LINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 3 Nebraska volleyball team has secured its spot in the NCAA Semifinals following a commanding 3-0 sweep of No. 7 Wisconsin during the regional final held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Sunday. A spirited crowd of 8,743 cheered as the Huskers won their third consecutive match against the Badgers this season, triumphing with set scores of 26-24, 25-17, and 25-21.
The match proved to be competitive before Nebraska, under head coach John Cook, asserted its dominance. After narrowly winning the first set, they surged through the next two to close out the match effectively. Nebraska's victory not only secures their advancement to the national semifinals but marks their seventh appearance out of the last ten seasons.
Taylor Landfair led the Huskers with 13 kills, demonstrating her powerful attacking ability throughout the match. Andi Jackson and Harper Murray contributed significantly as well, registering 10 kills each. The Nebraska offense played cohesively, hitting .210 for the match, with Landfair's effort proving particularly impactful.
Defensively, Nebraska was once again outstanding, holding Wisconsin to just .126 hitting percentage and out-blocking them 12 to 9. Lexi Rodriguez anchored the defense with 17 digs and was supported by Murray, who tallied another 12 digs, contributing to her double-double.
Each set unfolded with its challenges. The first set saw the Badgers take the lead at various points, with Nebraska recovering to force boasts and lead by three points at 21-16, after which Wisconsin made its push, tying the score at 24-24. A service error by the Badgers followed by Landfair's kill sealed the first set for Nebraska.
Set two saw Nebraska jump to an early lead, establishing control. An 8-2 start was pivotal as the Huskers capitalized on multiple attacking plays, which helped them secure the set convincingly.
The third set showcased a more tenacious Wisconsin team. They edged out to 15-11 at one point, but Nebraska countered back effectively. An 8-1 scoring run, sparked by Murray's kills, allowed Nebraska to regain the lead, demonstrating their resilience and teamwork. Back-to-back blocks capped off the match, signaling the Huskers' victory.
The postseason success continues as Nebraska now prepares to face the winner of the match between Penn State and Creighton next Thursday, deepening the excitement within their fan base and solidifying their status as national contenders.
With this victory, Nebraska reached its 18th NCAA semifinal, proving its historical prowess within the tournament. The team’s recent performance reflects their intense work ethic and strategic game plan, attributed to Cook's 25 seasons of leadership.
The win not only marks significant progress for the team but also sets the stage for potential redemption as Nebraska aims for the championship following their previous season’s setback.
Post-match acknowledgments also recognized the standout performances throughout the tournament. Harper Murray was awarded the Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player, highlighting her significant contributions to Nebraska's victory.
All eyes are now glued to the upcoming matches as Nebraska looks to continue its march toward the NCAA Championship, buoyed by its home-court advantage and the unwavering support of Husker fans.
