The Nebraska volleyball team is set to take its first road trip of the season as they head to Nashville, Tennessee, for two highly anticipated matches against Lipscomb and the No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats. On Friday, the Huskers will clash with Lipscomb at 6 p.m. as part of the LUV Invitational, followed by an exciting face-off against Kentucky on Sunday at 11 a.m. Both matches promise to deliver high-stakes volleyball as Nebraska seeks to maintain its top ranking in the nation.
Match Details
Friday’s match versus Lipscomb will be available to stream on ESPN+, while Sunday’s showdown against Kentucky will be broadcast live on ABC. The call for the Kentucky match will feature a talented lineup including Courtney Lyle, Holly McPeak, Katie George, and Madison Fitzpatrick, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action. For those who prefer radio, all games will also be aired by the Huskers Radio Network.
Looking Ahead: Broadway Block Party
Nebraska will once again be part of the Broadway Block Party, slated to occur in 2025, where they will face off against Kentucky, among other matchups featuring Big Ten and SEC teams. This continuing rivalry underscores the significance of these early-season clashes and the need for both teams to assert their dominance on the national stage. Historically, the Huskers have been successful against Kentucky, winning the last 11 matchups, and they look to extend that streak.
Nebraska’s Strong Start
This season, Nebraska entered with momentum, becoming the first NCAA Division I women’s volleyball program to achieve 1,500 all-time wins after their opening victory against Pitt. Over the last five seasons, coach Dani Busboom Kelly has led the Huskers to a staggering .891 win percentage, the best among Division I coaches during that time. The team’s overall discipline and performance have shown improvement, notably in their solid hitting percentages.
In their early-season showcases, the Huskers faced ranked teams like Pitt and Stanford, managing to hit an impressive .294 and holding opponents to a mere .103 hitting percentage. Senior middle blocker Rebekah Allick is proving to be a key asset, not only displaying strong offensive play but also earning AVCA National Player of the Week honors. Additionally, junior setter Bergen Reilly continues to be a standout, achieving recognition as Big Ten Setter of the Week multiple times in her career.
Scouting Lipscomb and Kentucky
Lipscomb:
Last season, Lipscomb’s volleyball program achieved a 19-11 record and was picked as the favorite to win the Atlantic Sun this year. The Bison’s senior outside hitter Courtney Jones is a two-time All-ASUN selection and a formidable opponent, averaging 3.54 kills per set. Given Nebraska’s previous success against Lipscomb, the Huskers will likely look to exploit any weaknesses in their game.
Kentucky:
On the other hand, No. 7 Kentucky is coming off a strong 23-8 season and a trip to the NCAA regional finals. Their junior outside hitterBrooklyn DeLeye, the reigning SEC Player of the Year, is a force to reckon with, averaging 4.87 kills per set. Also noteworthy is the addition of Purdue transfer Eva Hudson who led her former conference in kills per set last year. The Wildcats will present a dynamic challenge for Nebraska; thus, both teams will need to strategize effectively to secure a victory.
Team Dynamics and Key Players
Nebraska’s team features several returning stars, including junior outside hitter Harper Murray, who has been a consistent scoring threat with her impressive average of 3.40 kills per set. Rebekah Allick has also emerged as a defensive powerhouse, ranking among the top in both blocks and hitting percentage across the Big Ten. The introduction of newcomers like freshman Campbell Flynn, the Gatorade National Player of the Year, adds depth to an already talented roster.
Under the guidance of Busboom Kelly—who has led the Huskers to new heights since her appointment—Nebraska continues to shine. Her experience as a former player and assistant coach for the program puts her in a unique position to mentor the current squad toward success.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Nebraska holds a notable 1-0 all-time record against Lipscomb and an impressive 12-2 record against Kentucky. The consistency in performance, along with a strong sense of team cohesion, lays the groundwork for potential victories in these matches.
As the Huskers begin their journey this weekend, they’ll aim to not only solidify their ranking but also continue their legacy as a powerful force in collegiate volleyball. Both matches in Nashville will serve as a litmus test for the team’s competitive spirit and readiness for the upcoming season.
With Nebraska’s home winning streak of 45 matches at the Devaney Center still alive, their performances on the road will be crucial in maintaining momentum and setting a tone for the rest of the season.
Conclusion
Overall, as Nebraska squares off against Lipscomb and Kentucky this weekend, fans can expect thrilling matchups filled with intensity and skill from both sides. The outcome of these games could have significant implications for the Huskers’ standing as the season progresses. With a combination of seasoned veterans and talented newcomers, Nebraska aims to extend its legacy this season. The spotlight is certainly on as both matches promise to be high-stakes elements of a young but promising season for the Huskers.
As the volleyball community keeps an eye on the results, one thing’s for sure: the spirited rivalry between Nebraska, Lipscomb, and Kentucky continues to captivate and entertain, showcasing the sublime nature of collegiate athletics at its best.
