The Nebraska Huskers women's volleyball team showed no signs of slowing down Friday night, dispatching Penn State in a clean sweep that extended their unbeaten streak to 13 matches. It was a clinical performance from the start, with the Huskers claiming sets of 25-18, 25-20, and 25-17 in front of a packed house at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Coach John Cook's squad, now 3-0 in Big Ten play, looked every bit the powerhouse they've been all season, though one couldn't help but notice the Nittany Lions' occasional flashes of fight that kept things from being a total rout.
Indeed, Bergen Reilly anchored the offense with her usual precision, racking up 12 kills on a .400 hitting clip, while Andi Jackson added 10 more, her blocks proving pivotal in the middle. Penn State's offense, hampered by errors at key moments, struggled to match Nebraska's intensity—something that's become a recurring theme against the Huskers this year. However, the visitors did push back in the second set, forcing a few tense rallies before Nebraska pulled away. Moreover, the home crowd's energy seemed to fuel the team's defensive stands, limiting Penn State to just a .152 attack percentage overall.
This win comes at a good time, with the Huskers navigating a tough early Big Ten slate that includes road trips ahead. They've outlasted strong opponents like Maryland and now Penn State without dropping a set in conference, a testament to their depth and preparation. Yet, as the schedule thickens—next up is Michigan State on Sunday—questions linger about sustaining this dominance against teams that might exploit any minor lapses. The Huskers' 13-0 mark is impressive, no doubt, but volleyball's grind can humble even the best.
Still, for now, Nebraska stands tall, their precision and power on full display. One wonders how long this streak can hold in the face of mounting challenges.