Emotional Lexi Rodriguez and Merritt Beason Reflect on Their Final Nebraska Game at Home

The Nebraska Huskers have built a massive 40+ game winning streak at the Devaney Center. Lexi Rodriguez and Merritt Beason are two players who played a crucial role in the Husker’s monumental run at home. Unfortunately, their Sweet 16 match with Dayton volleyball could be the seniors’ last match on the home court at the Devaney Center. However, Rodriguez and Beason are approaching the match with very distinct mindsets.

“I think just trying to like enjoy it as much as I can, and then I mean that’s like the biggest why… Just trying to do whatever you can to get our team to the next game, the next round of whatever it is,” said Rodriguez. However, just because the libero is focused on winning the game doesn’t mean she isn’t emotional. In fact, it’s the opposite.

“I think it’s sad obviously, but I think we obviously want to end our time here on a high note,” added Lexi Rodriguez. The Huskers’ defensive specialist is focused on winning against Dayton. A win against the Flyers means another chance to play at the Bob. If they win, the Bob Devaney Sports Center will host the regional finals, where the Huskers will face their fellow semifinal winners.

However, they have to overcome Dayton to get there, and that’s why Beason is optimistically cautious. “Do or die, honestly. Like, that’s kind of where we’re at right now, but I think I’m trying not to think about it in that way, and just like taking it one step and one game at a time,” Merritt Beason confessed during the pre-game presser.

“It is like a heavy thing, and it’s pretty emotional. So, I just don’t let myself think about it,” said the Outside Hitter. However, neither Merritt Beason nor Rodriguez will let their emotions come in the way of Dayton. After all, the Husker seniors are fighting for much more than just another shot at playing on home court.

Lexi Rodriguez & Co. are on a quest to redeem themselves

Last year, the Nebraska Huskers made it all the way to the finals only to crumble against defending champions, the Texas Longhorns. This year, the entire team is looking to avenge their NCAA semifinal loss. While Rodriguez and her fellow Huskers are emotional about their time at the Devaney Center coming to an end, their ultimate goal is to hoist the NCAA title.

The fact that Lexi Rodriguez and Merritt Beason are among the seniors who are paying for the final NCAA championships of their lives has only raised the stakes. John Cook put things into perspective while praising his seniors. “You know, it’s hard to put into words what this senior group means and what they’ve done,” Coach Cook said last month.

“If you look at their legacy, what they’ve done, I mean they’ve literally done everything but win a national championship, and you know, we still got an opportunity to do that,” said the three-time AVCA Coach of the Year. So the Nebraska Huskers refuse to get distracted despite the sadness of their college volleyball career coming to an end. After all, Lexi Rodriguez hopes to end her career on a ‘high note,’ and what can be better for the seniors than winning a national title on the final night of their college volleyball careers?