Just a day ago, Nebraska Volleyball gave fans yet another unforgettable performance, sweeping the Badgers 25-21, 25-22, 25-17 in front of 9,009 loud and proud supporters at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. But despite their 25th consecutive win, there was an unmistakable emotional buzz in the air. It was Senior Night, a night full of bittersweet goodbyes. Five amazing seniors—Lexi Rodriguez, Kennedi Orr, Leyla Blackwell, Merritt Beason, and Lindsay Krause—took the court for their final regular-season home game, marking the end of a chapter. And boy, did they make sure to leave their mark?

Merritt Beason led the Big Red with 11 kills in her emotional farewell match at the Devaney Center, while Lexi Rodriguez showcased her unmatched determination, digging out a match-high 16 digs. These two, along with the rest of the seniors, played their hearts out, creating lasting memories that will stay with the team and fans forever. Following their emotional victory, the Huskers came together to honor and celebrate their seniors with heartfelt tributes!

Nebraska Volleyball’s emotional day

Andi Jackson, the sophomore middle blocker, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on November 24, pouring her emotions into a touching montage. Each slide highlighted a different Nebraska volleyball senior, from Lexi Rodriguez to Merritt Beason. Alongside the photos, she wrote, “Had to take some time to recover 🥺 Happy Senior Night to these five selfless, resilient, and empowered women. You continue to inspire me and so many others every day. Saying I’m grateful for our friendship is an understatement. You are widely admired and deeply loved by all. ❤️” It was more than just a post; it was a beautiful reflection of the bonds that go beyond the court.

But the love and celebration didn’t stop there. Maisie Boesiger, the junior libero, joined in the Senior Night festivities, spreading the love across both Instagram and TikTok. On Instagram, she shared a sweet photo with Lexi Rodriguez and Kennedi Orr, captioning it, “We 🤍 celebrating our besties!!” It was a moment of pure joy and friendship. Over on TikTok, Maisie teamed up with Skyler Pierce, the freshman outside hitter, for an adorable video.

The duo was busy crafting the perfect goodie bag for Lexi, packed with thoughtful surprises. They included comfy slippers, a matching Stanley, a curler (because Lexi had just learned how to curl her hair), heat protectant and spray (total hair essentials), lip balms, vanilla lotion, body scrub, mocktails, a bottle of lavender shortbread syrup, and even an espresso martini kit. They didn’t forget the final touch either—decorating the bag with care. It was a beautifully crafted tribute to their teammate, filled with love and thoughtfulness from start to finish.

Harper Murray’s post for Senior Night was full of heart, and you could feel the love she has for her senior teammates. She put it perfectly when she said, “You all have a very special place in my heart, and I am forever grateful to call you a teammate and a friend.”

She opened up about how these five incredible women have not only been her rock for the past two years but have also inspired her every single day. From their dedication to the game to their loyalty to each other, Harper acknowledged how much they’ve shown her what it means to be part of a team—lifting each other, celebrating each other, and always sticking together no matter what.

Harper’s gratitude was clear when she said, “I owe so much of who I am as a person and teammate to all of you.” She truly recognized that these seniors have shaped her both on and off the court. Her Senior Night message wasn’t just about celebrating their accomplishments but also the bond they’ve created together. “These past two years have been the best years of my life, and it’s all because of you guys,” she shared, and it’s easy to see how much these friendships mean to her. But there was more to the celebrations!

Huskers’ senior night!

That’s right! Nebraska Volleyball turned up the emotions as they celebrated their five incredible seniors in heartfelt style. With their final home game looming, Coach John Cook kept his game face on, brushing aside any talk of sentimentality. When asked about the senior festivities, his focus stayed sharp, hinting only at the ultimate goal—winning nine more matches. But as November 23 rolled in, even Coach Cook couldn’t help but craft a send-off as iconic as the players themselves.

True to tradition, Coach Cook brought a touch of elegance to the evening by presenting each senior with a single red rose. With his signature warm smile and a reassuring pat on the back, he handed out the roses, symbolizing gratitude for years of dedication. As the seniors stood in the center of the court, their faces showed a mix of pride, nostalgia, and joy. The crowd erupted in cheers, their energy electrifying the Devaney Center one last time for these beloved athletes.

But the evening’s most poignant moment came after the sweep against Wisconsin when each senior received a beautifully framed jersey—a timeless tribute to their remarkable careers. As the weight of their journey at Nebraska Volleyball began to sink in, emotions overflowed. Tears glistened, hugs were shared, and the arena felt like one giant embrace for the five who had given it their all.