In a matchup that carried the weight of last season's NCAA semifinal heartbreak, top-ranked Nebraska volleyball asserted its dominance Friday night, sweeping No. 16 Penn State 3-0 at Rec Hall in University Park. The Huskers, riding a perfect 13-0 record and 3-0 in Big Ten play, wasted little time silencing the home crowd, taking the sets 25-18, 25-20, and 25-19. It was a clear statement from coach Dani Busboom Kelly, who had openly discussed the team's hunger for revenge after Penn State's five-set upset ended Nebraska's title hopes in December 2024.
Nebraska's offense clicked from the start, with Bergen Reilly dishing out 28 assists and Andi Jackson pounding 12 kills at a .400 hitting percentage. Defensively, the Huskers blocked seven shots, stifling Penn State's middles. The Nittany Lions, now 7-6 overall and 1-2 in conference, struggled to find rhythm— their top outside hitter, Jordyn Zimmerman, managed just eight kills amid 18 errors. Penn State's roster, bolstered by returners like setter Cayla Dunlap, showed flashes but couldn't overcome Nebraska's relentless pressure. Indeed, the sweep marked Nebraska's eighth straight win over Penn State dating back to 2021.
Looking ahead, Nebraska's schedule toughens with a road trip to Rutgers on Sunday, part of a grueling Big Ten slate that includes rematches with powerhouses like Wisconsin and Purdue. Penn State, meanwhile, hosts Michigan next week, aiming to rebound from this disappointing home loss. Busboom Kelly praised her team's focus post-match, noting how the victory builds momentum toward another national title run. However, with injuries nagging at depth players like Sarah Sanders, sustaining this streak won't be straightforward.
The Big Ten remains a gauntlet, where one slip can shift rankings overnight. As these rivals recalibrate, the conference's depth continues to test even the elite programs.