3 takeaways from Nebraska volleyball’s reverse sweep of Kentucky

It took a minute for the Nebraska volleyball team to flip the momentum on Sunday, but after dropping the first two sets, the Huskers completed their first reverse sweep since 2023 in a 3-2 win over seventh-ranked Kentucky (24-26, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 15-8).

After falling behind 0-2, Harper Murray took over. She was unstoppable in the third set, hitting over .800 to help Nebraska volleyball win 25-19. Andi Jackson put home the winning point in the third set, wrapping up a 25-23 win before a slew of Huskers contributed in the fifth set to a 15-8 win.

Jackson, Murray, Rebekah Allick, and Virginia Adriano all had key kills or blocks in the set, plus an incredible defensive play by Olivia Mauch, which led to a point.

With the talent on this team, it’s not all that surprising. This is the best team in college volleyball. Yet, the heart, courage, and determination shown during their comeback just confirmed it. Here are three takeaways from an epic comeback win by Nebraska volleyball.

This doesn’t happen without Harper Murray

If the Player of the Year award were being handed out today, it would go to Harper Murray. She sure looked like the No. 1 overall player that she was coming out of high school.

When the Huskers had their backs against the wall, Murray took over. She just wouldn’t be stopped. Whether it was on offense or defense, Murray was out of this world, finishing the match with 23 kills (.340), five blocks, 15 digs, and an ace.

When Murray plays like that, Nebraska volleyball is tough to beat. Nearly impossible.

Dani Busboom-Kelly changed things up

Some fans have been critical of DBK just sitting on the sideline during matches. Well, the Nebraska volleyball head coach didn’t do that on Sunday. After the Huskers fell behind 0-2, she swapped out Mauch in the libero spot for Laney Choboy. She also brought in Adriano at the opposite.

Mauch is a stellar passer and defensive player. She made an impact. The change gave Nebraska volleyball a spark. It was a bold change, and it paid off.

Defense saved the day

It’s easy to get caught up in the big swings, but Nebraska volleyball won this match because of defense. At the end of the first set and the second, Kentucky caught fire. It was enough to build a 2-0 lead.

However, Nebraska matched the Wildcats with 12 blocks, but had a 72-60 advantage on digs. The Wildcats also hit just .168 compared to .221 for Nebraska. Kentucky hit -.143 in the final set.

The block was much more effective. Mauch helped the defense settle in, and Nebraska volleyball proved to everyone why they are ranked No. 1.

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