Full Breakdown
Nebraska Volleyball Triumphs Over UCLA in Record-Setting Match
11/15/2025, 9:11:18 PM
Match Overview: Nebraska vs. UCLA
On November 14, 2025, the No. 1 Nebraska Cornhuskers women's volleyball team secured a 3-1 victory against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. The match, attended by a record crowd of 10,498, marked the largest attendance for a women's volleyball event at the venue, surpassing the previous record of 7,216. The set scores were 25-17, 25-23, 19-25, and 25-15, allowing Nebraska to maintain its undefeated season record at 25-0 and 15-0 in Big Ten play, while UCLA fell to 14-11 overall and 8-7 in conference play.
Key Performers and Statistics
Nebraska's offense was led by junior middle blocker Andi Jackson, who recorded 15 kills with an impressive .625 hitting percentage. Outside hitter Harper Murray contributed 14 kills, and middle blocker Rebekah Allick added 13 kills and seven blocks. Setter Bergen Reilly facilitated the offense with 34 assists and 11 digs, achieving her sixth double-double of the season. The Huskers finished the match with a hitting percentage of .299, while UCLA managed a .221 hitting percentage. Notably, UCLA's Maggie Li excelled with a season-high 20 kills, marking a significant challenge for Nebraska's defense.
Match Highlights
In the first set, Nebraska established dominance early, leading 10-6 after a 7-1 run. The Huskers maintained control, closing the set at 25-17 while limiting UCLA to a .000 hitting percentage. The second set was more competitive, with UCLA initially leading 10-5. However, Nebraska rallied to take the set 25-23, showcasing resilience under pressure. The third set saw UCLA break Nebraska's streak of 48 consecutive sets won, as they capitalized on a late 5-0 run to win 25-19. In the decisive fourth set, Nebraska regained its momentum, dominating with a 25-15 finish.
Official Statements & Responses
Nebraska head coach Dani Busboom Kelly noted the importance of facing adversity, stating, “It was good for us to get tested, and then I thought we delivered... It’s great to see them do that under pressure.” Jackson echoed this sentiment, expressing relief at shedding the pressure of the winning streak, which allowed the team to play more freely.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, Nebraska's performance revealed areas for improvement, particularly in their offensive execution. The team struggled with set locations at times, leading to missed opportunities. UCLA's libero, Lola Schumacher, highlighted the Bruins' defensive efforts, stating, “We played a ton of defense today... it’s a rare event to outdig Nebraska.” This match marked the first time this season that Nebraska was outdug, with UCLA recording 59 digs compared to Nebraska's 48.
What's Next
Following this match, Nebraska will face the No. 17 USC Trojans on November 16, 2025. USC has been on a winning streak, making this upcoming match a significant test for the Huskers as they continue their pursuit of an undefeated season and a potential national championship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was good for us to get tested, and then I thought we delivered,” — Dani Busboom Kelly, Head Coach, Nebraska
- “We all agree that it was really good for our team.” — Andi Jackson, Middle Blocker, Nebraska
This match not only showcased Nebraska's resilience and skill but also highlighted the growing popularity and competitive nature of women's college volleyball, as evidenced by the record-setting attendance at Pauley Pavilion.
