Ally was all about that Husker pride last season. But fast forward, and there she was, rocking Trojan gear on the opposite side of the net. Playing her final college year with USC, Ally made her grand return to the Bob Devaney Center, where the crowd greeted her with a standing ovation that could’ve shaken the rafters.

The love didn’t stop there! Ally’s former Husker teammates—Lexi Rodriguez, Kennedi Orr, and Harper Murray—added their own sprinkle of magic by handing her the starting lineup ball. And it wasn’t just any ball—it was adorned with heartfelt, handwritten messages from the whole squad, bringing Ally’s Husker memories rushing back in waves of nostalgia. Lexi Rodriguez, brimming with excitement, gushed about facing her close friend, saying, “I know Husker Nation is going to give her a warm welcome. I haven’t seen her in a really long time. I loved playing with her. I want to see her succeed.”

But that was just the beginning. Fast forward to now; Ally’s college season may have wrapped up, but the next chapter of her volleyball journey is already here! Selected as the 15th pick in the 2024 draft by the PVF champions, the Omaha Supernovas, Ally is heading back to her Nebraska roots. And guess who’s joining her? None other than Husker senior Lindsay Krause, was taken as the 19th pick. These two powerhouses, who’ve shared the court before, are ready to join forces again, bringing their combined spark to the reigning champs.