3 keys and a prediction for Nebraska volleyball against Kentucky

It’s national championship or bust for the 2024 Nebraska volleyball team and that journey starts Tuesday night in the same building where the Huskers hope their season ends.

The KFC Yum Center in Louisville is hosting the first annual AVCA Showcase, which will feature top-10 matchups between Nebraska volleyball and Kentucky (7 PM EST, ESPN2), as well as Wisconsin and Louisville.

This is the first time this showcase has happened, but it won’t be the last. The KFC Yum Center in Louisville is also the Final Four host and Nebraska is seeking a third trip in four years.

The Huskers have played in two of the past three national championship matches and the quest to reach a third, and hopefully win it, begins with a challenging non-conference schedule.

Nebraska volleyball is No. 2. Kentucky is No. 9 and fresh off a trip to the Sweet 16. Here are three keys and a prediction.

Meet the moment

The Huskers were great at doing this last season. They won that epic 1-2 matchup against Wisconsin and advanced to the national title match without any seniors.

However, that performance was one Nebraska players will want to forget and this is their first match since that, on a pretty big stage.

Of course, every match is a big stage when you’re a Nebraska volleyball player, but Kentucky is legitimate and playing in their own backyard.

I’m certain there will be a huge Big Red contingent because there always is and while there was a ton of pressure on last year’s team, there will be more this season and I want to see how they handle it.

Errors can be costly in volleyball and as long as the Huskers avoid those, it’s hard to see them dropping this match.

Attack the block

Kentucky has a few question marks. The Wildcats lost their best hitter to Texas, but they have an All-American setter and a former Libero of the Year in the SEC.

The Wildcats also have four new middle blockers this season. That’s a huge question mark and I would expect Nebraska volleyball to take advantage.

Not only will the Huskers attack the middle with their exceptional hitters on the outside like Harper Murray and Merritt Beason, but Andi Jackson and Rebekah Allick could have bigger attacking roles.

Either way, that’s going to be a focal point for Nebraska volleyball tonight and setter Bergen Reilly will get a chance to test her newfound “freedom” in the offense right away.

Defense, defense, defense

Kentucky does have some solid attackers including SEC Freshman of the Year Brooklyn DeLeye, a 6-foot-2 sophomore who averaged 3.7 kills per set and nearly 400 kills last season.

Defending her will be important. Mostly, the Huskers just need to play defense like they normally do. It’s a huge reason why they are so tough to beat.

Nebraska has one of the best defensive backrows in the country. Lexi Rodriguez is elite and Laney Choboy is right there with her as a defensive specialist. Jackson seems poised for a breakout season and the defensive block for Nebraska volleyball should be even better and as long as the defense shows up, the Huskers will win.

Nebraska volleyball vs. Kentucky prediction

This could be considered a road match for the Huskers, but we know it won’t work out that way. Nebraska will be motivated and I’m sure they have waited to get the taste of the national title game out of their mouths.

They are on a big stage against a top-10 team. It doesn’t get better than that for a season opener and I think Nebraska makes a statement, winning the first two sets, before letting up a little in the third in a 3-1 win.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.