This match is a perfect example of what I mean about a focus on serving errors focusing too much on the wrong thing.
5 service errors in a 3 set sweep.
The bigger problem is they couldn't score when they needed to from the service line. In set two they had 3 separate set points that Kentucky killed with first ball side outs. In set 3 they did the same sort of thing alternating with Kentucky for late points. Constantly they attacked Deleye with the serve, and constantly she was dotting the setter with 3 option attacks. At one point in the 2nd set before the 10-1 run, Kentucky was converting sideouts at an 81.5% rate. Without any notable service errors. As it was, Kentucky ended with a 70% sideout.
There are other issues with this team, but against Elite Eight and beyond type opponents, you simply must be able to consistently get the other team out of system. This Texas team has a lot of weak service rotations that put no pressure on the opponent. Really Halter and Stafford are the only consistent serving threats on the team.
The announcer, Holly McPeak, kept calling for Texas to serve with more pace, but we haven't served with pace all year. We don't put servers at the line who can serve with pace. And then when we do put Harvey or Bunton back there for serving, they're terrible on defense. They look like fish out of water.
Compare that with Kentucky. Their two pins, their setter, their libero and their DS all serve effectively. In the first set they were eating Halter up way worse than we were against Deleye, their OH.
That's the game of volleyball right there. Whatever other issues we have, elite teams have to be able to consistently get their opponent out of system on the serve. Otherwise at the highest levels they're going to make you pay. And all you have to do to win the set is be the eensiest more effective from the service line than your opponent, then you win the set. Obviously there's way more to it than that, but that's the basic fundamental formula.