Drama on Friday, dominance Saturday, and maybe a top ranking next week for No. 2 Nebraska. The Huskers (16-1, 6-0) rolled Rutgers 25-15, 25-16, 25-12 Saturday at the Devaney Center for their 13th straight win. After the hotly contested five-set win over No. 10 Purdue, this resounding victory, coupled with No. 1 Pitt’s five-set loss against SMU, may elevate Nebraska to the No. 1 spot next week when the new AVCA poll is taken.
The Huskers outhit the Scarlet Knights (5-12, 0-6), .314-.083, outblocked them 9-5 and outserved them, three aces to two. Harper Murray paced a balanced Nebraska attack with 13 kills and 11 digs. Leyla Blackwell tallied nine kills on .600 hitting along with seven blocks. Taylor Landfair added six kills and three blocks, while Merritt Beason contributed five kills and three blocks. Bergen Reilly notched 35 set assists and 13 digs. Alyssa Kinkela nine kills and eight digs to lead the Scarlet Knights.
Nebraska will travel to Michigan State Friday night before facing Ohio State in Columbus next Saturday.