Harper Murray, Ally Batenhorst Recalled Heartbreaking Volleyball Memory Before Nebraska Alumni Game

“It feels like home here,” said an emotional Ally Batenhorst when she returned to play at the “Bob” following her move to USC in her final collegiate season. Her adoration for her former camp was unsurprising, given all the memories and emphatic moments she had with her ex-teammates. However, she’s also had plenty of heartbreaking things that forged an everlasting bond between Batenhorst and the likes of Harper Murray.

Ally and several other Husker alums returned to the Lincoln campus to take on Murray & Co. in the inaugural Alumni Match on Saturday. While the reunion of the former teammates was sweet, the ex-Nebraska opposite hitter also couldn’t forget how she and Harper experienced one of their toughest on-court moments together.

In an Instagram post from August 16, Batenhorst and Murray could be heard reminiscing about their 2023 NCAA Championship Final loss to Texas. “I feel like I’m literally back in college right now. Getting ready for a game day in Devaney. I never thought I would play in Devaney again,” said a grinning Batenhorst as Murray, her opponent for the night, helped the former with her hairdo. Right after that, Batenhorst displayed the special souvenir she brought for the match.

“I brought my red hair tie. This is the one we wore in the natty,” Ally showed the red ribbon she used at the 2023 NCAA Final match, which Murray was quick to label as “Bad juju“. “I should have burned it. I literally still have the TikTok of our get ready with me for the championship. We never posted it,” said Batenhorst, while Murray added, “We were so hyped. It was so inspiring too. It was the way that because we were so convinced we were going to win.” The current team member admitted that the loss made sure that she and Batenhorst were “trauma bonded for life.”

The story is developing