They sure know how to paint the town red! We’re talking about none other than the Nebraska Huskers, who left the Badgers biting the dust on Sunday, as a 3-0 sweep was enough to show what dominance looked like. This is the third time this season that Wisconsin hasn’t had answers to NU’s efforts. However, the thrilling night also marked an emotional occasion. It was the final game that Lexi Rodriguez and other seniors would play at home.

Yes, as the Big Reds made it to their 18th Final Four, the seniors played their final game at the Bob Devaney Center. This means that Lexi Rodriguez, Merritt Beason, Lindsay Krause, and Kennedi Orr will be leaving this program the minute they crash out of the NCAA tournament. Or even if they go on to win it. But, as they spent their final minutes on their home court in Lincoln, both John Cook and Rodriguez got hit by a gazillion emotions!

John Cook couldn’t have asked for a better end for Lexi Rodriguez

In the post-game interview, featured on the YouTube channel of ‘Insider Nebraska,’ John Cook answered that he couldn’t have envisioned any other way to wrap up their final home game for Lexi Rodriguez or any of the seniors. He confessed that the conditions were hardly plain sailing for them. And although Merritt Beason was undefeated at Bob Devenay, there was a lot of pressure on her and the Huskers seniors. “Third time we’re playing these guys….. We’re at home. We should win,” were some of the recurrent thoughts they battled.

But amidst all this running back and forth in Cook’s mind, the seniors did not give him any reason to complain. The coach said, “Our seniors helped run this team and lead this team, and you know they did a heck of a job. And I already told both Lexi and Merritt that this is their team, and they willed them to a win.” Tallying 17 digs in just this one match, Lexi Rodriguez is now less than 10 digs away from surpassing Huskers legend Justine Wong-Orantes for the all-time program record. This is simply incredible!

However, breaking records is currently the last thing on Rodriguez’s mind. Engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions, she gave an overwhelming response when asked to comment on her final run-off on the Lincoln Court. “Definitely doesn’t feel real that that was my last game in Devaney, but like he said, there’s no better way to go out. And just giving a little bit of appreciation for the Devaney Center and for all the fans for helping us get to this point and helping us get to the next stage,” she remarked.

As they now enter the final leg of the competition, Lexi and the Huskers can’t let emotions deter them from the goal. And that’s a given.

Rodriguez has been nothing but the best

Now that the Nebraska Huskers are final four-bound, they will face whoever wins the next game between Penn State and Creighton. And that to them is of utmost importance. No wonder Lexi Rodriguez, the senior libero who has been the heart of this program for four years, remarked that despite achieving the goal at home, their “job’s not done.”

Only a few days ago, she was getting emotional thinking about her last match at Bob Devaney. “I think it’s sad obviously, but I think we obviously want to end our time here on a high note.” And well, they did. But it was notable to see how Lexi put everything on the line. She kept diving on the floor, nailing save after save as her best defense game was on. Indeed, she was playing like it was her last time on the court.

No wonder the Badger’s coach said, “We ran into an unbelievable defensive team.” Well, that is Lexi Rodrguez for you! She’s a standout player. Being a libero, she may not be the highlight of every match, as Coach Cook says liberos are a dime a dozen. However, for Lexi, he agrees, “But Lexi separates herself.” Do you think that she can help the Huskers to the NCAA title before she bids adieu to her Division I women’s volleyball career? Let us know below!