Nebraska Volleyball Advances to Elite Eight in NCAA Tournament
ICARO Media Group
Nebraska volleyball continues its impressive run in the NCAA Women's Volleyball Tournament, as they have secured a spot in the Elite Eight round. The Huskers, who entered the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed, have displayed dominance in their three-game postseason run, maintaining an undefeated record so far.
With a record of 31-1, the Huskers have made their victories look effortless, sweeping past Long Island University and regional No. 8 seed Missouri in the first and second rounds. They followed up with another commanding sweep over No. 5 seed Georgia Tech in the Sweet 16.
Although Nebraska faced some resistance in Set 3 of all three games, they managed to keep their composure and emerged unblemished. The Huskers now gear up for a highly-anticipated Elite Eight matchup against Arkansas at the Devaney Center. The game will be televised on ESPNU at 5 p.m. CT on Saturday.
Their opponents, the Arkansas Razorbacks, finished the regular season as the No. 9-ranked team in the final AVCA Top 25 poll. As the No. 3 seed in the Nebraska Regional, the Razorbacks pose a formidable challenge for the Huskers, setting the stage for an exciting clash.
Following their victory over Georgia Tech, Nebraska's head coach John Cook, along with standout players Ally Batenhorst and Andi Jackson, addressed the media in a press conference. They discussed their performance in the Sweet 16 and gave a glimpse into their preparations for the next round.
In other matchups, No. 1 seed Pittsburgh will face off against No. 2 seed Louisville at 3 p.m. CT, while No. 1 seed Wisconsin takes on No. 2 seed Oregon at 7 p.m. CT. The final Elite Eight game will feature No. 1 seed Stanford against No. 2 seed Texas at 9 p.m. CT. All the games will be broadcast on ESPNU and available on the WatchESPN app.
Nebraska's dominance throughout the tournament has impressed not only fans but also the opposing teams. Georgia Tech's coach, Michelle Collier, who has ties to Nebraska as a former exchange student in the state, spoke highly of the Huskers' performance. She acknowledged the challenge her team faced and praised Nebraska's game plan.
As Nebraska continues their journey in the tournament, their strong defense and serving have stood out. The Huskers have executed their game plan flawlessly, displaying confidence and enjoying the big stage. Their impressive performances have showcased the talent and potential of the team's freshmen, who are growing more comfortable and confident as the tournament progresses.
Nebraska's defense has been crucial to their success, stifling opponents' attacks and disrupting their rhythm. Effective blocking has not only boosted the team's momentum but also shattered the confidence of opposing hitters.
With this victory, Nebraska has advanced to the Regional Final for the 32nd time in program history. They maintain an exceptional record in the NCAA Tournament, boasting 128 wins and ranking second in terms of postseason wins and winning percentage.
The Huskers are now focused on their upcoming Elite Eight matchup against Arkansas, as they seek to secure a spot in the Final Four. The team's strong home record and the unwavering support of their fans will undoubtedly fuel their determination to triumph in the tournament.