In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team swept the Penn State Nittany Lions with a decisive score of 25-6, 25-15, 25-13 at Rec Hall. This match marked a significant low for Penn State, with the six points in the first set being the fewest recorded in a rally scoring set since 2001. The previous low was nine points, which occurred twice last season.
Nebraska’s Dominance
The Cornhuskers showcased their stunning performance by achieving a season-high hitting percentage of .437. In contrast, Penn State struggled dramatically, hitting at -.114, which is the second-lowest by a Nebraska opponent since 2001. This match also recorded a program low for the Nittany Lions, tallying only 34 points in total.
Key Players and Stats
- Bergen Reilly: 26 assists, 8 digs, 3 blocks
- Rebekah Allick: 9 kills at .615 hitting percentage, 4 blocks
- Virginia Adriano: 8 kills on 11 swings
- Andi Jackson and Harper Murray: 6 kills each
- Taylor Landfair: 5 kills on 9 swings
- Penn State’s Kennedy Martin: 11 kills
Junior setter Bergen Reilly significantly influenced the game’s tempo with her early sets, establishing a rhythm for her teammates. The Huskers never trailed after the first two points were scored.
A Game of Rivals
Before the match, the Huskers were eager to avenge their losses from the previous year against the 16th-ranked Nittany Lions. Nebraska had lost to Penn State twice last year, including in a five-set national semifinal. Coach Dani Busboom Kelly emphasized her team’s focus and preparation throughout the week leading up to the match.
Service Pressure
Nebraska’s service game further pressured the Nittany Lions. Following a quick side out by Penn State, the Huskers maintained runs of four or more points consistently. Olivia Mauch and Adriano led these scoring streaks, with Mauch achieving a 5-0 run and Adriano a 6-0 run.
Penn State’s Struggles
Penn State’s offensive performance fell short, as they hit negative in two of the three sets. Notably, Martin was the standout for the Nittany Lions, but the team failed to find solutions against Nebraska’s strong defense.
Next Steps for Nebraska
With this impressive victory, Nebraska improved to 13-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. The team will next face off against Rutgers, who recently defeated Maryland in four sets. However, the Huskers will take a moment to celebrate their significant win over a rival opponent.
