No. 1 Nebraska Overcomesโค Kentucky in Five-Set Thriller
LEXINGTON, Ky. โ- The No. 1 Nebraska Cornhuskers rallied fromโ a two-set โdeficit to defeat No.7 kentucky in a captivating five-set match (23-25, 21-25,โฃ 25-17, 25-20, 15-9) on September 14,โฃ 2024, at Memorial Coliseum. The victory hands Nebraska a notable early-season win against a โformidable SEC opponent.
This contest showcased the โhigh stakes of collegiate volleyball as both programs โvie for national championship contention. kentucky,aiming โขto establish itself as an โคelite program within the SEC,faced a โstern test against the perennial powerhouse Cornhuskers. The result impacts both teams’ NCAA Tournament seeding projections and โคnational rankings, setting the tone forโฃ the remainder of โthierโ respective seasons.โ Fansโ can follow the Wildcats โon Twitter and Instagram at @KentuckyVB.
Nebraska’s comeback was โfueled by a dominant performance in the final three sets, highlighted by improved โฃblocking and a more aggressive offensive approach. Afterโ dropping the first two sets, theโข Cornhuskers adjusted their strategy, capitalizing on Kentucky’s errors andโ finding their rhythm offensively.
Kentucky’sโ strong start, led by Emma Grome’sโ 56 assists and Azhaniโฃ Tealer’s 17 kills,โ initially put Nebraska onโฃ it’s heels. Tho, nebraska responded with aโค balanced attack, featuring โcontributions from merritt Beier, who recordedโ 16 kills, and Andi Jackson,โ who added 12.โข The Cornhuskers’ defense โalso stepped up,limiting โKentucky’s offensive options in โthe crucial final sets.
Nebraska finished with a .278โ hitting percentage compared to Kentucky’s .229. The Cornhuskers also recorded 14 team โคblocks to โคKentucky’s 8.โฃ
The Wildcats will look to rebound from this loss as they continue their non-conference schedule.
