On November 23, Merritt Beason’s powerful hit sealed the game for the Nebraska women’s volleyball team. The giant-sized LED screen in the Bob Devaney Sports Center displayed the scoreline: 25-21, 25-22, 25-17. Another clean sweep for the Huskers in their backyard! This season, they’ve shown no hesitation in collecting 3-0 scorelines, and on Saturday, they added yet another to their tally. However, this victory and its scoreline may have tasted even sweeter. The reason?

Last night, Huskers’ coach John Cook handed out roses to five seniors to honor their contributions to the program. Among them was Merritt Beason, who played her final home game in her collegiate career, along with her senior teammates. A victory was the only fitting sendoff, but the Huskers didn’t stop there. They went beyond the win, achieving five significant milestones on the same night. Can you guess what those might be? Let’s serve up the details!

Nebraska volleyball plays with records on a memorable night 

Roses, shouts, tears, and smiles—Saturday night at the Bob Devaney Sports Center had it all. The iconic venue bore witness to an emotional farewell for Nebraska’s seniors and a rare occurrence in women’s volleyball: a humbled Sarah Franklin, limited to just five kills. “Frank the Tank,” known for her dominant performances, was effectively neutralized by the Huskers’ determined defense. It was truly a night to remember, especially for the reigning national player of the year. Meanwhile, Nebraska volleyball didn’t just stop at an emotional win—they shattered five records in a single night. Here’s the breakdown:

The number of straight victories in home 

When did Nebraska volleyball lose on home turf? A tough question to face in a moment when the No. 2 is showing no off-footing! Rather, on November 23, the Lincoln-based team earned its 41st straight victory in the Bob Devaney Sports Center. However, the Big Red is one of the volleyball squads to face a minimum number of losses. But this time, the team has taken it to a different level. The victory on Saturday is among the many. 

Rather, the 2-0 sweep against the Badgers this season has added to the 25 consecutive victories for the team. Remember, the Huskers still have two matches to wrap up the regular season. If similar valor follows in those two matches as well, the squad will end with a phenomenal record of 30-1. Hold on! There are four more records. 

The Huskers swept the series win for the first time after 2012 

The rivalry series in volleyball between the Huskers and the Badgers dates back to 2011. However, from 2011 to 2013, the Nebraska volleyball did not give the Badgers any chance to put their heads out of the water. However, in 2014, the storyline changed. The Badgers started to settle in. The one-sided fight transformed into the evenly-set games. But the damage had already been done. In 2012, Nebraska put on a show and handed clean sweeps in both games. The feat didn’t repeat until November 23. 

On Saturday, the home team pulled off the magic with a 3-0 scoreline. A careful look over the data would tell of having a similar result on November 1. Three weeks ago, in Madison, the Huskers took the game with a 3-0 scoreline. 

They have fulfilled the revenge

These victories are, however, special. Especially after 2022, the achievements have taken on a different color. How? In 2022, Wisconsin defeated Nebraska in both games. One of those victories secured the Big Ten Conference championship for the Wisconsin Badgers. Coming to 2023, the Huskers tried to turn the table. In October, they handed the Badgers a defeat in a five-set thriller game. But in one month, the course changed. 

On November 24, 2023, the Badgers put the Huskers on the test and let them taste their first loss (3-0) in the Big Ten volleyball. But the series win with a full sweep this time may work as a balm for the Huskers. 

The five big guns ended their careers on high

On Saturday night, five seniors from the Nebraska volleyball women’s team played their last home game in their collegiate career. The names and playing positions are libero Lexi Rodriguez, outside hitter Lindsay Krause, setter Kennedi Orr, opposite hitter Merritt Beason, and middle blocker Leyla Blackwell. The seniors playing their last home game is nothing new in college volleyball. But a few things made their exit historical. 

Playing for the last several seasons, these seniors have featured in two national finals, claimed the Big Ten Conference championship last year, and won more than 80% of the games they played together. Records like these don’t come often in college volleyball. 

The fans set the tone as always 

Last year in the Bob Devaney Sports Centre, the fans flocked in high numbers to watch the Husker make a comeback. The Big Red Sea had a headcount of 9,198. They didn’t have to return with long faces as the squad made the Badgers pay. This time on Saturday, the attendance almost touched a similar number. 

Rather, Lincoln Arneal, the sports journalist, mentioned the number to be 9,009. Again, the fans opened their arms for Nebraska volleyball and the team paid beautifully. Now, as far as the records are concerned, this is the second-highest number in the history of the Bob Devaney Sports Centre. 

Now, Nebraska volleyball has two more seasons to conclude the regular season. The replacements of the seniors are also looking forward to taking the stage in January. Will they be able to fill the big shoes? What do you think?