Lexi Rodriguez is one of the biggest names on the Nebraska women’s volleyball team. Since her arrival in the program, Rodriguez has been one of the biggest mainstays of the team. Continuing her fine form, the 21-year-old has been pivotal in getting the better of Nebraska’s arch-rival, Wisconsin. Not once, but three times now! After initially beating them twice this season, the Huskers braced for a revengeful repercussion from Wisconsin. Having previously ended the Badgers’ 11-year-long home run, Rodriguez and co. knew that they would come hard. 

Foreseeing the impending threat, Rodriguez issued a warning ahead of their second matchup in November. “It’s gonna be a battle. They’re a great team…they’re going to make adjustments from last game so we got to be prepared,” said the NCAA volleyball star. And while the Huskers beat them again, the third time was expected to be a bloodbath. And it really was one!

The first set went 26-24! Thankfully, the form of Rodriguez remained sublime, which made things easy for the Huskers. Rodriguez has been immaculate with her game this year. She appeared in all 34 matches with an average of 4.33 digs, 16 aces, and 1.10 assists per set. Sadly, her time with Nebraska has come to an end as this was her final year of college. But before she played her final game on home soil, Rodriguez ensured that in her final match too, she did something that would make the fans remember her for a long time. 

The Huskers faced off against Wisconsin recently. And while the game turned out to be a happy hunt for the former, it was Rodriguez who stole the show. During a rally between the two teams, things got intense as both teams looked strong in their response. However, in one instance, a return from Wisconsin almost touched the ground in Nebraska’s half. But then there was Lexi Rodriguez. Displaying peak athleticism, she lunged forward and dived full length to reach for the ball. Rodriguez successfully managed to salvage the ball and the resulting play ended up with Nebraska winning the point. 

Now, apart from being spectacular, the move was utterly risky. While a full-length dive is in itself a tricky one, the dig was very close to the net poles. She could have easily injured herself badly but Rodriguez decided to risk it all for her team. And well, her efforts did not go in vain. Playing her last match, the 21-year-old came out victorious from a hard fight. Facing off against Wisconsin, Nebraska sealed the game 26-24, 25-17, 25-21. Lexi Rodriguez was once again the star of the show, with 17 digs in a single match to show for. 

This was the third time that Nebraska got the better of Wisconsin. What’s more, the recent victory also helped Nebraska advance into the Final Four. It is the 18th Final Four appearance for Nebraska since 1982. Meanwhile, social media was abuzz about Rodriguez’s impeccable play.

Volleyheads stunned after Lexi Rodriguez pulls out Screamer

As soon as the video went viral, the fans took to social media to express their feelings. The win of the Huskers over the Badgers heavily depended upon the way they defended against their rivals. The Huskers girls racked up 12 consecutive blocks and 59 digs to nullify the Badger attack. Praising their superstring defense, one user commented, “Unreal! The defense by Nebraska has been insane!” The Huskers swept the Badgers in the regional final on Sunday afternoon. Moreover, this was the Big Red’s third win against Wisconsin. 

Lexi Rodriguez tallied 17 digs for the Huskers. And such a record placed her just eight digs away from tying Husker legend Justine Wong-Orantes for the all-time program record. Reflecting upon the quality of the game that the 21-year-old Libero has showcased, another X user commented, “Wouldn’t be where we are without her!!” She has indeed been one of the most valuable assets for Huskers. Unfortunately, this game was the last opportunity for Rodriguez to show her athletic prowess at Nebraska’s home court.

The way Lexi tackled the ball and saved her team with the most unconventional and risky move did not appear as a natural stunt. Her moves left fans not only amazed but also stunned. One netizen who could not stop themselves from rewatching the clip mentioned, “Watch this on repeat. Lexi Rodriguez isn’t human.” Echoing the same emotion, another user commented, “Lexi Rodriguez is not from our world. But man are we glad she’s here!”

With the win, the Nebraska Huskers advanced to the semis for the seventh time in the past 10 seasons. Highlighting the win and Lexi’s magical efforts that helped the team secure a victory one fan added, “Lexi Rodriguez is incredible! Gotta be the top spot on.” Showing impeccable form, Lexi Rodriguez has channeled her inner champion to propel Nebrakska to glory. The 21-year-old has an incredible 1843 digs. She is only behind Olympian Justine Wong Orantes, who is the school record holder at 1890 digs Now fans would just wait to watch them fight for the top spot yet again at Louisville in the semis.