The last time Nebraska volleyball hosted a match at the Devaney Center was December 7, 2019. The Huskers defeated Missouri 3-1 in the second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
On Friday, No. 5 Nebraska (3-0) beat Maryland (0-5) by that same score.
The Huskers had their best kill percentage set (.478) in the opener. It was a wire to wire lead for the 25-19 win.
The second set was very different, with nine ties and five lead changes. Nebraska had four set points but could never put it away. Maryland took the set 27-25 to tie the match.
The next two sets were more ho-hum for the Huskers, winning 25-19, 14 to take the match 3-1.
Several football players, including Noa Pola-Gates, Brant Banks, and Chris Hickman, were on hand to cheer on the volleyball team. (Photo by Kenny Larabee)
Dozens of fans were on hand, mostly family members.
A group of football players found their way into the arena, including offensive lineman Brant Banks and wide receiver Chris Hickman. That group gave the Huskers at least a small feel of a normal match, as they yelled throughout the match, including everything from shouting “hey batter batter” to barking like dogs during Terrapin serves.
For what it’s worth, multiple Maryland serves ended up in net or going long when the yelling was happening.
Lauren Stivrins led the team with an astounding .850 hitting percentage that included a match-high 18 kills. Lexi Sun also had more kills than any Terrapin with 14 on the night.
Nicklin Hames had a season-high 53 set assists while tying with Sun for the team lead with 12 digs.
Freshman Anni Evans from Waverly made her Husker debut. Evans subbed in in the fourth set and promptly served an ace.
The Huskers hit .248 for the match while holding the Terrapins to .165, including a paltry .000 in set four.
Nebraska and Maryland will turn around and play against Saturday.
Feature Image by Kenny Larabee