Teams want to be playing their best going into the NCAA tournament. With the tournament around the corner, who’s up at the right time?

The tournament begins on Thursday, December 5. Pitt, the No. 1 team in the America Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) women’s volleyball rankings, could not be in a better spot as the playoffs near as they continue to roll through opponents. Other schools, like Texas Christian University, are struggling to finish the regular season strong. Here’s a look at some schools that are igniting in key moments.

Pittsburgh

The No. 1-ranked squad for the majority of the 2024 NCAA volleyball season, the Pittsburgh Panthers could not feel better about the state of things as they wrap up regular season business and look to the tournament. The Panthers have proven themselves to be a gritty and formidable team this season, with one loss coming against now No. 10 Southern Methodist University. Since then, Pittsburgh has earned their 23nd sweep of the season. Rightside hitter Olivia Babcock leads the team, but multiple All-Americans surround her. Pitt remains at the top of the national rankings for hitting percentage, opponent hitting percentage, aces per set, blocks per set, and assists per set.

At this rate, it looks like Pittsburgh could make their fourth consecutive final four.

Nebraska

The No. 2 ranked team is looking strong, especially after sweeping No. 6 Wisconsin twice. Nebraska, a force of Big Ten dominance, will likely win at least a share of the Big Ten Title. The Huskers’ success continues to be fueled by outside hitter Harper Murray, setter Bergan Riley, and libero Lexi Rodriguez. Rodriguez is one of the best ever to wear the jersey at Nebraska.

Wisconsin

The No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers defeated the No. 16 Minnesota Gophers in a dramatic five-set thriller that showed their growth since the last time the two teams met when Minnesota won in five sets. Unfortunately for Wisconsin, later in the week, Nebraska swept them for the second time this season, proving they still need to improve to make a deep run. Leading the team is outside hitter Sarah Franklin, the reigning AVCA National Player of the Year.

Arizona State

No. 9 Arizona State has 17 sweeps this season, including 14 in their conference, the Big 12. To tell you what that means to the Arizona State squad –the sweeps are the second most in a single season in team history, per SunDevils.com. Additionally, the team’s 14 conference wins tie them for the most conference wins in a single season in their team’s history.

Arizona State has gradually moved up and stayed on top this season due to the likes of their defense. Graduate middle blockers Savannah Kjolhede and Claire Jeter have been key in the “block party.” The Sun Devils have clinched at least a share of the Big 12 title.

Kentucky

Unlike Arizona State, a team that soared to the top with its defensive skills, the offensive prowess of No. 12 Kentucky has kept the team buoyant. Their offensive strength comes from sophomore Brooklyn DeLeye and freshman Asia Thigpen. Kentucky still has one Top 25 team to take on – Missouri, ranked No. 25. After that, they’ll see if they can keep cruising upward in the postseason.

Missouri

Coming in at No. 25, Missouri just eked its way into the Top 25 list for the second week in a row. While only fourth in the SEC standings, Missouri ranks first in league action for assists (13.69 assists/set, 671) and kills (14.43 kills/set, 707). Taking on Kentucky will be a big challenge for Mizzou. Still, they’ll rely on setter Marina Crownover, the attacking strength of outside hitter Mychael Vernon, and Colleen Finney’s defensive formidability to finish strong and make a postseason run.