USC and UCLA officially joined the Big Ten Conference this month, which also means the start of women’s volleyball season is drawing ever closer.
The Bruins and Trojans open their seasons Aug. 30, with their first matches against Big Ten opponents Sept. 27. The adjustment to a new conference isn’t just about getting acquainted with teams of national championship caliber — Penn State and Nebraska have each won two titles since 2013, while Wisconsin won it all in 2021. There is also the reality of adjusting to a more grueling travel schedule.