The atmosphere was electric, with excitement buzzing through the air, as Nebraska Volleyball prepared for their rematch against the Wisconsin Badgers. After handing Wisconsin a rare and shocking loss earlier this season, the stage was set for a thrilling showdown on November 23 at the Huskers’ home court. On November 1, Nebraska had boldly marched into Wisconsin’s territory and dismantled their stronghold in a way no one had seen coming.

The Badgers, undefeated at home for eight years, were taken completely off guard as Nebraska Volleyball swept them clean, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19. It was a moment that sent shockwaves through the volleyball world, as the Huskers shattered a decade-long history of failed attempts to defeat Wisconsin on their own turf. Now, with the final week of the Big Ten season upon them, Nebraska was ready to continue its dominance. True to their relentless style, the Huskers did what they do best, and here is the proof!

Nebraska Volleyball lit up X on November 23 with electrifying news—the Huskers have done it again! With precision and power, they stormed to victory, boasting a .259 hitting percentage, 47 dazzling kills, 54 fierce digs, one sharp ace, and seven towering blocks. The result? Another triumph to add to their ever-growing legacy. This win wasn’t just another notch on their belt; it marked their 25th consecutive victory, keeping their unstoppable streak alive.

The first set kicked off with a fierce showdown, but Nebraska Volleyball held their ground, claiming a 25-21 win. The Huskers were firing on all cylinders, hitting .217, with Rebekah Allick leading the charge with a jaw-dropping six kills at a blistering .714 clip. Merritt Beason also made her mark, contributing five sharp kills. Wisconsin, on the other hand, struggled to get into a rhythm, hitting just .182. Sarah Franklin kept the Badgers in it with five kills, though her hitting percentage was a rocky .105.

Defense was the name of the game, with Wisconsin racking up five blocks, but Nebraska Volleyball’s grit kept them ahead despite a few errors that briefly gave Wisconsin hope. The intensity didn’t let up as the Huskers dug in for set two. Coach Cook called a much-needed timeout after a 3-0 Wisconsin run as the Badgers pushed hard. Nebraska, up 14-12, needed to reset. The Badgers’ defense was imposing, with nine total blocks, including four in this set alone.

But Nebraska wasn’t backing down. They dug deep, fought off the pressure, and took set two 25-22, putting them up 2-0. Lexi Rodriguez, the Huskers’ defensive powerhouse, was a constant presence with 11 digs, including a massive line dig of a Devyn Robinson bomb that sparked a Husker point late in the match. Allick was still on fire with eight kills at an impressive .600 hitting percentage, while Beason added seven key kills. With a solid .229 hitting percentage and 41 digs, Nebraska Volleyball closed out the match in style, winning 25-21, 25-22, 25-17.

Now, with a victory on Friday at No. 4 Penn State, Nebraska could claim the Big Ten crown. The Huskers are riding high with an undefeated 18-0 record in the league as they head into the final week of the Big Ten season. With matchups against the Nittany Lions and Maryland left on the schedule, the stakes are higher than ever, and Nebraska’s eyes are set on that coveted championship. What truly made the game memorable was the celebration of Senior Day, where the seniors were recognized as a heartfelt tribute during the game.

Nebraska Volleyball’s bid adieu to the seniors

Yep, you heard it! Nebraska Volleyball was ready to say a heartfelt goodbye to their five incredible seniors—Lexi Rodriguez, Kennedi Orr, Leyla Blackwell, Merritt Beason, and Lindsay Krause. With their last home game on the horizon, Coach John Cook wasn’t about to let the emotional moment get to him.

When asked about the plans for the senior celebration, he kept his focus on the task at hand—winning the next nine matches. But as the big day, November 23, Cook, always cool under pressure, wasn’t letting on how much this day meant, even though he had big plans to ensure these seniors were sent off in style.

As tradition goes, Coach Cook made the moment even more special by honoring each senior with a red rose before the game against Wisconsin. He walked up to each one with a warm smile and a gentle pat on their backs, handing them a rose as a token of appreciation for all their hard work and dedication. Lexi, Lindsay, Kennedi, Merritt, and Leyla lined up at center court, a mix of emotions on their faces, while the crowd cheered them on in an electric atmosphere. This wasn’t just any game—it was their moment, their final home match in the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

As the seniors stood there, receiving their well-deserved applause, they tossed waves and gestures to the fans, who had filled the stands to support them one last time. The moment was special, but the real emotion came after the game when each senior was presented with a framed jersey—a tribute to their unforgettable careers.

You could see the tears welling up as they embraced the honor, the weight of their time at Nebraska volleyball finally sinking in.