OMAHA, Neb. -- The last time the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers made it to volleyball's NCAA Final Four, in 2009, they lost in a national semifinal to Texas. History repeated itself Thursday night as the Longhorns defeated the Gophers 3-1 at CenturyLink Center.
The margin in each set was within five points, but Texas' consistent passing and undersized but crafty outside hitter, Amy Neal, who scored 25 kills, were too much for the Gophers, who finish the season 30-5.
Daly Santana, the Gophers' All-America senior outside hitter, led Minnesota with 21 kills and 10 digs, hitting .