Most Unexpected Upsets in NCAA Women's Volleyball History

NCAA women’s volleyball is an exciting sport that has seen its fair share of upsets throughout the years. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most unexpected upsets in NCAA women’s volleyball history. From unexpected losses by powerhouse teams to underdogs taking down giants, these games have left fans in shock and awe. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

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Most Unexpected Upsets in NCAA Women’s Volleyball History

2006: #16 Oral Roberts University vs. #1 Nebraska

In 2006, #16 Oral Roberts University shocked the volleyball world by defeating #1 Nebraska in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Nebraska was the heavy favorite to win the championship that year, but Oral Roberts had other plans. Led by a phenomenal performance from senior setter Laura Milos, Oral Roberts stunned Nebraska in four sets.

2010: #16 Duke vs. #1 Florida

In 2010, #16 Duke pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA women’s volleyball history by defeating #1 Florida in the second round of the tournament. Florida had been dominating the season with a 28-1 record, but Duke was able to pull off the upset in five sets. The match was a back-and-forth battle, with neither team giving an inch, but Duke was able to come out on top.

2012: #16 Michigan vs. #1 Penn State

The 2012 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament saw another upset, as #16 Michigan defeated #1 Penn State in four sets. Penn State had won four of the previous five NCAA championships and were heavily favored to win again that year. However, Michigan’s strong defense and consistent play led them to victory over the Nittany Lions.

2016: #13 Hawaii vs. #4 Nebraska

In 2016, #13 Hawaii shocked the volleyball world by defeating #4 Nebraska in a thrilling five-set match. Hawaii had been playing outstanding volleyball all season, but few expected them to take down a powerhouse team like Nebraska. Hawaii’s strong serving and powerful hitting were too much for Nebraska to handle, and the Rainbow Warriors emerged victorious.

Most Unexpected Upsets in NCAA Women's Volleyball History

2018: No. 14 UCLA Upsets No. 3 Penn State

In the regional semifinals of the 2018 tournament, No. 14 UCLA upset No. 3 Penn State in four sets. The Bruins were led by sophomore Mac May, who had 22 kills and was dominant in the decisive fourth set. UCLA’s defense was also outstanding, holding Penn State to a .194 hitting percentage.

2018: #15 Oregon vs. #2 Minnesota

The 2018 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament saw another upset, as #15 Oregon defeated #2 Minnesota in a hard-fought four-set match. Minnesota had been dominant throughout the season, but Oregon’s strong serving and balanced attack led them to victory. It was an impressive win for the Ducks, who were making their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2014.

2018: No. 16 Duke Upsets No. 1 Stanford

In the first round of the 2018 tournament, No. 16 Duke pulled off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history by defeating No. 1 Stanford in four sets. Led by freshman Samantha Amos, who had a career-high 19 kills, the Blue Devils outplayed the Cardinal in every facet of the game.

2019: #16 Purdue vs. #1 Baylor

In 2019, #16 Purdue pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA women’s volleyball history by defeating #1 Baylor in the regional semifinals. Baylor had been the top team in the country all season, but Purdue was able to take them down in four sets.

2019: No. 11 UCLA Upsets No. 3 Hawaii

In the regional semifinals of the 2019 tournament, No. 11 UCLA shocked No. 3 Hawaii in five sets. The Bruins were led by senior Mac May, who had a career-high 29 kills and was dominant in the decisive fifth set. The win propelled UCLA to the regional final, where they narrowly lost to eventual national champion Stanford.

2019: No. 15 Santa Clara Upsets No. 2 Nebraska

In the second round of the 2019 tournament, No. 15 Santa Clara stunned No. 2 Nebraska in four sets. The Broncos were led by senior Kirsten Mead, who had 58 assists and controlled the tempo of the match. Santa Clara’s defense was also outstanding, limiting Nebraska’s potent attack to a .189 hitting percentage.

2019: No. 16 Michigan Upsets No. 1 Stanford

In the second round of the 2019 tournament, No. 16 Michigan shocked No. 1 Stanford in five sets. The Wolverines were led by junior Paige Jones, who had a career-high 29 kills and was dominant in the decisive fifth set. Michigan’s defense was also outstanding, limiting Stanford’s potent attack to a .222 hitting percentage.

2018: No. 16 Duke Upsets No. 1 Stanford

2016: No. 9 Creighton Upsets No. 1 Kentucky

In the regional semifinals of the 2016 tournament, No. 9 Creighton shocked No. 1 Kentucky in four sets. The Bluejays were led by senior Jaali Winters, who had 19 kills and was dominant in the decisive fourth set. Creighton’s defense was also outstanding, holding Kentucky to a .186 hitting percentage. The win propelled Creighton to the regional final, where they lost to eventual national runner-up Texas.

2005: No. 16 Santa Clara Upsets No. 1 Stanford

In the regional semifinals of the 2005 tournament, No. 16 Santa Clara pulled off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history by defeating No. 1 Stanford in five sets. The Broncos were led by sophomore Kim McGiven, who had a career-high 28 kills and was dominant in the decisive fifth set. Santa Clara’s defense was also outstanding, holding Stanford to a .233 hitting percentage.

2017: No. 14 Florida Upsets No. 2 Nebraska

In the regional semifinals of the 2017 tournament, No. 14 Florida upset No. 2 Nebraska in five sets. The Gators were led by senior Carli Snyder, who had 24 kills and was dominant in the decisive fifth set. Florida’s defense was also outstanding, limiting Nebraska’s potent attack to a .171 hitting percentage. The win propelled Florida to the regional final, where they lost to eventual national champion Stanford.

Conclusion

These 10 upsets showcase the unpredictability and excitement of NCAA women’s volleyball. Each match had its own unique storyline and players stepping up in clutch moments. These upsets have had a lasting impact on the sport and continue to inspire future generations of volleyball players. Source