As the 2024 volleyball season nears its climax, the intensity is palpable. With the Big Ten conference clashes now in the rearview mirror, the NCAA tournament is charging toward an epic conclusion. Among the standout teams are Missouri, Kentucky, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Florida, Stanford, Purdue, Louisville, Texas, Creighton, Marquette, Penn State, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Dayton, and Nebraska. Nebraska, having recently shared the Big Ten title with Penn State, is in formidable form. They’ve carried that momentum into the NCAA tournament, securing a coveted spot in the Sweet 16 alongside some of the nation’s elite squads.

Now, Nebraska is set to go head-to-head with Dayton on December 13 in what’s shaping up to be an exciting semifinal match. Both teams have a rich history in volleyball, with Nebraska dominating the Big Ten and Dayton consistently surprising opponents with their underdog energy and solid gameplay. So, as Nebraska and Dayton bring the volleyball heat to the court, here’s everything you need to know about their rich volleyball histories!

Nebraska Huskers and Dayton Volleyball’s clash!

Dayton (31-2) is gearing up to take on Nebraska (31-2) this Friday night at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb. The two teams have the same record of 31-2 and both are in the Sweet 16 and this makes the game a much anticipated game between two great teams. Nebraska demonstrated their strength last weekend in the victory over Miami (25-19, 25-14, 25-18) to move on and Dayton made NCAA Regional history by winning their first ever NCAA Regional after a 3-2 win over Baylor in Waco, Texas.

Nebraska has a rich history in volleyball and has produced five national champions (1995, 2000, 2006, 2015, 2017) and a home record. The Huskers have been unbeaten in 24 straight games in the NCAA tournament at home and have a record of 43 consecutive victories in regular season at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Their defense is top-notch, ranking seventh nationally in opponent hitting percentage at .141, with setter Nicklin Hames contributing to the team’s efficiency with precise assists.

On the other hand, Dayton has been impressing everyone with performances from the players such as Lexie Almodovar who in the recent games has 5.02 kills per set which ranks him among the best nationally followed by Alyissa Miller, who does 10.79 assists per set. Dayton’s defense has also been just as solid, coming in at fifth in the nation with an opponent hitting percentage of .140. Since both teams are packed with talent, this Sweet 16 match is going to serve as a test of skill and will power atop all the sets! It’s the fight that everyone has been waiting for, and with all the hype surrounding this event, here is your complete guide to watching the match and keeping up with the next games!

How to watch the upcoming events!

The Lincoln Region is bringing the heat this weekend! Kicking things off on Friday, December 13, the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, NE, transforms into the ultimate battleground for the regional semifinals. First up, Wisconsin (25-6) takes on Texas A&M (21-7) at 7:00 p.m. ET. With the Badgers ranked third in the Big Ten and the Aggies fifth in the SEC, sparks are bound to fly. The whole event will be televised on ESPN2 and the commentators will be Courtney Lyle, Holly McPeak, Katie George, and Madison Fitzpatrick. And if some fan is on the go, they can watch it on WatchESPN or listen to the Huskers Radio Network for every play.

But hold on to your popcorn, because Nebraska (31-2) and Dayton Volleyball(31-2) hit the court 30 minutes after that epic first match. The Huskers, who finished the regular season as co-champions of the Big Ten, are now set to defend their home court against the Atlantic 10 regular-season perfect Dayton. This showdown will also be on ESPN2, with all the electrifying commentary you could ask for. But for the dedicated fans of Huskers, John Baylor and Lauren (Cook) West are there to fill their needs on the Huskers Radio Network.

Looking ahead to Sunday, December 15, it’s the regional final at 3:00 p.m. ET. The winners of Friday’s battles will fight for a place in the NCAA finals. ABC will be the place to tune in for this one, with the Huskers Radio Network maintaining the local flavor. Whether the fans are sitting comfortably on the couch or standing and clapping on the court, this weekend is going to be a volley of volleyball.