The Nebraska Cornhuskers women's volleyball team extended their flawless season with a commanding sweep over Penn State on Friday night. Indeed, the Huskers, now 13-0 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play, dispatched the Nittany Lions 25-18, 25-20, 25-15 in Lincoln, showcasing the kind of relentless defense and sharp attacking that's made them untouchable so far this year.
Key performers stepped up once more, with outside hitter Harper Murray leading the charge through 14 kills on a .400 hitting percentage, while setter Bergen Reilly orchestrated the offense with 32 assists and a handful of aces. Penn State's offense, hampered by Nebraska's block wall—tallied at 12 total—couldn't find rhythm, especially after an early stumble in the first set. It was the kind of match that reinforces why the Huskers remain the nation's top-ranked squad, though one can't help but wonder if the schedule's lighter spots are masking deeper tests ahead.
However, with no game today, October 5, the team gets a brief breather before hitting the road for a crucial matchup against Michigan on Wednesday. The Big Ten slate only gets tougher from here, pitting Nebraska against conference heavyweights who've shown flashes of upsetting the hierarchy. Coach John Cook praised the team's focus post-match, noting how their chemistry—honed through non-conference romps—translates to these high-stakes affairs. Yet, subtle errors in serve receive hinted at areas for polish, especially as rivals like Wisconsin loom larger.
Moreover, this win caps a strong week that included a gritty victory over Maryland earlier, pushing the Huskers' home record to an impeccable 7-0. Fans packed Memorial Stadium's Devaney Center, their energy palpable even in the cooler fall air. As the season progresses into November's frenzy, Nebraska's blend of youth and experience positions them as frontrunners for another national title run.
Still, in the volatile world of college volleyball, maintaining this streak invites its own pressures—what happens when the underdogs finally bite back?