The third-ranked Nebraska volleyball team secured their place in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament with a hard-fought victory over the 23rd-ranked Dayton Flyers on Friday night. The match, held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, showcased exceptional performances from key players, particularly Harper Murray, who delivered a career-high 22 kills.
The final score reflected Nebraska's tenacity and skill, with the Huskers taking the match 25-17, 25-18, 25-27, 25-13. The night was not without its challenges, especially during the third set where the Flyers pushed back strongly, but Nebraska’s resolve shone through.
Coach John Cook praised Murray's performance, stating, “We were not in a great rhythm, and it just felt really choppy, and I just thought Harper took over the match. It was pretty cool to watch.” Murray’s 22 kills not only marked a personal best but also tied the most ever by a Husker in either three or four-set NCAA Tournament matches during the rally-scoring era.
Despite the victory, the match was marked by moments where Nebraska struggled to find their rhythm. Dayton's outside hitter Lexie Almodovar made her presence felt, especially during the third set when she recorded 12 kills, bringing her total for the match to 20. She single-handedly gave Dayton life, showcasing remarkable skill for her height at 5-foot-8.
The initial sets saw Nebraska take control, with Murray delivering strong serves and effective hits. Set one ended at 25-17 followed by set two at 25-18, but the third set marked the first NCAA Tournament set loss for Nebraska this season. Cook noted the importance of winning even when it’s not pretty, saying, “You don’t play six perfect matches in the tournament... there’s going to be times when it’s ugly and you got to win ugly and fight through it.”
The Huskers displayed impressive defense, holding Dayton to just 39 total kills and limiting their attack percentage to .087, the first time the Flyers had been held under .100 since August 2022. Nebraska, on the other hand, recorded 11 blocks, with Jackson leading the way with seven.
On the offensive side, Nebraska showcased their depth with contributions from Rebekah Alick, who tallied 10 kills; Taylor Landfair and Andi Jackson each added eight. Lexi Rodriguez shined defensively, matching her season high with 22 digs, adding to Nebraska’s established reputation for defensive strength.
Dayton started strong, initially leading 8-5 before Nebraska’s counterattack took hold. After some back-and-forth, the Huskers finally secured the lead at 14-13, powered by Murray's relentless energy. Even with Nebraska losing steam at times, the team managed to close the match decisively, ending the fourth set at 25-13.
What’s Next? On Sunday, the Huskers will face off against No. 7 Wisconsin, another epic showdown as this will be their third meeting of the season. Having swept Wisconsin twice already, the stakes are higher than ever for this fierce rivalry.
Murray, reflecting on her performance, emphasized the collective effort of the team. “I think instead of thinking, ‘I need this kill so I can get another kill on my stats,’ it’s more so ‘I need another point for my team so we can get another run.’” Her mindset embodies the spirit Nebraska relies on as they strive for another Final Four appearance.
For fans of Nebraska volleyball, Friday night was yet another reminder of the Huskers’ determination and resilience. With the season on the line, the team demonstrated exactly why they have cemented their place among the nation's elite volleyball programs.
Looking forward, the upcoming match against Wisconsin promises to bring excitement and intensity, as both teams aim for the coveted spot in the Final Four. Nebraska’s experience and talent will be put to the test, making for a thrilling showdown exciting for fans and players alike.