Friday night surely went down in history. For years, this place has witnessed so many memorable volleyball games and earned the opportunity to watch emotional rundowns. On January 10, one such moment came when a few known names came down to Chi Health Center in Nebraska. The fans welcomed the names with loud cheers and showing hand gestures. Meanwhile, the names waved at them. They also threw balls aiming at the audience box to add more joy to the atmosphere. Notably, the iconic arena had names like Ally Batenhorst, Merritt Beason, and a few more former standouts from the Creighton volleyball program. Naturally, for them, it was the homecoming month. But why did such big names gather under one roof? 

The reason is the Pro Volleyball Federation’s 2025 calendar. Last Friday, the iconic arena and the professional league brought those names under one roof as Atlanta Vibe and Omaha Supernovas locked horns in the volleyball game. In the game, Ally Batenhorst was representing the Supernovas while the former Nebraska Cornhuskers captain, Beason, held Atlanta Vibe’s flag. However, Ally’s team had another name who once shared the arena with Beason. Can you guess the name? 

Representing the Supernovas, Lindsay Krause made her return to Nebraska once again. Hailing from Papillion, Nebraska, the outside hitter spent four years in the Huskers program. Now, because of the Supernovas, she was once again on her known turf, with a chance to show her skills to her fans. On the other hand, Ally and Lindsay Krause’s Omaha had two more names who had been in the Huskers in the past. 

On Friday night, the Supernovas lineup had Kayla Caffey and Kaitlyn Hord. Both these players had been in the Huskers before. Now, they are turning up the heat for Omaha Supernovas. What about Merritt Beason? The former captain saw an end to her collegiate volleyball career last year, losing the NCAA semifinal game against Penn State. Hardly three weeks after that Final Four match, the standout was in Nebraska again. Last season, she had the responsibility to lead the Huskers on the court. Pairing with Lexi Rodriguez, she made her mark on the job. How? 

Last year, the Nebraska Huskers volleyball team shared the Big Ten volleyball title with Penn State and in the postseason, the program reached the final four. Merritt may not have been able to help the Big Red claim the national title, but she left the collegiate career with a unique record. In her two-year stint with the Huskers, she had never faced a loss on the home turf, i.e., in Bob Devaney Sports Center. Moreover, she gave the Nebraska fans another reason to celebrate her time spent in the program. After her last collegiate volleyball game, the Alabama native said in the post-match interaction, “The people are what I’m going to remember the most.” Friday night, she had the chance to perform in front of those people. 

Merritt Beason had been seen in that color only. Before the game, she took up the court for the practice season. The fans noticed that giving her a thunderous cheer. Later, during the name announcement, she waved at the fans and they welcomed her again. Her former teammates, Ally and Lindsay Krause, also received a similar welcoming cheer. However, did the known fans’ voices let both Ally Batenhorst and Merritt Beason feel the impact the Huskers volleyball program left on them? 

Ally Batenhorst and her former teammate saw their lives changing in Huskers 

In early 2024, Ally Batenhorst joined USC to complete her graduation year. She decided after having a detailed discussion with Nebraska coach John Cook. However, despite signing the joining the offer letter, the 6’5” outside hitter didn’t have any option to shift her training to USC in the spring. At that moment, coach Cook came forward. He permitted Ally to continue her practice with her former teammates. “At this point, it’s beyond volleyball,” Ally responded, seeing the emotions. She later claimed, “This is my life.” Meanwhile, Cook said, “She’s been here. She’s using her last year to try something new. There’s no ill feelings there. We’ve got great connections. We have great relationships. We’ve had a great run with her being here.” That’s how they rejoiced at the moment. For Merritt, things had been on a different line. 

In Nebraska Huskers, Merritt started to love the sport. In November last year, after the Seniors’ night, the outside hitter explained her feelings in the press conference. With her then teammate, Rebekah Allick by her side, Beason said, “Thank you, Husker nation, for all of the love and support the past two years. These people have helped mold me into the person I am today, and for that, I’m forever grateful. This team is truly so special and the love I have for each and every one of these girls is endless. Thank you, Nebraska, for the best 2 years & the sweetest senior night!!!” She left the place with tears in her eyes. But Friday night, she giggled while accepting the fans’ cheering for her.