The Texas Longhorns concluded their regular season by stretching out their win streak to six after taking down Ole Miss in a five-set thriller. The defending NCAA champions had come back quite strong after losing the first set 28-26, by taking the second (27-25) and third sets (25-23). Ole Miss, however, was not ready to give up the game that easily, for they fought hard and managed to take the fourth set 25-21. This left it open in the fifth set, setting up an incredible climax to the thriller.

The Texas Longhorns were down by six during that set with a score of 13-7 on the cusp of a defeat. But this didn’t make them give up hope, as they fended off five match points to win the last set 17-15 in an epic comeback. It was a perfect send-off for all the seniors who would play their final game in college regular season ever. However, during the match, one player was absent. That was Outside Hitter, Madisen Skinner.

The OH missed the match on senior night. This was confirmed by journalist Brian Davis on X, who said, “Texas volleyball OH Madisen Skinner is out for today’s regular-season finale vs. Ole Miss with illness. Tough on senior day, too. Horns looking to get her well for NCAAs.” This was a tough blow for the team, as Madison Skinner is one of their strongest players and has the ability to bring the team victory single-handedly.

However, the player was present at the felicitation ceremony of the senior night. She received a framed jersey from the team, along with the other seniors, as a gift for her contributions to the team during her time with the Texas Longhorns. It must have been a very painful sight for all the fans who have seen Madisen play and backed her over the years.

However, before she leaves, the outside hitter could give the Texas Longhorns a very special gift. She must perform well in the NCAA tournament so that the Longhorns can complete the elusive third peat. This would be an incredible farewell achievement for both her and her team.

Madisen Skinner is very important to Texas Longhorns’ title ambitions

Throughout her career at the Texas Longhorns, Madisen Skinner has proven herself to be a very top player of the game. This is completely evident with her numerous achievements, like NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, VolleyballMag.com National Player of the Year, AVCA First Team All-American, AVCA Southwest Region Player of the Year, Big 12 Conference Player of the Year, and more. She has stepped up this season too, as Madisen has had 348 kills this season with a per-set average of 4.24.

But now she must continue this form at the finals if she wants to lift her fourth consecutive NCAA title, as her team needs her. Currently ranked 14th at the table, Texas hasn’t been at their best this season. In fact, they have struggled at times, racking up consecutive losses. But Madisen, who is currently one of the best volleyball prospects in the whole country, can lead the side to another triumph. She has performed on the big stage for Kentucky, Texas, and the USA and can easily do it again. Hopefully, she does come back fit and fine to the team and performs exceedingly well.