The Nebraska Huskers appeared unbeatable when they were scheduled to play Penn State. Most had the Nittany Lions having little chance against them since they were on a 25-game winning streak. The game did not favor them, as they lost miserably at the hands of their opponents, who handed them a 3-1 defeat. Heartbroken, the Huskers had to show a return to their form against Maryland the next game or risk losing the Big Ten Championship completely.

Thankfully, the result went their way as the Nebraska Huskers defeated Maryland State 3-1 to stake claim at a part of the Big Ten trophy, sharing it with Penn State. The game did not start well for the Huskers, as they lost the first set by 27-25. However, they bounced back with great resilience and came back to win the next three sets 25-14, 25-8, and 25-12. Therefore, it was a massive victory and a good night for the side.

However, the night felt very bittersweet. Though the team won their match, it had to let go of its outgoing senior players in the team. They had played their last game for the team, and this included libero Lexi Rodriguez, who has been one of the fan favorites ever since she joined the team. Lexi posted a final goodbye on Instagram to the team.

She uploaded a carousel that featured pictures of numerous teammates and coach John Cook. The caption of the post read, “In honor of my last conference game, here’s an away trip dump 🙂 grateful for an amazing year filled with so much love & so many mems 🥹” The post attracted comments from many of her teammates who were extremely emotional. Andi Jackson wrote, “I love you!!!!” showcasing their significant bond.

Former teammate Ally Batenhorst, who now plies her trade for the USC, wrote, “Aww, wait, this is so cute.” Thus, all the people who knew her were quite moved by the event. But the fans were heavily affected by the whole thing too. While they knew that Lexi Rodriguez leaving Nebraska Huskers was inevitable, they were still quite shattered by it.

Nebraska fans struggle to fathom Lexi Rodriguez’s departure

The Nebraska Huskers fans were finding it hard to let Lexi Rodriguez leave. She had made her importance known to the team as one of the best liberos in NCAA volleyball over the past years. During her freshman year itself, the player was averaging 4.33 digs per set and 1.10 assists. This is not a normal number, as most Liberos would struggle a lot to reach those stats.

But Lexi is supremely talented, which she has proven time and time again. Thus, when she leaves, Nebraska will certainly feel a big hole in their team. “You will be missed!!! ❤️ GOAT libero.” In fact, it can be argued that Lexi has been Nebraska’s most important player over these years. While Harper Murray and Andi Jackson sometimes take over the headlines because of their amazing kill average, Lexi’s defensive ability helps the hitters to attack more freely.

This is why she’s very important to the squad. The Nebraska Huskers fans acknowledge this and thus adore her as a player. The glue that held the team together. “The little firecracker bond of the team. We are so appreciative of you. Husker nation loves you,” said one fan. Lexi Rodriguez’s heroics on field have had quite a huge impact on the travelling fans. They’ve witnessed her campaign in the last four years, trying to get Nebraska back on top.

Even in the last season, her 395 digs and 3.80 digs per set are some of the best stats in the whole of the NCAA. This is why many fans have loved her so much. In fact, she might have played a huge hand in shaping the Nebraska Huskers’ volleyball future. “You are such a bright light❤️ So thankful my daughter has such a great idol to look up to!!” said one fan. This really shows how big of a figure Lexi is in Nebraska.

Another fan echoed the same sentiment, saying, “I’m going to miss you so much! You are my idol!!!”. Thus, Lexi Rodriguez is all set to be part of Nebraska’s history when she leaves. The four years that she has spent on this team have been magnificent and will be remembered for years to come. “It has been such a great 4 years! You are one of the best, Lexi!”

Now, the player has one last job before leaving the team: win an NCAA title. They came agonizingly close last year but lost in the finals to defending champions the Texas Longhorns. Hopefully, they can take that extra step this time and create history. This would be the perfect sendoff for someone like Lexi Rodriguez.