Marquette Volleyball Preview: Big East Showdown vs Xavier & Butler - NCAA Tournament Hype! (2025)

Get ready for a volleyball showdown that could shape Marquette’s season—and this is where it gets intense. The Golden Eagles are gearing up for two critical Big East matches that aren’t just about climbing the standings; they’re about making a statement for the NCAA tournament. But here’s the twist: one of these opponents is currently ranked ahead of Marquette in the RPI, and the other could be a sneaky trap game. Let’s dive in.

First up, Marquette faces the Xavier Musketeers on Friday night. While it’s still early in Big East play, this game carries significant weight. Xavier sits at #33 in the RPI, just one spot above Marquette. Here’s the kicker: a win here would be Marquette’s most impressive victory of the season, surpassing even their earlier triumph over Florida, whose RPI has slipped to #38. But don’t think this is a guaranteed win—Xavier is no pushover. They’ve got a solid record and a few notable wins, though none as flashy as what Marquette could achieve by taking this match. And this is the part most people miss: the season finale is a rematch against Xavier in Cincinnati. Securing a win now could set the stage for a season sweep, which could be crucial come mid-November. Controversial take: Could this be the game that defines Marquette’s tournament resume? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Now, let’s talk about Butler. On paper, the Bulldogs might seem like an easier opponent with their 8-11 record and 1-5 Big East standing. But here’s where it gets tricky: Butler has players who can cause serious trouble if Marquette isn’t fully focused. Alaleh Tolliver, for instance, is a force to be reckoned with, ranking third in the Big East for kills per set. Bold prediction: If Marquette underestimates Butler, they could find themselves in a tighter match than expected. Remember, Marquette dropped sets last weekend to teams with far weaker records. Can they avoid a similar slip-up here? And this is the part most people miss: Butler’s struggles aren’t entirely their fault—their non-conference schedule didn’t prepare them for Big East heavyweights. Could this be the game where they turn things around?

Big East Match #8: vs Butler Bulldogs (8-11, 1-5 Big East)
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 6 PM Central
- Location: Al McGuire Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Streaming: ESPN+ (https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=9198623c-cb9d-4ae1-916a-8006d8372223)
- Live Stats: Stat Broadcast (https://stats.statbroadcast.com/mobile/?id=601453)
- Updates: Twitter @MarquetteVB (http://twitter.com/marquettevb)

Historical Context: Marquette holds a 22-9 all-time record against both Xavier and Butler, but recent history favors the Golden Eagles. They’ve won 12 straight against Xavier and haven’t lost to Butler at home since 2017. Still, past success doesn’t guarantee future results, especially with Xavier’s strong start this season and Butler’s potential to play spoiler.

Key Players to Watch:
- Xavier’s Emma Grace: Leads the Musketeers with 3.42 kills per set and a respectable .244 hitting percentage.
- Butler’s Alaleh Tolliver: A dominant force with nearly four kills per set, though her .226 hitting percentage leaves room for improvement.

Final Thoughts: These matches are more than just games—they’re opportunities for Marquette to solidify their standing in the Big East and boost their NCAA tournament chances. But with Xavier’s ranking and Butler’s potential to surprise, nothing is guaranteed. Thought-provoking question: Can Marquette handle the pressure and secure two wins, or will they stumble against an underdog? Share your predictions below!

Follow Anonymous Eagle on social media for more updates and insights. Let’s make this weekend one to remember!