Full Breakdown
Nebraska Volleyball Completes Historic Reverse Sweep Against Kentucky
9/1/2025, 9:56:17 PM
Match Overview: Nebraska's Comeback Victory
The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team achieved a remarkable comeback, defeating No. 7 Kentucky 3-2 at the Broadway Block Party in Nashville. After falling behind 0-2 in sets, the Huskers rallied to win the match with set scores of 24-26, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, and 15-8, improving their record to 4-0 for the season. This victory marked Nebraska's first reverse sweep since November 3, 2023, against Penn State.
Key Players and Contributions
Harper Murray was instrumental in the comeback, recording a career-high 23 kills with a hitting percentage of .340, along with 15 digs and five blocks. Middle blockers Rebekah Allick and Andi Jackson each contributed 10 kills, while setter Bergen Reilly provided 46 assists and led the team with 18 digs. Olivia Mauch, who switched to libero in the third set, made a significant impact on defense with 14 digs, helping stabilize the back row.
Kentucky's offense was spearheaded by Brooklyn DeLeye and Eva Hudson, who combined for 42 of the Wildcats' 59 kills. Despite their strong start, Kentucky struggled offensively in the final three sets, hitting just .168 for the match.
Strategic Adjustments
Nebraska's head coach, Dani Busboom Kelly, made crucial lineup changes after the second set, notably inserting Olivia Mauch as libero in place of Laney Choboy. This decision was pivotal, as Mauch's presence improved the team's defensive performance. Busboom Kelly emphasized the importance of trust in her coaching decisions, stating, “That’s the beauty of this team... we’re making the best decisions in the moment.”
In addition to the libero switch, Nebraska also adjusted its offensive strategy, focusing on back-row attacks that allowed Murray to excel. The team’s hitting percentage improved significantly in the third set, where they outperformed Kentucky with a .323 hitting percentage compared to the Wildcats' .105.
Match Dynamics
The match began with Kentucky taking control, winning the first two sets. Nebraska struggled with ball handling and passing, which allowed Kentucky to capitalize on their errors. However, the Huskers regrouped in the third set, taking advantage of Kentucky's mistakes and showcasing their depth and resilience.
The fourth set was tightly contested, with Nebraska managing to edge out Kentucky to force a decisive fifth set. In the final set, Nebraska established an early lead and maintained control, ultimately sealing the victory with a service ace from Mauch.
Official Statements & Responses
Post-match, Harper Murray reflected on the team's performance, stating, “We have to go back to us, go back to Nebraska volleyball... it was so fun and I’m really proud.” Coach Busboom Kelly praised the team's ability to adapt and emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving their comeback.
What's Next for Nebraska
Following this thrilling victory, Nebraska will host Wright State on September 5 and California on September 7 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The Huskers aim to build on their momentum as they continue their season.
Conclusion
Nebraska's ability to execute a reverse sweep against a top-ranked opponent highlights their resilience and depth. With strong performances from key players and effective strategic adjustments, the Huskers demonstrated their potential as a formidable force in collegiate volleyball.
