U-M Sets Attendance records Despite Straight-Set Loss to No. 1 Nebraska
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Teh University of Michigan volleyball team set new program attendance records Wednesday night (Oct. 23) but fell to top-ranked Nebraska in straight sets (25-18, 25-13, 25-18) at Crisler center. A crowd of 6,237 fans witnessed the match, surpassing the previous record of 5,784 set against Ohio State on Nov. 22, 2013.
Despite the enthusiastic home-court advantage, the Wolverines struggled to contain the undefeated Cornhuskers (18-0, 8-0 Big Ten). the loss marks Michigan’s eighth consecutive defeat against Nebraska, a perennial powerhouse in collegiate volleyball. While the outcome wasn’t favorable, the record-breaking attendance underscores the growing popularity of U-M volleyball and the program’s ability to draw notable crowds, signaling a positive trajectory for the team’s future.
Nebraska opened the first set with a 4-1 lead, tying at seven before taking a 9-8 advantage.U-M responded with a kill from Jessenia Gordon and a block assist from Serena Nyambio and Lydia Johnson, but a 5-1 run by the Huskers created separation. Michigan attempted a late rally, fueled by kills from MacKenna Demetrician and Gordon, and a block from Nyambio and Demetrician, but Nebraska closed out the set 25-18.
The second set saw Nebraska jump to a 5-1 lead, countered by a 3-0 U-M run including an ace from Ellie White. However, the Cornhuskers responded with a dominant 9-1 run, extending their lead to 17-8. Back-to-back kills from Jenna Hanes and Paige Jacobs briefly narrowed the gap, but Nebraska ultimately won the set 25-13.
In the third set, Nebraska established an early 6-1 lead. Michigan fought back with a 4-0 run, highlighted by an ace from Lexi Burke and kills from Sydney Schnichels and Demetrician, bringing the score to 11-10. Despite kills from Jacobs and Camille Edwards, and a late push from Nyambio with a kill and block alongside Schnichels, Nebraska secured the set 25-18 and the match.
Demetrician led the Wolverines with a team-high eight kills, while Nyambio recorded a team-leading five blocks.
Michigan’s next contest will be a road matchup against rival Ohio State on Friday (Oct. 24) at 6 p.m. at Covelli Center in Columbus,Ohio. The match will be streamed on B1G+.
