No. 1 Nebraska Overcomes Kentucky in Five-Set Thriller
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The No. 1 Nebraska Cornhuskers rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat No.7 kentucky in a captivating five-set match (23-25, 21-25, 25-17, 25-20, 15-9) on September 14, 2024, at Memorial Coliseum. The victory hands Nebraska a notable early-season win against a formidable SEC opponent.
This contest showcased the high stakes of collegiate volleyball as both programs vie for national championship contention. kentucky,aiming to establish itself as an elite program within the SEC,faced a stern test against the perennial powerhouse Cornhuskers. The result impacts both teams’ NCAA Tournament seeding projections and national rankings, setting the tone for the remainder of thier respective seasons. Fans can follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @KentuckyVB.
Nebraska’s comeback was fueled by a dominant performance in the final three sets, highlighted by improved blocking and a more aggressive offensive approach. After dropping the first two sets, the Cornhuskers adjusted their strategy, capitalizing on Kentucky’s errors and finding their rhythm offensively.
Kentucky’s strong start, led by Emma Grome’s 56 assists and Azhani Tealer’s 17 kills, initially put Nebraska on it’s heels. Tho, nebraska responded with a balanced attack, featuring contributions from merritt Beier, who recorded 16 kills, and Andi Jackson, who added 12. The Cornhuskers’ defense also stepped up,limiting Kentucky’s offensive options in the crucial final sets.
Nebraska finished with a .278 hitting percentage compared to Kentucky’s .229. The Cornhuskers also recorded 14 team blocks to Kentucky’s 8.
The Wildcats will look to rebound from this loss as they continue their non-conference schedule.
