The Lincoln crowd buzzed with energy as the Nebraska Cornhuskers faced off against the Dayton Flyers on Friday night, December 13, 2024, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. This pivotal match, part of the NCAA Women's Volleyball Tournament, saw the third-ranked Huskers take on the 23rd-ranked Flyers for a spot in the Elite Eight.
With Nebraska holding home-court advantage, having swept Florida A&M and Miami to reach the regional semifinals, the stakes were high. The Huskers showcased their formidable prowess on the court, boasting a remarkable 25-match win streak since early September and aiming to extend their record of most NCAA regional appearances, now at 40. Their support system was strong, with the venue echoing with cheers from their loyal fans.
The matchup began dramatically, with Nebraska quickly establishing dominance. The first set ended with Nebraska clinching it 25-17, courtesy of Harper Murray’s impressive kills. Murray proved pivotal throughout the match, consistently pushing through Dayton's defense. "Harper Murray has been excellent tonight," reported KOLN, underscoring her contributions as she finished with 33 kills overall, marking her career-high performance.
On the other hand, Dayton fought hard, demonstrating resilience. Despite losing the first two sets 25-17 and 25-18, the Flyers refused to back down. Key player Lexie Almodovar made notable strides; she had recorded 34 kills against Baylor just the week before, showcasing her capability to lead the Flyers. The atmosphere intensified, particularly during the third set as Dayton took the lead, with Almodovar leading the charge. The Flyers pulled off a surprising 27-25 win to keep their tournament dreams alive.
The fourth set, now the deciding moment of this tense encounter, witnessed Nebraska’s determination to finish strong. Right out of the gate, they surged to an early lead, grabbing the momentum with major contributions from Rebekah Allick and Andi Jackson as they combined for several blocks and kills. "The crowd is getting behind the Huskers," one fan exclaimed, echoing the sentiment of many who watched as Nebraska built their lead to 21-9.
Dayton’s Alyssa Miller, continuing her efforts after struggling with injuries earlier, valiantly returned to action, albeit visibly limited. The determination was palpable, but it became evident as the set progressed; Nebraska's overpowering offense and strategic plays overwhelmed the Flyers. Recognizing the challenge before them, each team remained steadfast. A spirited exchange of service errors and kills marked the tension, reflecting the stakes on the court.
Despite Dayton's best efforts and Almodovar’s impressive spikes, Nebraska finally sealed the match with a powerful finish. The home team triumphed, winning the fourth set 25-14 and advancing to battle the No. 2-seed Wisconsin team next.
The victory illustrated Nebraska's proficiency as they secured their 40th appearance at the NCAA Regionals, extending their match win streak. The Huskers now face exciting possibilities, gearing up for a shot at their second consecutive Final Four appearance this coming Sunday.
Overall, it was not just another match; it was solid validation of Nebraska's standing as elite competitors within the NCAA arena, showcasing athletes' skill, preparation, and teamwork. Both teams, especially Dayton, have set new benchmarks for their programs, remaining proud representatives of their respective university’s athletic traditions.
