The Bob Devaney Sports Center atmosphere this past Saturday night was nothing short of electric. A raucous crowd of over 8,500 filled the stands, hoping to witness the undefeated No. 2 Nebraska volleyball team protect their home court against fellow top-15 Big Ten rival Penn State. With first place in the conference standings on the line, the stakes couldn’t have been higher for the Huskers to keep their perfect season alive.

After three thrilling, back-and-forth sets, Nebraska emerged victorious to sweep the Nittany Lions 3-0. The Huskers needed clutch performances from key veterans and an inspired defensive effort to fend off a gritty Penn State team. Just how did Nebraska manage to stay unbeaten and continue their dominance?

Volleyball veteran attackers step up for balanced offense.

After three tightly contested sets, Nebraska emerged victorious 25-22, 25-22, 25-19 to sweep the Nittany Lions for the third match. The win extended the Huskers’ undefeated run to 17-0 overall and 8-0 in the Big Ten conference play. It also marked Nebraska’s seventh victory over a ranked opponent in their last 12 matches, showcasing the team’s depth and determination.

Nebraska relied on contributions from multiple players to extend their winning streak to 17 matches. Senior outside hitter Lindsay Krause matched her career-high with 13 kills while hitting an efficient .300. Fellow senior Merritt Beason also notched 13 terminations and led the blocking effort. Senior Harper Murray also contributed ten terminations on an efficient .455 hitting percentage.

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But the Huskers’ balance proved too much for Penn State to handle. Nebraska had four players record double-digit kills, distributing the offense effectively against a formidable Nittany Lion defense. “I’m proud of the balanced attack we showed tonight,” said Head Coach John Cook.

Stellar defense stymies Nittany Lions’ hitters

While Nebraska’s offense clicked on all cylinders, the defense set the tone by containing Penn State’s hitters. Anchored by libero Lexi Rodriguez’s 18 digs, the Huskers held Penn State to a meager .117 hitting percentage and 32 total kills. Middle blocker Andi Jackson was a force at the net with five blocks, disrupting the Nittany Lions’ rhythm. Nebraska’s ability to slow down Penn State’s Kaitlyn Hord and Serena Gray was a major factor in the sweep.

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“Different players stepped up in key moments to make big plays. That’s what it takes to beat talented teams like Penn State. Our defense really came through tonight,” Cook remarked. “Rodriguez and Jackson made big play after big play out there. Holding Penn State to under 20 points in all three sets was the key.” He continued.

The convincing sweep sets Nebraska up nicely as they hit the road to face No. 20 Northwestern on Wednesday, October 18, at 7 p.m. CDT. With the days going by, Nebraska knows they must bring their A-game each night as they pursue a conference crown. After the statement victory over Penn State, the Huskers seem poised to make a run at a national championship. But the target on their back continues to grow as they extend their winning ways. Can Nebraska keep the streak going as Big Ten play heats up?

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