Jackson’s sophomore leap, Beason’s leadership; another Top 20 match

The Nebraska middle blocker quickly became one of the most explosive players in the sport running the slide attack — that’s when she sprints to the right side of the net and smashes down a kill.

Year 2 is already off to a great start for Jackson, and it could be a better overall season for the Brighton, Colorado native. She’s been more consistent with her hitting from match to match, has also had success hitting quick sets from the middle of the court and is progressing with her blocking.

Jackson has had a hitting percentage of .379 or better in all seven matches this season. She hit .778 against Montana State seven kills on nine attempts with no hitting errors.

Nebraska assistant coach Kelly Hunter said Jackson appears to be handling the nerves that come with playing in college matches better this season.

“I would say this year she almost has that swagger to her where it’s, ‘I’ve been here and I know what I’m doing now,’” Hunter said on the Nebraska volleyball radio show on the Huskers Radio Network. “She still has some of those moments where you can kind of see she’s thinking maybe about too many things. But just in general she just looks more poised.”

Jackson has improved her vertical jump by a few inches from last season. But she’s more than just a great athlete — she’s a volleyball player.

“Now it’s like, ‘I know where I want to hit this ball,’” Hunter said. “I know what they’re doing on the other side, and I know what I need to do to be better. It’s been a really cool growth to see.”

Jackson is averaging 2.48 kills per set with a .505 hitting percentage that ranks fifth nationally.

On Tuesday, Nebraska held on to beat No. 9 Creighton in five sets. It came after a bad fourth set when Creighton won 25-16 and the Huskers had a negative hitting percentage.

During the huddle before the fifth set began, the players were just as vocal as the coaches, Hunter said.

That includes senior right-side hitter Merritt Beason.

“A lot of it is Merritt Beason. She’s a captain,” Hunter said. “She’s not on the court for six rotations (like) she has been in the past, but I think she still has a huge impact with our team. Her leadership skills are unmatched in the way she has a really calming presence and how she can pump people up.”

Nebraska plays No. 14 Arizona State on Friday at 7 p.m. with the match on Big Ten Network.

And for the second consecutive match Nebraska will face an undefeated team.

In the first match of the three-day Nebraska Classic on Thursday, Arizona State swept Wichita State 25-19, 25-12, 25-13.

Arizona State, which reached the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 last season, ranks seventh nationally in hitting percentage.

“Their offense is awesome,” Hunter said. “They mix it up and try and get you uncomfortable. It will be a big, big test for us to see if we’re disciplined or not.”