Nebraska Volleyball Sweeps into Regional Final

LINCOLN, Neb. – The top-ranked Nebraska volleyball team demonstrated their dominance yet again, sweeping 12th-ranked and fifth-seeded Georgia Tech in the NCAA Tournament’s third round. A passionate crowd of 8,580 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center witnessed the Huskers’ (31-1) progression to the NCAA Regional Final for the 11th time in 12 years.

Facing off against No. 9 Arkansas next, the Huskers are set to play on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Devaney Center. This matchup follows Arkansas’s victory over No. 8 Kentucky in a tight 3-2 contest.

Nebraska’s performance was a showcase of efficiency and skill, hitting .326 in the match – a rare feat against the formidable Georgia Tech defense. Not only was Nebraska’s offense in top form with 37 kills and only nine errors, but their defense was equally impressive, holding the Yellow Jackets to a season-low .019 attack percentage.

Leading the charge for the Huskers was Merritt Beason with 11 kills, followed by Ally Batenhorst who contributed 10 kills. Andi Jackson, alongside her four kills, led the match with five blocks. Bekka Allick added her strength with four blocks and six kills. In the backcourt, Lexi Rodriguez secured a match-high 12 digs, supported by Bergen Reilly’s 10 digs, 30 assists, and three blocks.

Georgia Tech’s (24-7) effort was spearheaded by Tamara Otene with nine kills, and Bianca Bertolino who added eight kills.

The first set saw Nebraska taking an early lead and closing it out strongly at 25-11. The Huskers maintained their momentum in the second set, despite a brief challenge from Georgia Tech, to win it 25-19. In the third set, Nebraska overcame a slight deficit to secure the match with a 25-21 victory.

This victory marks another significant milestone for Nebraska’s storied volleyball program:

• 32nd time in program history advancing to an NCAA Regional Final.
• 21st consecutive home victory in the NCAA Tournament, dating back to 2013.
• First women’s sport in NCAA history to draw 250,000 home fans in a single season.

Nebraska’s head coach John Cook, having coached his 119th NCAA Tournament match, continues to cement his legacy in college volleyball history. The Huskers, under his guidance, have never faltered in their pursuit of excellence.

As the Huskers prepare for their next challenge against Arkansas, they carry not only the hopes of their fans but also the legacy of a program synonymous with success and resilience.

Up Next: Nebraska faces Arkansas in the NCAA Regional Final on Saturday at 5 p.m., aiming to secure their spot in the national semifinals.