The Nebraska volleyball team continues to assert its dominance in the sport.
With only five sets dropped throughout the entirety of the Big Ten Conference season, the No. 2 Huskers are in formidable form—none of those losses came at the hands of Indiana on Saturday night.
Nebraska, boasting an impressive record of 26-1 (16-0 in Big Ten play), achieved a convincing sweep against Indiana, finishing the match with scores of 25-12, 25-17, and 25-19 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. This victory marks the Huskers’ 23rd consecutive win, solidifying their status as a top contender.
Throughout the match, Indiana struggled with attacking errors, committing more than double the amount registered by Nebraska (23-11). The Huskers dominated the match statistics, finishing with greater totals in kills (45-29), digs (49-43), and blocks (6-4). While Nebraska did concede three aces during the game, notably two in the third set, they managed to secure only one ace of their own.
Bergen Reilly continues to demonstrate exceptional control over the Huskers’ offensive plays, orchestrating effective attacks that undermine the defensive efforts of their opponents. She guided Nebraska to an impressive hitting percentage of .324, amassing a staggering 35 assists in the process.
Harper Murray was a standout performer, leading both teams with 10 kills while also making significant defensive contributions with eight digs and two blocks. Additionally, she provided the team with its sole ace in the match.
Nebraska is set to hit the road once again on Wednesday, where they will take on Iowa in what promises to be an exciting matchup. This contest in Iowa City is slated for a 6 p.m. CST start on B1G+.
Set 1: After an early 6-5 deficit, Nebraska unleashed a remarkable 12-0 run with Orr serving that propelled them to a commanding 17-6 lead. Landfair showcased her skills with three critical kills, while Allick and Reilly teamed up for three block assists. Back-to-back kills from Beason, accompanied by contributions from Allick and Murray, concluded the set with Nebraska securing a dominant 25-12 victory, holding Indiana to a dismal -.091 hitting percentage in the first set.
Set 2: The Huskers jumped to an early lead with a 6-1 run, establishing a 10-5 advantage. During this crucial stretch, Murray showcased her versatility with a kill and an ace. Despite the pressure, Nebraska held a narrow 12-7 lead until Indiana made a bold move, scoring five consecutive points to knot the match at 12-12. Nevertheless, Beason responded with a string of three power-packed kills, complemented by another from Murray, reclaiming a lead of 16-12 for the Huskers. As the set progressed, Jackson and Murray secured three more kills, leading to a 21-15 score. A block from Landfair and Jackson sealed the deal at 25-17.
Set 3: Krause opened the scoring for Nebraska with a powerful kill, and a subsequent 5-0 run highlighted by two kills from Murray and another from Jackson put Nebraska ahead solidly at 10-5. The Huskers continued to dominate, reaching a 15-8 lead at the media timeout thanks to quick kills from Jackson, Blackwell, and Murray. Krause contributed two more kills, guiding the Huskers to match point at 24-18, culminating the match with a final score of 25-19.
What strategies does Coach John Cook implement to maintain team consistency throughout the season?
**Interview with Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Coach Cook. The Nebraska volleyball team has been on an impressive streak, recently sweeping Indiana and extending your winning run to 23 matches. What do you think has been the key to this team’s success?
**Coach Cook**: Thanks for having me! I would say our consistency and depth have been pivotal. The players have truly bought into our system, and their execution in both offense and defense has improved remarkably. We focus on minimizing errors and controlling the match tempo, as we saw in our game against Indiana.
**Editor**: Speaking of errors, Indiana struggled with their attacking, committing 23 errors compared to your 11. How does your team prepare for such defensive dominance?
**Coach Cook**: Preparation is about more than just strategy; it’s a mindset. We emphasize the importance of communication and staying disciplined with our techniques. Bergen Reilly has done a fantastic job quarterbacking our offense, making sure we find and exploit opportunities while maintaining solid defensive transitions.
**Editor**: Individual performances seem to shine through as well. Harper Murray had a standout game with 10 kills and solid defensive play. How important is her role in the team’s dynamics?
**Coach Cook**: Harper is incredibly vital. Her ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes her a dual threat on the court. She’s a tremendous athlete, and her performances can really shift momentum in our favor. It’s exciting to see her develop and lead at such a young age.
**Editor**: Your impressive record of 26-1, including a perfect 16-0 in Big Ten play, is remarkable. As you prepare for your next match against Iowa, what are your main goals heading into that game?
**Coach Cook**: We want to maintain our focus and sharpness. Every match is different, and Iowa will bring their own challenges. We need to stay disciplined with our game plan, manage our errors, and keep that intensity throughout the match. I believe if we do those things, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win.
**Editor**: Thank you, Coach Cook. Best of luck in your upcoming match against Iowa!
**Coach Cook**: Thank you! We appreciate the support!
