Huskers to Face Illinois in Sunday Showdown at Devaney Sports Center

LINCOLN, Neb. – The top-ranked Nebraska volleyball team is set to continue its impressive season with a home match against Illinois this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Fans can catch the action on Nebraska Public Media, stream it on B1G+, or tune into the Huskers Radio Network.

About the Huskers:

• Record-Breaking Season: Nebraska (24-0, 15-0 Big Ten) is experiencing its best start since the 2005 season, with an unmatched 15-0 opening in Big Ten play since joining the conference.
• Dominant Defense: The Huskers lead the nation with a .135 opponent hitting percentage, showcasing a robust defense.
• Potent Offense: Offensively, Nebraska boasts a .288 hitting average, ranking 10th nationally and second in the Big Ten.
• Star Players: The team features standouts like junior Merritt Beason and freshman Harper Murray, contributing significantly to both offense and defense.
• Setting Excellence: Freshman setter Bergen Reilly, a notable contributor, leads the Big Ten in assists per set.

Scouting Illinois:

• Season Snapshot: The Fighting Illini hold a 13-11 record (8-6 Big Ten) with Raina Terry leading the charge, ranking second in the Big Ten for kills per set.
• Recent Performance: Illinois recently saw the end of a six-match winning streak and is looking to bounce back against the Huskers.

Series History:

• Husker Dominance: Nebraska has a commanding 33-8-1 all-time series lead over Illinois, with the last six victories being straight-set sweeps.

Huskers in the Spotlight:

• National Recognition: The team is currently ranked No. 1 in the AVCA Coaches Poll and has been a constant in the top rankings throughout NCAA history.
• Record-Breaking Attendance: Nebraska’s volleyball program continues to set attendance records, underscoring the team’s immense popularity and support.

Coaching Excellence:

• John Cook’s Legacy: Under Coach John Cook’s leadership, now in his 24th season, the Huskers have achieved remarkable success, including four national championships and consistent top-10 finishes.

Looking Back at 2022:

• Solid Performance: The previous season saw Nebraska finishing strong in the Big Ten and making it to the NCAA regional semifinals.
• Defensive Prowess: The team led the nation in opponent hitting percentage, with key contributions from players like Lexi Rodriguez and Bekka Allick.

Sunday’s matchup promises to be another exciting event in Nebraska’s volleyball season, as the team looks to maintain its unbeaten streak and continue its journey towards another successful season. Husker fans are geared up for a thrilling game against the Fighting Illini.