Volleyball fans in Nebraska were eager to catch Ally Batenhorst back in action after the Omaha Supernovas picked up the outside hitter in November 2024. Now, after over a month of waiting, Batenhorst finally got the opportunity to give the fans what they’ve been waiting for. And the former Nebraska Huskers couldn’t have given the Supernova fans a better show.

While Batenhorst didn’t play from the first serve, she made her pro volleyball debut in set four against the Atlanta Vibe. Despite playing for only 2 sets, the outside hitter played exceptionally well, recording 6 kills and three digs. Her efforts contributed to the Supernovas picking up a hard-fought 3-2 (22-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 15-13) win in their 2025 season debut.

However, what made Ally Batenhorst’s performance truly memorable was how much impact she had. Batenhorst’s 6 kills came in the final two sets, with the final one being only a 15-point set. The packed CHI Health Center also made it known just how excited to see Batenhorst when the Omaha player squared up the first serve of her pro volleyball career.

“The loudest cheer of the match comes for Ally Batenhorst… The Supernovas are down 19-18 in the third set. Atlanta sides out and she stays in to play the back row. And then Krause checks in to serve. Omaha ties it up at 20-20,” explained the Volleyball State Podcast host Lincoln Arneal. The 22-year-old made what fans dubbed the play of the game.

The outside hitter pulled off an incredible save with kills that leader Brooke Nuneviller kept alive with a kick. Batenhorst immediately slammed the return ball home with a blistering kill to claim the point. The lightning-fast exchange garnered yet another round of roars from the 13,486 people in attendance. And while the 22-year-old shined on the court, her former Nebraska teammate-turned-opponent also made her mark.

Ally Batenhorst’s teammate Merritt Beason put in a stellar performance

Former Nebraska Husker Merritt Beason also made her Professional Volleyball League debut alongside Batenhorst and Lindsay Krause. Although Beason played on the opposing side and lost, the outside hitter showcased just why Atlanta Vibe picked her as one of their offensive specialists. Beason led the Vibe with 20 points and 17 kills, with fans praising the volleyball star’s performance.

“Beason had 17 kills for Atlanta and looked great hitting a quicker set, which she probably could’ve benefitted from in her final college season,” wrote the official Volleyball State Podcast handle on X. The page hinted that Beason who made it to the 2024 NCAA Championship semifinals with Nebraska, could’ve performed better with fast-paced setters.

Beason, Krause, and Huskers dig record-setter Lexi Rodriguez ended their NCAA season in tears after losing to Penn State in the finals. However, Beason seems to have moved on from the loss, giving her best to a brand-new chapter of her life. Meanwhile, Ally Batenhorst finally achieved what she had dreamed of a year ago. The outside hitter explained why the PFV and Supernovas attracted her.

“Obviously, Supernovas are amazing, and I came to a game last year actually, and just the environment is so exciting,” the hitter told Husker Online just four days ago ahead of her debut. Now that Ally Batenhorst has played her first pro volleyball game wearing the colors of the team she admired, the 22-year-old is finally a part of that excitement and looks forward to reaching new heights.