Nebraska volleyball dominates NCAA tournament opener

Nebraska volleyball was expected to sweep Florida A&M on Friday night in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

But the 25-3 win in the opening set was still a head-turner and historic (the fewest ever in a set by Nebraska volleyball). Things didn’t really improve for the Rattlers as the second-ranked Huskers, who are a No.  1 seed in their region, notched a 3-0 to open the NCAA tournament by the scores of 25-3, 25-9, and 25-17.

The Homegrown girl calls game! 📞

👉 @lindsaykrause_ pic.twitter.com/n9je5yXDUf

— Nebraska Volleyball (@HuskerVB) December 7, 2024

Dominant defense for the Huskers

Nebraska is one of the best defensive volleyball teams in the country and the Huskers reminded us of that in the first two sets, allowing just 12 points to Florida A&M. The Rattlers hit negative in the first two sets and were barely above zero in the third.

The Huskers hit above .300 in all three sets. They hit .500 in the first led by Harper Murray who posted a match-high 12 kills (.440). Andi Jackson had eight kills and three blocks.

Bergen Reilly finished with 32 assists and 12 digs in the win. Lexi Rodriguez added 15 digs and freshman Olivia Mauch contributed with four aces.

Nebraska volleyball is 30-2 on the season. The Huskers ended the season as the co-Big Ten champs and were the national runner-up last season after a 3-0 loss to Texas in the national title game.

Nebraska was a young team and didn’t lose any seniors, only a few transfers. All five First-Team All-Big Ten selections were on the team last season and their mission is a national title.

They played like it on Friday night. Miami, which swept South Dakota State 3-0, will play Nebraska on Saturday night (7 PM CST, ESPN+) for a berth in the regional semifinal (round of 16).

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