Reaching the final four of the NCAA Championships has been a journey toward atonement for Nebraska volleyball. Walking away as champions this year seems to be the team’s sole motivation. The fact that this would be the last shot at the title for several seniors, such as Merritt Beason, Lexi Rodrigues, and others, has only fueled that narrative.

However, after their Elite Eight victory against Wisconsin, the players explained why a quest for the title isn’t the only reason they’ve made it to the semifinals. “I want to say vengeance, but it’s like there’s so much more,” said setter Rebekah Allick. Their desire to win Nebraska’s sixth national title is a priority. However, it’s not the only driving force for the Huskers.

“It’s so much more than volleyball at the end of the day. And I think that’s what this team really needed coming off of last year,” said outside hitter Andi Jackson. “We had everyone find their ‘why’, and understand that it’s so much deeper than that and you’re playing for so much more than just the national championship, you’re building relationships.” the Nebraska volleyball star added during a post-match interview.

Jackson’s teammate Rebekah Allick agreed. “I think to only reflect on last year and to have it entirely stick in my mind, would be selfish of me. And so, I’ve just been working more for the future and just being grateful for the new group in front of me,” added the setter. Merritt Beason agreed that watching one another succeed and grow has also played a major role this season.

“I think just us as people is what makes us so special,” said Nebraska volleyball’s senior hitter. “We’re pretty good volleyball players, but we’re even better women. And that’s something that we’re taking a lot of pride in… We’re great teammates. We’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders, and that’s what makes the team really special,” added Merritt Beason. However, moving into the semifinals has given the Huskers yet another reason to give it their all.

Nebraska has a chance to avenge its loss

Redeeming themselves in the NCAA finals is NU’s ultimate goal. However, they’ll have the chance to show up at the finals more confident than ever if they prevail. That’s because the Huskers will face none other than rivals Penn State. Their final-four clash against the Nittany Lions comes after Penn State defeated the Huskers in the BIG10 title match.

On November 29, the Nittany Lions defeated Big Red 3-1 (25-21, 14-25, 25-22, 25-23). The shocking defeat robbed the Nebraska volleyball team of their chance to become outright BIG10 champions twice consecutively. However, the Huskers have been far more dominant in the NCAA tournament, with Penn State clawing to a 3-2 win against Creighton.

Meanwhile, NU is riding high on the momentum of sweeping longtime rivals Wisconsin in the Elite Eight. Sweeping Wisconsin for the third time in the same season after losing seven out of the last ten matches has boosted their confidence. So, beating Penn State to progress to the finals will only add to their confidence. Yet that’s easier said than done.

The Husker came into the BIG10 title match with a 25-match win streak. However, Penn State figured out a way to halt their momentum, with former Husker Caroline Jurevicius being the architect behind the Lions’ victory. Will the bonds that the Huskers have built hold strong? Who do you think will make it to the finals? Tell us the comments.