In a matchup that carried the weight of old rivalries and new ambitions, top-ranked Nebraska volleyball dismantled Penn State 3-0 on Friday night at Rec Hall. The Huskers, riding an undefeated streak, showed no mercy against the 16th-ranked Nittany Lions, wrapping up the contest with set scores of 25-18, 25-20, and 25-15. It was a statement win for first-year coach Dani Busboom Kelly, who returned to her alma mater this season after steering Louisville to consistent success.
Busboom Kelly, a Nebraska native and former setter for the program, has infused the team with a fearless edge right from the start. Her Huskers entered the game at 12-0 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play, and this road triumph pushes them to 13-0. Penn State, meanwhile, slipped to 8-5, their home crowd left stunned by Nebraska's relentless serving and blocking. Key performers like Andi Jackson, with 14 kills, and Bergen Reilly's precise setting highlighted why the Huskers top the polls—efficient, unyielding, almost mechanical in their dominance.
Indeed, this wasn't just another win; it flipped a script that's haunted Nebraska. Penn State has been a persistent thorn, especially in recent Final Four clashes, including a heartbreaking loss last December. Busboom Kelly, who faced similar frustrations during her Louisville tenure, spoke post-match about channeling that history into motivation. "We've got to own these moments," she said, her words carrying a quiet intensity that suggests deeper team buy-in.
Looking ahead, Nebraska's schedule toughens with Big Ten road trips to Wisconsin and Purdue looming, testing this early-season form. Penn State, regrouping, faces Ohio State next before a slate that includes rematches and non-conference tilts. However, for the Huskers, the focus remains on sustaining this momentum amid high expectations.
Moreover, Busboom Kelly's player-led approach seems to be clicking, but sustaining it through October's grind will reveal if Nebraska can truly eclipse past shadows.
As the season unfolds, one wonders how these early sweeps shape the playoff narrative for both programs.