By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
A year ago, LOVB Austin entered the postseason as the No. 6 seed and left as champions.
Now, the defending titleholders are back in the playoffs with a different path in front of them and a new playoff format that will test preparation and adaptability as League One Volleyball is set to crown its second champion in the next two weeks.
It starts with the semifinals at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky and ends next week with the LOVB Finals in Long Beach, California.
A new postseason challenge
This year’s playoff field has been trimmed from all six teams to four, raising the stakes across the board.
Austin (10-10), the No. 3 seed, will face No. 2 seed Atlanta in a two-match semifinal series. If the teams split, a decisive “golden set” to 15 points will determine who advances to the League One Volleyball Finals.
“It’s awfully difficult to beat an opponent two times in a row,” said founding athlete Logan Eggleston. “But I think that garners the best team. We can prepare all week, emulate Atlanta in practice, watch film and then make adjustments the second time we play them.”
The format is familiar to players with international experience and places an added emphasis on in-series adjustments, something Austin believes plays to its strengths.
Familiar opponent, even matchup
Austin and Atlanta have already proven how evenly matched they are.
The teams split their regular-season series 2-2, with each match decided by momentum swings and, often, five-set finishes.
“We’ve had four really good battles with them this year,” said Molly McCage. “We know we match up really well with them, but they’re a great team, so we’re just focused on getting through Atlanta.”
That familiarity has shaped Austin’s preparation this week with a singular focus on one opponent rather than navigating a full bracket.
“We have this opportunity to play two matches,” said Juliann Faucette. “So just preparing for one team and really honing in on what they’re good at, their attackers, their rotations, and making sure we’re ready for Atlanta.”
Built for tight moments
Austin’s path to the postseason was anything but easy.
The defending champions clinched their playoff spot with a 3-2 win over LOVB Nebraska in a win-and-in regular-season finale, another match in a season filled with several tightly contested matches.
That experience, players say, has only strengthened the group.
“We’ve built this trust from last season,” Eggleston said. “In tight moments, everybody’s focused and dialed in rather than backing down.”
McCage echoed that sentiment, pointing to the team’s ability to handle pressure late in matches.
“Our mindset is we can beat any team if we put it all out there, even when we’re tired,” she said. “And then come out and perform for 15 points.”
Talent across the lineup
Austin’s confidence is backed by production across the roster.
Madisen Skinner ranks second in the league in both points (332) and kills (297), while Asjia O’Neal anchors the defense with a team-high 49 blocks, also the second-most in the league.
Eggleston has been a force from the service line, leading the league with 26 aces, and Kotone Inoue provides stability in the back row, ranking second in digs (218).
As a team, Austin leads the league in points, kills, blocks, digs, passing and efficiency – a reflection of a team that’s reaching it’s peak.
The bigger picture
On the other side of the bracket, No. 1 LOVB Houston and No. 4 LOVB Salt Lake will battle for the other spot in the finals.
Houston has been a thorn in Austin’s side this season, going 4-0 in the regular season and 7-1 all-time, setting up the possibility of a high-stakes, all-Texas showdown should both teams advance.
“I think it’d be really exciting to seek revenge on them in the finals,” McCage said. “But we can’t get to them until we get past Atlanta.”
Faucette added that a potential in-state championship would only elevate the growing rivalry.
“It would really amplify that rivalry that we already feel within the state,” she said.
Playoff info
All games played at Freedom Hall, Louisville, Kentucky
No. 1 Houston (13-7) vs. No. 4 Salt Lake (10-10)
Game 1: 5:30 p.m., Friday, Victory+
Game 2: 1 p.m., Sunday, USA Network
No. 2 Atlanta (11-9) vs. No. 3 Austin (10-10)
Game 1: 3 p.m., Friday, Victory+
Game 2: 5 p.m., Saturday, ESPN 2/ESPN+
Finals
Game 1: 7 p.m., April 16, USA Network
Game 2: 7 p.m., April 18, USA Network