The pressure has always been there for the Nebraska volleyball team. Last year, the squad had to leave the NCAA volleyball championship final digesting a defeat from the Texas Longhorns. The result became a massive blow to Nebraska as the team claimed the favorites tag before moving into the final. So this time, the Big Red had to pull the socks off and perform suitably. Well, till now, the volleyball team has ticked several boxes. And they have done it while managing with the humongous pressure and expectations. Enter the Sweet 16 match for an example. 

On December 13, the Nebraska Huskers locked horns with the Dayton Flyers in the Sweet 16 round. A victory would open the gate for them to enter the NCAA Regional final. However, the road wasn’t smooth. Moreover, the match was scheduled in the Bob Devaney Sports Center, the Huskers’ backyard. Therefore, the load of pressure and expectations of the fans mounted. But the Huskers’ feat didn’t shake. They defeated the Flyers and punched their ticket to the regional final. So the question is, how do they manage everything? 

The Nebraska volleyball star Andi Jackson had the answer. Before the regional final, she spoke to the press to divulge all the information. In the meantime, the sophomore faced the question mentioned earlier. She felt open to replying to the question. Meanwhile, she added, “Coach [John Cook] showed us an amazing video of Coach Prime, and it’s that we apply pressure and we don’t accept it.” Per Andi, the remarks made by Deion Sanders, also known as Coach Prime, helped her and her teammates perceive things from a new perspective. This needs a further explanation. Hold on, the 19-year-old had the justifications.

According to Andi Jackson, the pressure poses the “outside noise.” If the players can erase it from their books, the issues will die out automatically. While mentioning such elements, the Colorado native also shared, “Just not listening to what’s happening outside because at the end of the day, it’s what’s happening inside the huddle, on the court, and those 14 girls are all you need.” Fortunately, despite facing the weight of expectations and pressure, the bonding in the Nebraska volleyball team never crumbled. Andi counts it as the best part of this race. 

While sitting with coach John Cook and teammate Bergen Reilly in the press conference, Andi claimed, “We have an amazing team and amazing support staff, and at the end of the day, that’s all that you need.” Just like the mother sauce enhances the flavors of French cuisine, the team’s camaraderie strengthens every role in Nebraska volleyball. Andi Jackson sees it that way. In the meantime, John Cook and Bergen share similar thinking. And how has this bonding paid off so far? However, the road to the title seems shaky for the Big Red. 

Nebraska volleyball will have to depend on the camaraderie to make roads 

On Sunday, Nebraska volleyball will lock horns with the archrival Wisconsin Badgers in the race to make it to the top four. It is the 12th time the Huskers have reached the regional final in the last 13 seasons. Furthermore, in the regular season this year, the Huskers have completed a series win against the Badgers, for the first time in the last 10 years. Data like this might give the squad an edge over the opponent on Sunday. Also, the match will be in the Huskers’ home turf, Bob Devaney Sports Center. An added opportunity to keep the Badgers empty-handed once again! But would the reality be so merciful for Nebraska? Emily Ehman thinks no, it will not.

According to the former volleyball player, the Huskers’ offense would have to be much more active to land the victory against the Badgers. Emily said that specifically after watching the Friday night volleyball game between the Huskers and the Flyers. In the game, Nebraska’s offense department didn’t gel well. Even in a moment, Andi Jackson had to engage in a resilient effort to earn points. From time to time, the offense part looked patchy, showing signs of crumbling in front of the No. 23 squad. Remember, the Badgers are ranked opponents and will yearn to complete the revenge. So, what should come forward to save the Huskers’ day? A pivotal understanding between the players? Or better planning? What do you think?