Full Breakdown
Nebraska Volleyball Begins NCAA Tournament with Dominance
12/6/2025, 5:55:49 AM
Nebraska's Undefeated Season and Postseason Aspirations
The Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team, ranked No. 1 nationally, commenced its NCAA Tournament journey on December 5, 2025, after completing a perfect 30-0 regular season. The Huskers dominated the Big Ten Conference, finishing with a 20-0 record and dropping only one set throughout the season. This remarkable performance has set high expectations for the team, which aims to secure its sixth national championship.
Consistency and Leadership Under Pressure
Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, in her first year, emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency as the team enters the postseason. “The stress is heightened, your emotions are heightened, but it’s still just volleyball,” she stated, reinforcing that the strategies that led to their success would remain unchanged. The Huskers' leadership, particularly from junior setter Bergen Reilly, who was named Big Ten Player of the Year, has been pivotal. Reilly's ability to direct the offense, which has a national-leading hitting percentage, is crucial as the team faces new challenges in the tournament.
Match Overview: Nebraska vs. Long Island University
In their opening match against Long Island University (LIU), the Huskers showcased their dominance, winning in straight sets: 25-11, 25-15, and 25-17. Nebraska's offensive prowess was evident as they hit an impressive .476 for the match, with middle blockers Andi Jackson and Rebekah Allick each contributing 10 kills and maintaining high hitting percentages. Defensively, the Huskers limited LIU to a mere .094 hitting percentage, underscoring their elite defensive capabilities.
Long Island's Journey and Challenges
LIU entered the tournament with a 20-8 record, having won the Northeast Conference championship. Despite their recent success, they struggled against Nebraska's formidable lineup. The Sharks' standout player, Sara van Gisteren, who averaged 3.92 kills per set, was unable to make a significant impact against the Huskers' defense. Nebraska's home-court advantage, combined with their extensive experience in high-pressure situations, proved too much for LIU.
Official Statements and Team Sentiment
Busboom Kelly expressed confidence in her team's approach, stating, “We want to enjoy it and continue to max each other out.” This sentiment was echoed by players, who emphasized the importance of celebrating small victories while keeping their focus on the ultimate goal of winning the championship. The team aims to embrace the journey ahead, regardless of the outcome.
What's Next for Nebraska
Following their victory over LIU, Nebraska will face the winner of the match between San Diego and Kansas State on December 6, 2025. The Huskers are determined to continue their pursuit of a national title, leveraging their undefeated season and strong team dynamics as they advance through the tournament.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The stress is heightened, your emotions are heightened, but it’s still just volleyball,” — Dani Busboom Kelly, Head Coach
- “I think that’s a great mentality to have going into the tournament, that we really want to soak up these next hopefully three weeks together. You don’t want to wish them away or be stressed about them. We want to enjoy it and continue to max each other out.” — Dani Busboom Kelly, Head Coach
- “I think our messaging is going to be consistent to what its been the whole year.” — Dani Busboom Kelly, Head Coach
Nebraska's strong start in the NCAA Tournament reflects their preparation and resilience, setting the stage for what they hope will be a championship run.
