UPDATE: The Arizona Wildcats’ hopes for a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Volleyball Tournament were dashed Saturday evening as they succumbed to the Stanford Cardinal, losing 3-1 in the second round. Despite the absence of Stanford’s starting setter, Arizona struggled to respond to the Cardinal’s powerful serve, marking a disappointing exit for the Wildcats.
The match concluded with set scores of 25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20, ending Arizona’s tournament journey. This was Arizona’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018 and their first win since 2016, but they fell short of reaching the Sweet 16. Arizona head coach Rita Stubbs, in her inaugural tournament as head coach, expressed pride in her team’s effort despite the loss.
“We took each day and the challenge that was before us, and we just gave it everything we had,” Stubbs said. “It was just you got to be used to it. We have to go through things like this to get to our next.”
The Wildcats faced a significant challenge with their serve and pass game, managing no aces while committing 10 service errors. Stanford, on the other hand, recorded eight aces against only nine errors, showcasing a stark contrast in performance.
Arizona displayed resilience throughout the match, even after falling behind early in the fourth set. A controversial call against Arizona shifted momentum, allowing Stanford to extend their lead. However, the Wildcats fought valiantly, even cutting the deficit to four points late in the match. Ultimately, Stanford’s Jordyn Harvey delivered the final blow to seal the victory.
Senior outside hitter Jordan Wilson ended her collegiate career on a high note, leading the Wildcats with 17 kills, while also reaching 499 career kills this season. Her performance places her among the top scorers in Arizona volleyball history, surpassing records set in previous years.
In addition to Wilson, sophomore Carlie Cisneros contributed significantly with 12 kills, marking her third consecutive match with double-digit kills. The emergence of Cisneros as a scoring threat adds optimism for the Wildcats’ future as they look to rebuild next season.
The match featured contributions from across the roster, with twelve players participating and demonstrating a collective effort, an encouraging sign for Stubbs as they prepare for next year. “I was pleased with how we competed,” Stubbs remarked, highlighting the importance of this experience for her young team.
As the Wildcats reflect on their season, they face the challenge of moving forward without key seniors like Wilson. Nonetheless, the development of younger players like Cisneros and Journey Tucker, who showcased her skills with four kills and a team-high of five blocks, gives hope for the future.
The focus now turns to the next steps for the program as they aim to honor departing seniors while building a competitive squad for the upcoming season. Stubbs remains optimistic, emphasizing the lessons learned and the potential for growth. “The best thing we can do to honor them is to be good from here on out,” she declared.
The Wildcats’ exit from the tournament serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges in collegiate athletics, but also highlights the potential for a bright future. As fans reflect on the season, the foundation has been laid for continued success in Arizona volleyball.
