Nebraska Overcomes Set Loss to Secure Victory
Nebraska’s volleyball team continues its strong season, overcoming a setback against UCLA to secure a hard-fought victory. This match ended the Huskers’ impressive streak of 48 consecutive set wins, which stretched back to September 16. In front of a record crowd of 10,498 at Pauley Pavilion, Nebraska triumphed with a final score of 25-17, 25-23, 19-25, 25-15.
Nebraska’s Perfect Season Continues
Despite the loss of their set streak, the Huskers maintain a perfect season record of 25-0. Coach Dani Busboom Kelly expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance under pressure during a postgame interview. She noted, “It was good for us to get tested, and then I thought we delivered,” highlighting the players’ ability to secure crucial points in high-pressure moments.
Match Highlights
- Key Players: Bergen Reilly led the team with 34 assists.
- Offensive Performance: Nebraska’s offensive game recorded a hitting percentage of .299, ending a 15-match streak of .300 or higher.
- Set Breakdown:
- First set: Nebraska led with a solid performance, finishing 25-17.
- Second set: After a back-and-forth battle, Nebraska edged out UCLA 25-23.
- Third set: The Huskers struggled as UCLA took advantage, winning 25-19.
- Fourth set: Nebraska bounced back strong to win 25-15.
UCLA’s Strong Challenge
UCLA, now with a record of 14-11, put up a determined fight. The Bruins’ libero, Lola Schumacher, topped the defensive stats with 17 digs, leading her team to outdug Nebraska for the first time this season. Maggie Li of UCLA was particularly effective, contributing 20 kills and pivotal points during critical phases of the match.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, Nebraska is set to face another challenging opponent, No. 17 USC, in a match scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. CST. Coach Busboom Kelly emphasized the toughness of USC, noting their young talent and strong serving skills.
The Huskers’ resilience in overcoming this recent setback will serve as valuable experience as they continue their season. Fans can follow Nebraska’s journey by staying updated through El-Balad and following dedicated sports coverage.
