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Pitt jumps to No. 1, Texas drops in Power 10 women’s volleyball rankings
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Pitt jumps to No. 1, Texas drops in Power 10 women’s volleyball rankings

Let’s review my Power 10 after Week 2, a period where absolutely nothing makes sense in college volleyball.

It’s safe to say this is the most parity we’ve ever seen in the first few weeks of play. More importantly, it’s our second straight week with a new #1 team after both Texas and Nebraska were dethroned.

๐Ÿ MORE WOMEN’S COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL ๐Ÿ

1. Pittsburgh (Previous 3)

Pitt takes over the top spot for me in week 3.

Ranked wins are very important to me, but they’re not everything. Pitt may have fewer ranked wins, only beating Oregon in late August, but this is one of the most complete teams to ever make a national semifinal and they deserve it for now.

2. Penn State (previous 6)

Penn State volleyball comes together after a point

I have Penn State at No. 2 after a very impressive sweep over Louisville. The Cardinals are not an easy team to beat and they did it in straight sets. Izzy Starck now has a wealth of options with what has become a really well-rounded offense and the extra weapons that have joined forces with Jess Mruzik. After the sweep, they defeated Kentucky in a five-set battle โ€” PSU’s third ranked win of the season.

3. Stanford (Previous 4)

Stanford is in the top 3, even though all three teams feel like they will finish in a tie.

The Cardinal, similar to Penn State, look even more balanced offensively this year than they did last season. They swept Marquette off the floor with another great performance from Elijah Rubin, who has been efficient and one of the best outside passing forwards in the country this season.

4. Louisville (Previous 2)

I still have Louisville at No. 4, even with the loss to Penn State. The Cardinals are 5-1 with multiple ranked wins and are still a well-rounded team with a lot of potential. They face Creighton this week, who I moved all the road to number 5, which will be a big test for both teams.

SCOREBOARD: Live scores and stats for every match

5. Creighton (Previous NR)

Creighton volleyball team's sister Norah turns to teammates

This team is undefeated this season and earned their first ranked win over No. 20 USC in four sets. The Blue Jays look really impressive.

Creighton has a solid lineup with one of the best setters in Kendra Wait and Norah Sis. Sis is healthy on the outside again and had a season-high 17 kills and 10 digs in the win over USC. And that’s without even mentioning Ava Martin, Elise Goetzinger and Maddy Billinovic in the backcourt.

However, the Blue Jays have a tough week ahead of them, as they play both Louisville and Nebraska.

6. Nebraska (Previous 1)

Nebraska falls to No. 6. The Huskers suffered the program’s first sweep against an unranked opponent since 2014 on the road at SMU. The Mustangs were able to pick apart their serve-receive and held them to a low hitting efficiency.

Nebraska plays Creighton this week, and it promises to be a huge battle to determine the rankings.

7. Texas (Previous 5)

Texas players gather during a game

For the second week in a row, Texas has dropped in the rankings. The Longhorns lost their second game in a reverse sweep at home to Miami on Saturday. They were in complete control of the first two sets before losing momentum at the end. However, they are well aware of the talent on this team and I am confident that Texas will climb back up the rankings.

8. Purdue (Previous 7)

At #8 I have Purdue. I like the combination of Hudson, Chicoine, and Colvin, and this team is 6-0 to start the year. I won’t rank them any higher until I see them against ranked opponents.

9. Kentucky (Previous 10)

Kentucky is still hanging in there at No. 9 after losing a five-setter to Penn State in a tight match. Brooklyn DeLeye had a 20-kill performance and that match could have gone either way. Kentucky was outclassed defensively, but other than that they were there. The Wildcats remain.

10. Wisconsin (Previous NR)

Wisconsin Badgers pumped up after point

And finally, at No. 10, I have Wisconsin in the final spot of a pretty messy volleyball landscape thus far. Their 2-3 record doesnโ€™t seem like they should be in the top 10, but we know how talented this team is โ€” they just need some time to get going early in the season. Theyโ€™ve won two five-set victories over Baylor and TCU, led by Sarah Franklin and Devyn Robinson.

That’s my Power 10 after a chaotic start to the volleyball season. I’m looking forward to another crazy week.