California Golden Bears

(24-7, 12-6 Pac-10)

What they bring: The Golden Bears’ offense is centered around their outside hitters, both of which average over four kills per game. Angie Pressey and Hana Cutura are different types of players at 5-feet-8-inches and 6-3, respectively, but they form a formidable duo and also contribute to a team that is ranked third in blocking at 3.75 blocks per game.

Question: California’s block has often covered for a somewhat lackluster ability to dig balls out. The Golden Bears also tend to set Cutura and Pressey more than their other hitters because they have more than 350 more attacks than anyone else on the entire team.

First and second round: 3-1 over Liberty and 3-1 over Duke in Durham, N.C.

Key Wins: Minnesota (3-0), Santa Clara (3-0), Oregon (3-1, 3-0), UCLA (3-2)

Key Players: OH Hana Cutura (4.12 kills per game, .240 hitting percentage, .31 service aces per game), and OH Angie Pressey (4.08 kills per game, .279 hitting percentage, 2.72 digs per game)

Nebraska Cornhuskers

(29-1, 19-1 Big 12)

What they bring: Nebraska is the defending NCAA Champion and returns nearly everyone from that team. The Cornhuskers are tough both offensively and defensively, leading the Big 12 in kills and opponents’ hitting percentage. The team keys on the opposite hitter Sarah Pavan, reigning national player of the year, who is averaging 4.95 kills per game. All-American setter Rachel Holloway can look for Tracy Stalls, who is hitting .471 out of the middle.

Question: Nebraska has struggled with its block at times and Christina Houghtelling, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, has been bothered by back spasms and is questionable for this weekend. Freshman Tara Mueller has been playing in her place.

First and second round: 3-0 over South Dakota St. and Wichita St. in Lincoln, Neb.

Key Wins: Texas (3-0), Penn St. (3-0), UCLA (3-1), Cal Poly (3-0), Kansas St. (3-0, 3-2)

Key players: OPP Sarah Pavan (4.95 kpg, .356 hitting percentage, .58 sapg), and OH Houghtelling (3.15 kpg, .311 hitting percentage, 4.02 dpg)

Michigan State Spartans

(21-13, 10-10 Big Ten)

What they bring: The Spartans came into the tournament hot and have continued that strong play, winning their fourth and fifth matches in a row last weekend. Similar to California, the Spartans rely heavily on their outside hitters, Ashley Schatzle and Katie Johnson, who are both very close to the top of the Big Ten in kills.

Question: Similar to their round-of-16 opponent, Michigan State can struggle to block at times and its offensive balance is not great, with their outside hitters having 600 more attacks than anyone else on the team.

First and second round: 3-0 over Kentucky and Dayton in Dayton, Ohio

Good Wins: Wisconsin (3-1), Minnesota (3-0), Ohio St. (3-0), Michigan (3-1)

Key Players: OH Ashley Schatzle (4.55 kpg, .261 hitting percentage, 3.01 dpg), and OH Katie Johnson (4.51 kpg, .32 sapg)