The 10 Greatest Upsets in NCAA Volleyball Tournament History

The NCAA volleyball tournament rewards preparation, depth, and consistency, yet it still finds ways to surprise people every season. Upsets typically arise from matchup problems, timing, travel, pressure, and moments when favored teams lose control.

These games mattered because expectations leaned heavily in one direction before the opening serve. The results shifted conversations about conference strength and tournament balance.

2010 First Round

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Northern Iowa entered the tournament with a 30–2 record, a fifth seed, and the fourth-best RPI in the country. Missouri barely earned its spot in the field. Playing at home, Northern Iowa expected a clean opening match, but the opposing team commanded rallies early and did not allow the Panthers to settle.

2012 Regional Final

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This match happened in California against the team holding the top RPI in the nation. Michigan entered the tournament unseeded, having suffered 11 regular-season losses, and garnered little national attention. Stanford was dependent on efficiency and depth throughout the year, but Michigan disrupted its timing and won in four sets. Stanford struggled to settle in defensively once Michigan gained confidence.

2015 First Round

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One of the clearest examples of a ranking gap collapsing under tournament pressure came in the 2015 first round, when unseeded American swept heavily favored Kentucky. Kentucky entered the tournament with a far stronger national profile, but the match never tilted their way. American dictated play from the start, using clean passing and precise execution to remove any chance of a comeback.

2011 Second Round

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Nebraska nearly suffered an early tournament exit despite entering as the No. 2 seed after winning the Big Ten in its first season. Kansas State, ranked 26th in RPI, extended rallies and kept the match tight by staying composed in long stretches of play. Nebraska avoided the upset by adjusting its approach late

2014 National Semifinal

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This run remains historic because no unseeded team had ever reached the NCAA championship match before BYU's 2014 performance. After beating Arizona, Florida State, and Nebraska, BYU qualified for the semifinal against second-seeded Texas. Texas had only two losses and looked like a clear favorite, but was unable to adjust defensively.

2019 Third Round

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At the time, fans were thrilled because Texas dominated the regular season and never lost at home. However, Louisville arrived with confidence and won the first two sets at Gregory Gymnasium. Texas pushed the match to a fifth set, but the competition closed. Aiko Jones finished with 23 kills, and Texas struggled to contain Louisville's outside attack.

2013 Second Round

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Duke was unable to recover against an American team that dictated every phase of the match. They came in as a national seed with a higher RPI, but couldn't match Americans' pace or precision. The straight-set sweep sent American to the regional semifinals.

2002 Second Round

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Penn State rarely drops tournament matches on its home court, especially in the early rounds. That made Temple's 2002 second-round win at Rec Hall all the more significant. Inconsistent rotations hurt the Nittany Lions, who never regained momentum. Temple advanced to the regional semifinals and hasn't returned to the tournament since.

2000 First Round

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No RPI data exists to show just how wide the gap may have been between Southeast Missouri State and North Carolina. Still, expectations heavily favored North Carolina, the ACC's automatic qualifier. Southeast Missouri State, with a shaky nonconference record, entered as Ohio Valley champions, managed to close out rallies, and forced UNC into uncomfortable situations.

2007 First Round

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No Big Sky team has advanced past the first round of the NCAA tournament since Sacramento State pulled it off in 2007. They won in four sets by applying steady serve pressure and staying composed in long rallies. It remains one of the few high points for a conference that does not normally see postseason success.

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January 02, 2026

The 10 Greatest Upsets in NCAA Volleyball Tournament History

The NCAA volleyball tournament rewards preparation, depth, and consistency, yet it still finds ways to surprise people e...

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Venus Williams, 45, set to make Australian Open history after receiving wild-card entry

Seven-time grand slam singles championVenus Williamshas received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open beginning January 18 in Melbourne.

The tournament said Friday that the 45-year-old Williams would make a return to Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance. In 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before losing in the quarterfinals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Venus hadannounced in Novemberthat she would play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Australian Open. The Australian Open said Williams was also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later and just before play begins at Melbourne Park.

She last appeared in Melbourne in 2021 and has finished runner-up in the women's singles twice, losing to Serena in the finals in 2003 and 2017.

"I'm excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I've had so many incredible memories there, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career."

Williams' record at Melbourne Park is 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will be the 22nd time she has appeared in the main draw.

The tournament said Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing the record previously held byJapan's Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

In late December, WilliamsmarriedDanish-born model and actor Andrea Preti at Palm Beach, Florida.

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January 02, 2026

Venus Williams, 45, set to make Australian Open history after receiving wild-card entry

Seven-time grand slam singles championVenus Williamshas received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open beginning January 18 in Melbour...

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Hilary Knight set to make 5th Olympics appearance as US women's hockey unveils 23-player roster

Hilary Knight is set to makeher fifth Olympic appearance, and this time lead a younger, faster U.S. women's national team that's favored to win gold at the Milan Cortina Winter Games next month.

The 36-year-old Knight headlines the list as USA Hockey released its 23-player Olympic women's roster on Friday. It's a group that returns just 11 members from the team that won silver at the 2022 Beijing Games, and features several newcomers, highlighted by defenderLaila Edwards.

From Cleveland, the 21-year-old Wisconsin senior is set to become the first Black female hockey player to compete for the U.S. at the Olympics.

"It still hasn't really kicked in yet. Getting that call is like a dream come true," Edwards said. "Always had dreams of playing in the pros, but the biggest dream was to go the Olympics for sure."

As for Knight, she will set a U.S. women's hockey record for most Winter Games appearances after winning gold in 2018 and three silver medals. The Seattle Torrent captain previously announced these will be her final Winter Games, while planning to continue her PWHL career.

The U.S. roster features various familiar faces, including forward Kendall Coyne Schofield and defender Lee Stecklein, who will both be competing in a fourth Winter Games. Other returnees include forwards Alex Carpenter and Kelly Pannek, and defenders Megan Keller and Caroline Harvey, who at 23 is completing her senior season at Wisconsin.

The roster has otherwise been transformed under coach John Wroblewski, who placed an emphasis on a youth movement upon being hired in June 2022.

The Americans relied mostly on veterans and appeared a step behind in finishing 5-2 — with both losses to Canada — in Beijing under former coach Joel Johnson.

This year's team features seven players still competing at college, with 20-year-old Ohio State forward Joy Dunne being the youngest. The goalie trio is also new, with projected starter Aerin Frankel, projected backup Gwyneth Philips, and third-stringer Ava McNaughton set to make their Olympic debuts.

Wroblewski's imprint on the roster was evident particularly in the most recent Rivalry Series, in which theAmericans swept all four gamesby out-scoring the Canadians by a combined margin of 24-7. The U.S. is also the defending world champions after a 4-3 overtime win against Canada in April.

The Americans open the Olympics facing the Czech Republic on Feb. 5, with the gold-medal game set for Feb. 19.

The U.S. is favored to win its third Olympic gold medal, and first since defeating Canada at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games. The Americans also won the inaugural tournament at Nagano in 1998, with the Canadians winning gold at the other five Olympic competitions.

These are the first Olympics since the PWHL began play in 2024, with the now eight-team league expected to make an impact by raising the level of international competition and bridging the gap among nations trailing the two global powers U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. roster features 16 PWHL players.

AP Olympic coverage:https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

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January 02, 2026

Hilary Knight set to make 5th Olympics appearance as US women's hockey unveils 23-player roster

Hilary Knight is set to makeher fifth Olympic appearance, and this time lead a younger, faster U.S. women's national...

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26 New York Yankees predictions for 2026: Bellinger coming back?

In just six weeks, Yankees pitchers and catchers will report to spring training.

Up to now, it's been a ho-hum winter in the Bronx, without a notable trade or free-agent signing (while the rest of the AL East has been active).

Will the Yanks make any significant upgrades to a club that bowed out in the 2025 Division Series?

Does that include a Cody Bellinger reunion?

Since it's never too early for bold, reckless prognosticating, let's take a few big swings – 26 Yankees predictions for 2026:

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

1. Jazz Chisholm Jr. stays

All that Jazz about a potential trade is just talk. Chisholm is the Yanks' Opening Day second baseman, playing his free-agent walk year without an extension.

2. Cody Bellinger decides

Three weeks before camps open, Cody Bellinger shuns the New York teams and signs a five-year, $160 million contract with the world champion Dodgers.

3. February trade

GM Brian Cashman sends two mid-level prospects and one lottery ticket prospect to St. Louis in exchange for Cardinals lefty reliever JoJo Romero.

4. Third-base swap

On consecutive late January days, Alex Bregman (Blue Jays) and Bo Bichette (Red Sox) sign, while the Yanks invite Alex Rodriguez to camp as an instructor.

5. Martian's new look

Determined to improve on his .569 OPS vs. lefties, Jasson Dominguez arrives in camp with a new right-handed batting stance eerily similar to Aaron Judge.

6. Spring training buzz

Cam Schlittler's new changeup has everyone buzzing in camp. "Not fair!'' says an impressed Aaron Judge, after facing the right-hander during live BP.

7. Familiar face on the mound

A month before his 41stbirthday, David Robertson – the last active link to the Yanks' last world championship – gets a non-roster invite to camp.

8. The outfield winner is…

Capping a solid spring, Jasson Dominguez is named the Opening Day left fielder, and Spencer Jones opens the season at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

9. Yankees' Opening Day lineup

1. Trent Grisham, CF; 2. Aaron Judge, RF; 3. Ben Rice, 1B; 4. Giancarlo Stanton, DH; 5. Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B; 6. Jasson Dominguez, LF; 7. Austin Wells, C; 8. Jose Caballero, SS; 9. Ryan McMahon, 3B.

10. Opening Day vs. Giants

At San Francisco, Max Fried tosses a one-hitter across six innings and the Yankees score a 2-1, 10-inning win over the Giants on Opening Day.

11. Welcome back, Carlos Rodon

Having rehabbed from an offseason elbow procedure, Carlos Rodon returns to the rotation May 5 at Yankee Stadium, in a no-decision vs. theTexas Rangers.

12. Welcome back, Part 2: Anthony Volpe

On May 15, Anthony Volpe (offseason shoulder surgery) makes his 2026 debut, going 0-for-3 against the Mets at Citi Field.

13. The cycle and Subway sweep

On May 17, Volpe becomes the first Yankee since 2009 (Melky Cabrera) to hit for the cycle as the Yankees sweep the Mets in the initial Subway Series of '26.

14. CC Sabathia's night at Yankee Stadium

Before the June 3 game against the Cleveland Guardians, Hall of Fame lefty CC Sabathia has his No. 52 officially retired in a ceremony at Yankee Stadium.

15. Welcome back, Part 3: Gerrit Cole

On June 16, ace Gerrit Cole goes five innings in his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery, getting a victory vs. theChicago White Soxat the Stadium.

16. Yankees hit low point of the season

Losing six out of seven at Detroit and Boston in late June, the Yankees plunge into fourth place, forcing the front office to initiate a critical midseason strategy.

17. Big promotions in Spencer Jones and Elmer Rodriguez

Promoting two top prospects on June 29, slugger Spencer Jones is installed in left field and righty Elmer Rodriguez is plugged into the rotation.

18. Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are All-Stars

Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are the Yankees' only All-Star representatives at Philadelphia, where the National League All-Stars triumph, 7-6.

19. Cody Bellinger returns with Dodgers

Making his Bronx return on July 17, Cody Bellinger clubs three home runs, Shohei Ohtani hits two, and the Dodgers go on to take two of three games at Yankee Stadium.

20. Major trade with Marlins

Will Warren and pitching prospect Bryce Cunningham are part of a late July trade package to Miami in exchange for Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara.

21. Major trade, Part 2: Subway swap

At the MLB trade deadline, the Yankees and Mets make a rare blockbuster deal, swapping Yanks starter Luis Gil for third baseman Mark Vientos.

22. Hot August stretch

Spencer Jones and Cam Schlittler are named player and pitcher of the month, and the Yankees' 19-8 August mark moves them within two games of AL East-leading Toronto.

23. Unlikely heroes win September awards

Elmer "E-Rod'' Rodriguez wins September's AL Rookie of the Month award, while fill-in closer Cade Winquest earns Reliever of the Month honors for the surging Yanks.

24. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton's home run total

On the final day of the regular season, Aaron Judge hits his 51sthomer of the year, Giancarlo Stanton hits No. 44, and the Yanks enter postseason as the second wild-card seed.

25. Royal flush in playoffs

At Kansas City, the Royals eliminate the Yankees in a four-game AL Division Series, sending K.C. to the AL Championship Series against the Blue Jays.

26. Consolation prize for Steinbrenner

After the Dodgers win a third straight World Series, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is cited by Forbes for his fiscal responsibility in keeping the team's payroll at $299 million.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com:New York Yankees predictions for 2026: Free agency news and updates

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January 02, 2026

26 New York Yankees predictions for 2026: Bellinger coming back?

In just six weeks, Yankees pitchers and catchers will report to spring training. Up to now, it's been a ho...

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Will Ferrell dresses up in full NHL referee uniform for Kings game

Will Ferrell was ready to dish out some penalties during an NHL game on Thursday.

The famed actor was spotted in the stands at Crypto.com Arena decked out in full NHL referee gear midway through the Kings' matchup against the Lightning.

The video board panned to Ferrell — who was wearing the officials' signature black and white striped shirt and a black helmet — as he was calling penalties from outside the glass.

After being shown on the big screen, the FanDuel Sports Network broadcast came down to Ferrell's seats, and asked him what he was doing in a ref's uniform.

"I've always been in support of the NHL referees,"Ferrell answered.

Will Ferrell is at the Kings game tonight in full referee gear making calls from behind the glass

pic.twitter.com/jfw2hVky33

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_)January 2, 2026

Ferrell then seemingly joked about the two referees on the ice, Brandon Schrader and Francis Charron, claiming that he helped teach them.

"In fact, I trained two of the guys out here — they are two of my prized students, Brandon and Francis. They are calling a heck of a game."

Ferrell, who is known to be a diehard Kings fan and has season tickets, has been spotted in the standswearing costumes before, as he was seen dressed as his character, Buddy, from the 2003 comedy movie "Elf" during a 2024 game against the Flyers.

During that game, Ferrell was spotted pouting in the stands with a cigarette in his mouth and a beer in his hand. He explained his choices behind wearing the outfit during an episode ofTravis and Jason Kelce's"New Heights" podcast in January 2025.

"Buddy the Elf got laid off, I think, from the North Pole,"Ferrell joked on the podcast then. "He's having a pull from his beer, smoking a cig. That was just…I get these weird ideas every now and then."

"We're season ticket holders for the L.A. Kings. We have seats right on the glass," Ferrell added. "I told my wife, 'Over the break, it would be funny if I just got a Buddy the Elf costume and didn't shave for a week, and I'm just sitting there with a candy cigarette and I'm just gonna sit there for a period and see how people react.'"

byAdministrator

in

January 02, 2026

Will Ferrell dresses up in full NHL referee uniform for Kings game

Will Ferrell was ready to dish out some penalties during an NHL game on Thursday. The famed actor was spotted in the stands at Crypto.com...

Read More