Record-Breaking Night for Texas A&M Volleyball Despite Tough Loss to Longhorns
In a thrilling display of athleticism and school spirit, the Texas A&M volleyball team faced off against the No. 8 Texas Longhorns on Friday evening in Reed Arena. While the Aggies ultimately fell short in a hard-fought match, losing 3-1 (25-16, 14-25, 25-23, 25-20), the night was marked by a significant milestone: a record-breaking attendance of 9,236 fans, setting a new program record and establishing a new NCAA volleyball regular-season attendance benchmark in the state of Texas.
A Packed House and Electric Atmosphere
The atmosphere in Reed Arena was electric, with the 12th Man showing up in droves to support their team. This overwhelming turnout not only surpassed the previous attendance record by 2,414 fans but also highlighted the growing popularity of volleyball within the Texas A&M community. Head coach Jamie Morrison expressed his excitement about the crowd, noting how the energy in the arena fueled the players’ performance. "There’s just a different feeling when you walk into a building and it’s already half full," he said. "I found myself getting fired up in moments when we were celebrating, and realized we had everyone celebrating with us."
Match Overview: A Rollercoaster of Momentum
The match began with the Longhorns asserting their dominance, quickly establishing a lead that prompted Morrison to call a timeout at 12-5. Texas maintained their momentum, taking the first set decisively at 25-16. However, the Aggies were not to be outdone. In the second set, they came roaring back, launching a 5-1 run that forced Texas to call their first timeout. With standout performances from players like Logan Lednicky, who recorded six kills in the set, A&M took control and leveled the match with a 25-14 victory.
The third set was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading points and leads. The Aggies initially pulled ahead, but the Longhorns rallied to take a 15-11 lead at the media timeout. A&M fought hard, tying the set at 22, but Texas ultimately edged out the Aggies, winning 25-23 and taking a 2-1 lead in the match.
In the fourth set, the teams found themselves tied at 13 before Texas began to pull away. Morrison called a timeout at 18-14, hoping to regroup his players. Despite their efforts, the Longhorns closed out the set 25-20, sealing the match at 3-1.
Insights from the Coach and Players
After the match, Coach Morrison reflected on the team’s performance, acknowledging the challenges they faced. "The first set, the players were taking it all in, and I think it took them a little bit to get settled in," he explained. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and minimizing errors, particularly in close sets. "We played well for long stretches of tonight’s game, and volleyball is all about extending the runs. My frustration right now is not that we’re not there; it is that we are right there. We just need to tip it over the top of the hill."
Junior libero/defensive specialist Ava Underwood echoed Morrison’s sentiments, highlighting the need to focus on the finer details of their game. "With our style of volleyball, errors are going to come, and that’s just a part of it. Now, we need to clean it up just a little bit when it comes down to sets that are super close at the end."
Logan Lednicky, who led the Aggies with 17 kills and contributed significantly on defense with eight blocks, shared her thoughts on the incredible support from the fans. "It was unreal; over 9,200 people is insane. It was also such a fun atmosphere with the fans. You could really feel their support, and it definitely makes a difference."
Standout Performers
The match showcased several standout performances from the Aggies. Lednicky not only led in kills but also made her presence felt at the net with eight blocks. Ifenna Cos-Okpalla had an impressive hitting percentage of .421, while Maddie Waak orchestrated the offense with 40 assists. Ellee Stinson contributed with three service aces, and Underwood anchored the defense with 18 digs.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, the Aggies remain optimistic as they prepare for their next challenge. They will return to Reed Arena on Sunday afternoon to host Missouri, with first serve set for 2 p.m. The team is eager to build on the momentum generated by the record-breaking crowd and continue to improve as they navigate the season.
Stay Connected with the Aggies
For fans eager to follow the Texas A&M volleyball team, updates and information can be found on their official website, 12thMan.com. Additionally, fans can stay connected through social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by following @AggieVolleyball.