Nebraska Dominates LIU with Stellar Middle Blockers Performance
Nebraska’s volleyball team showcased a stellar performance in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, defeating Long Island University (LIU) with a decisive score of 25-11, 25-15, 25-17. The match, held in front of 8,656 fans at the Devaney Center, marked a significant milestone for the Huskers.
Nebraska’s Dominance in the Match
Ranked No. 1 nationally, Nebraska improved its season record to 31-0, setting a rally-scoring postseason school record with an impressive hitting percentage of .476. The team recorded 47 kills while committing only eight hitting errors throughout the match.
- Top Performers
- Rebekah Allick: 10 kills on 12 swings (.750 hitting percentage)
- Andi Jackson: 10 kills on 12 swings (.833 hitting percentage)
- Manaia Ogbechie: 3 kills on 5 attacks
- Assists and Digs
- Bergen Reilly: 39 assists and 11 digs
- Olivia Mauch: 11 digs
Jackson’s hitting percentage of .833 set a new record for the best postseason performance by a Nebraska player, eclipsing the previous record of .824 set in 2014. Allick’s performance would have also broken the three-set record from 2003.
Coach’s Strategy and Team’s Future
Nebraska’s head coach, Dani Busboom Kelly, emphasized the importance of giving all 14 players on the roster a chance to play. She believed it would help them gain experience in high-pressure situations as they progress through the tournament.
Confidence is high among the players, especially as they move past the first round. Jackson remarked on the team’s readiness and emphasized their work ethic throughout the season, stating, “Every single game, we just continue to get better.”
Upcoming Challenges
Nebraska will face Kansas State in the next round after Kansas State achieved a hard-fought victory over No. 8 seed San Diego, coming back to win 21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12. This matchup promises to be competitive, as Kansas State also boasts strong performances, including a standout game from freshman Shaylee Myers with 26 kills and a .328 hitting percentage.
As the tournament progresses, Nebraska’s fans and the team look forward to their next challenge against Kansas State, a match underscored by regional connections and the intensity of postseason competition.
