The Gophers volleyball team validated its No. 1 national ranking by beating No. 5 Texas 25-21, 25-27, 26-24, 25-19 on Friday night in the American Campus Classic in Austin, Texas. With the win, Minnesota improved to 8-0 and won the four-team tournament.

Freshman Stephanie Samedy led the Gophers with 22 kills, Alexis Hart had 14 and Jasmyn Martin 11.

Minnesota outhit the Longhorns (.264 to .202), outblocked them (12-9) and outdug them (58-54).

The Longhorns, who opened the season as the nation’s No. 1 team in the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s poll, fell to 6-2. They had won six in a row since a season-opening 3-1 loss at Florida.

Concordia wins

Concordia (St. Paul), ranked No. 1 in Division II volleyball, defeated No. 3 Lewis 17-25, 25-22, 25-11, 25-18 in the Colorado Premier Challenge in Denver. The Golden Bears (6-0) hit just .161 but held Lewis to .063, including a negative percentage in the final two sets.

Brooklyn Lewis had a career-high 17 kills to lead Concordia, plus three blocks. Mariya Simpson added 12 kills and hit .333.

• In Division III, St. Thomas upset No. 2 Northwestern (St. Paul) 28-26, 25-23, 25-21 in the Augsburg Invitation. Ellie Etzell had 12 kills for the Tommies.