The Huskers ain’t stopping! Nebraska volleyball’s dominance roared on as they swept Iowa (10-19, 4-13 B1G) in a commanding 25-9, 25-16, 25-17 victory. With this win, No. 2 Nebraska (27-1, 17-0 B1G) remains undefeated in Big Ten play and flawless against Iowa, leading their all-time series 40-0. Fueled by explosive starts in the first and third sets, the Huskers doubled Iowa’s kills (50-25) despite taking fewer swings. Bergen Reilly, fresh off earning her fourth Big Ten Setter of the Week title, orchestrated a masterclass in ball distribution. She directed Nebraska to a sizzling .472 hitting percentage with 41 assists, while also going a perfect 3-for-3 attacking. Though the Huskers faced a rare hiccup on serve receive, conceding five aces, they countered with four aces of their own, keeping their momentum unstoppable.

Harper Murray stood out with 11 kills at a scorching .556 hitting percentage, even playing through a taped-up hand after a broken nail in the third set. Taylor Landfair, Merritt Beason, and Andi Jackson each contributed seven kills, with Landfair and Beason adding three blocks apiece. Rebekah Allick showcased her consistency yet again, tallying six kills and five blocks, despite sitting out the final set. And now, as the Huskers go on to their next match, Head Coach John Cook and senior libero Lexi Rodriguez have previewed the upcoming game, and let’s just say they were kind of sad.

After the game, Nebraska Volleyball’s Head Coach John Cook took a moment to sit down for a press conference, where the air was thick with emotion. A journalist asked him, “What’s Saturday going to mean to you with this senior class celebrating Senior Day?” With a quiet pause and a reflective look, John answered, “I’m trying not to think about it. It’s an awesome group, awesome seniors, but I don’t know… I just—I’m not thinking about it. We’re thinking about playing a great match and winning the next nine matches.” His words, though measured, carried the weight of someone who knows how much this senior class has given but chooses to keep his eyes firmly on the road ahead.

In another heartfelt exchange captured on video, the journalist turned to senior libero Lexi Rodriguez and asked, “Lexi, John said that he doesn’t even want to think about Saturday in terms of Senior Day. How do you think about it, and getting to celebrate that?” Lexi’s reply was laced with bittersweet honesty.

“It’s definitely something that’s bittersweet. I obviously don’t want my time here to end, but I think it’s a time for all five of us to kind of celebrate everything that we’ve been able to accomplish. We’ve all had very different journeys and very different stories, but I think it’s cool to just reflect and celebrate. And then, it also just gives you a different type of motivation going into the last few weeks of the season.” Her words painted a picture of pride, gratitude, and determination—a perfect tribute to the close of one chapter and the drive to finish the season strong.

The five seniors bidding farewell? It’s none other than Lexi Rodriguez, Kennedi Orr, Leyla Blackwell, Merritt Beason, and Lindsay Krause. As these incredible athletes prepare to graduate, they’ll take the court against the Badgers on November 23, 2024, at their home, Bob Devaney Sports Center. But as this chapter comes closer to its end, a new wave of talent is set to join the Nebraska Volleyball family next season.

Nebraska Volleyball’s fresh faces

On November 13, the Nebraska Volleyball team announced the signing of five promising recruits for the 2025 season. Joining the Big Red are setter Campbell Flynn, opposite hitter Ryan Hunter, libero Keri Leimbach, middle blocker Manaia Ogbechie, and outside hitter Teraya Sigler. These young stars, ranked high in the PrepVolleyball standings, bring a wealth of talent and passion, ready to add new energy to Nebraska’s already powerful squad. From Michigan to Arizona, these recruits come with impressive credentials that have earned them a spot among the nation’s best.

Campbell Flynn, a Michigan native, comes with international experience, having helped the U.S. Girls U19 squad win the 2023 FIVB World Championship in Croatia. Meanwhile, Teraya Sigler, known for her leadership and on-court presence, adds another layer of talent.

Ryan Hunter, a dynamic competitor, brings her powerful swings and a hunger to perform in big moments. And then there’s Keri Leimbach, a Nebraska native with incredible defensive skills, poised to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Lexi Rodriguez. Finally, Manaia Ogbechie, a formidable 6’3″ middle blocker, has already made a name for herself with the U.S. Girls U19 team, showcasing both skill and grit.

John Cook is buzzing with excitement about the new class, promising they will be ready to compete from day one. “I’m really excited about that group,” he said, clearly confident that these recruits will fit seamlessly into the Huskers’ legacy. With such a talented group coming in, Nebraska volleyball fans have plenty to look forward to in the 2025 season.