Nebraska Volleyball Clinches 24th Straight Win, Defeats Northwestern in Thrilling Battle
Published: November 9, 2023
Lincoln, NE – In a Big Ten volleyball season filled with heavyweight clashes, the number one-ranked Nebraska volleyball Cornhuskers managed to fend off a spirited challenge from Northwestern, securing a hard-earned victory in a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The final scoreline read 28-26, 24-26, 25-11, 25-20 in favor of Nebraska, underscoring their dominance in the Big Ten.
Nebraska vs Northwestern Volleyball Summary
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | 28-26, 24-26, 25-11, 25-20 (Nebraska) |
| Nebraska’s Record | 15-0 in Big Ten, 24-match winning streak |
| Northwestern’s Record | Struggles with third consecutive loss |
| Key Players | Harper Murray (13 kills), Merritt Beason (13 kills), Andi Jackson (8 kills), Bekka Allick (11 kills) |
| Serving | Laney Choboy with 2 aces |
| Defensive Effort | 13 blocks for the match, led by Allick (7 blocks) |
| Coach’s Praise | Coach John Cook praises middles for adapting to Northwestern’s offense |
| Resilience | Nebraska shows composure after losing second set, dominates third set |
| Julia Sangiacomo | 16 kills, .167 hitting percentage for Northwestern |
| Turnaround | Nebraska makes a decisive turnaround in the first set, wins 28-26 |
| Next Steps | Nebraska aims for a perfect season and a national championship |
Nebraska Volleyball Clinches Leads Big Ten Standings
With this win, Nebraska extends its winning streak to 24 matches, establishing the fourth-longest winning streak to start a season in the NCAA era. The Cornhuskers maintain their pole position in the Big Ten standings with a perfect 15-0 record, closely followed by Wisconsin at 13-1.
Northwestern’s Struggle Continues
Northwestern, despite a valiant effort, suffered their third consecutive loss in a row. Their recent defeats came at the hands of Illinois, Minnesota, and now Nebraska volleyball. The Cornhuskers have now won 16 consecutive matches in their head-to-head series against Northwestern.
Stellar Performances by Husker Stars
Freshman Harper Murray and junior Merritt Beason shone for the Huskers, both contributing 13 kills apiece. Nebraska’s middle blockers, Andi Jackson and Bekka Allick, displayed outstanding performances with Jackson amassing eight kills and Allick recording 11 kills, including the match-clinching point. Allick impressed with a hitting percentage of .562.
Freshman Laney Choboy showcased her serving prowess, contributing two of Nebraska’s four aces in the match.
Dominant Defensive Effort
In a display of exceptional defense, Nebraska volleyball recorded nine blocks in the final two sets, totaling 13 blocks for the match. Allick led the blocking effort with seven blocks, Jackson contributed six, and setter Bergen Reilly added five.
Coach John Cook praised the middles for their ability to adapt to Northwestern’s strong middle offense. Their adjustments played a crucial role in securing the victory.
Maintaining Composure
After losing a hard-fought second set, Nebraska showed resilience and composure. The Huskers did not panic and instead rallied together, displaying their trademark Husker volleyball Shoe style. Their unwavering focus paid off, leading to a dominant 25-11 victory in the third set.
Julia Sangiacomo’s Impact
Northwestern’s 6-foot-5 outside hitter, Julia Sangiacomo, made a significant impact after missing their earlier matchup. Sangiacomo showcased her prowess with 16 kills and, although challenging to contain at times, finished with a .167 hitting percentage.
Nebraska’s Turnaround
The first set had its share of challenges for Nebraska volleyball, with Northwestern taking a late lead at 20-17. However, Nebraska made a decisive turnaround, winning the set 28-26 with key plays from Beason, Allick, and Murray.
In the second set, Northwestern demonstrated resilience, winning six of the last seven points to claim a 26-24 victory.
Clinching the Victory
Nebraska finished the match in style with a strong performance in the fourth set, ultimately sealing their 24th consecutive victory.
Looking Forward
As the Cornhuskers continue their quest for a perfect season, they have their sights set on more challenges and, ultimately, a national championship. The volleyball world eagerly awaits their next matchups, which promise to be filled with excitement and intensity.
