AUSTIN, Texas — Second-ranked Stanford simply took it to No. 7 Texas on Sunday.
After battling to 25-23, 25-20 victories in the first two sets, the Cardinal cruised in the third 25-15, hitting .444 in the set with 15 kills and three errors in 27 attacks. Texas had eight kills and seven errors in 22 swings in the third.
“I think it was cool to see us, after the loss to Florida, bounce back,” said Stanford coach Kevin Hambly, whose team improved to 3-1. Stanford opened with victories at Northern Colorado and Colorado State, but got swept at home by Florida this past Tuesday.
Stanford hit .396 in one of the more highly anticipated matches of the young NCAA season. Texas, which dropped to 2-2, hit .130.
“I think that’s a really good offensive team, so that’s what I’m really happiest about,” Hambly said. “We competed on defense.”
Stanford of the Pac-12 held a 13-6 blocking advantage and had four aces — and 14 errors — to two by Texas.
As usual, right side Kendall Kipp led Stanford, this time with 15 kills while hitting .343. She had an assist, seven blocks and 10 digs.
The outsides came up big. Caitie Baird, who missed the first three matches, had 12 kills with one error in 24…
