Texas A&M volleyball is making a late-season push to host NCAA Tournament matches, and the Aggies still have several chances to strengthen their postseason résumé.
Following road victories over Georgia and No. 4 Kentucky, Texas A&M climbed two spots to No. 17 in the latest AVCA Top 25 poll. The Aggies enter the week at 13-8 overall and 6-3 in SEC play, riding a three-match winning streak. However, the bigger goal is securing a top-16 national seed, which would let A&M host the NCAA Tournament's opening two rounds at Reed Arena.
The NCAA selection committee released its initial top-16 rankings on October 18, with Texas A&M outside the group. Those rankings considered only matches through October 17, so they didn't reflect the Aggies' recent surge.
Sunday's sweep of Kentucky strengthened A&M's case considerably. The Aggies defeated the Wildcats 25-20, 25-23 and 25-21, snapping Kentucky's 30-match home winning streak. The victory also marked Texas A&M's second win over a top-five opponent this season. Despite those impressive results, the Aggies' eight losses could complicate their pursuit of a national seed.
Fortunately, the upcoming schedule provides two significant opportunities. Texas A&M hosts No. 6 Tennessee on Friday, October 30, before traveling to face No. 14 Texas on Sunday, November 1. Both opponents offer chances to improve A&M's postseason résumé against nationally ranked competition.
The NCAA selection committee considers several factors beyond the AVCA rankings, including strength of schedule, quality victories and head-to-head results. With Selection Sunday on November 29, the Aggies still have time to improve their position.
Texas A&M has already demonstrated it can beat elite competition. Now, the challenge is building enough consistency to bring NCAA Tournament volleyball back to Reed Arena.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Can Texas A&M volleyball earn an NCAA Tournament hosting bid?
