The Nebraska Huskers showcased their dominance in college volleyball with a convincing 3-0 victory over South Dakota State on Wednesday night. The match, held at the First Bank & Trust Arena in Brookings, South Dakota, drew a record crowd of 5,113 fans, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for the sport in the region.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the Huskers faced a moment of concern when senior middle blocker Andi Jackson suffered an injury during the game. While attempting to block a shot, Jackson tangled her feet with Teraya Sigler's, leading to an awkward landing that left her limping on the court. Fortunately, Jackson was able to walk off the court under her own power and later reassured fans that her injury was not serious. Nebraska head coach Dani Busboom Kelly confirmed in her post-match comments that Jackson merely rolled her ankle and would likely be fine.
Leading the charge for Nebraska was All-American senior setter Bergen Reilly, who dazzled the crowd with her performance. Reilly, who hails from nearby Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recorded an impressive 32 assists, five digs, three kills, two blocks, and an ace. Her serving prowess was evident as she helped the Huskers establish a commanding lead in the first set, running off five consecutive points to put Nebraska ahead 20-13.
The match was not without its challenges. The second set proved to be competitive, with the Jacks managing an 8-2 run to take a brief lead at 12-11. However, Nebraska's libero Olivia Mauch stepped up, delivering an ace that sparked a five-point run, allowing the Huskers to regain control and finish the set 25-20.
In the third set, Nebraska's depth became a significant factor. Sophomore middle blocker Kenna Cogill and freshman outside hitter Gabby DiVita contributed key plays, including a pivotal ace from DiVita that helped the Huskers to an 11-7 lead. The team capitalized on the momentum, ultimately winning the set 25-15. Notably, all but two players on the Nebraska roster saw action in the match, highlighting the team's depth and versatility.
Coach Busboom Kelly expressed her satisfaction with the team's performance, despite acknowledging some areas for improvement. The Huskers recorded a hitting percentage of .267 but also faced challenges with 14 hitting errors and 13 serving miscues. Kelly noted that many players were serving for the first time this season, which contributed to the errors, but emphasized the need for greater focus moving forward.
As the Huskers continue their season, they will look to build on this victory. Their next match is scheduled against DePaul on Friday, where they aim to maintain their momentum and improve their overall performance. With a record of 3-0, Nebraska is poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming matches of the season.
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