The Huskers entered Sunday afternoon looking to claim its sixth national title in volleyball. But one final opponent stood in their way, reigning national champion Texas. The experienced Longhorns outmatched the No. 1 Huskers, resulting in a sweep (22-25, 14-25, 11-25) for Texas to win their second straight national championship.
Following an intense back-and-forth first set, Texas quickly ran away with the match, dominating Nebraska in the next two sets. The Huskers finished with their lowest hitting percentage of the season, .013, while also surrendering a hitting percentage of .264.
The Longhorns’ main strength came in serves and total kills. They finished with 38 kills and 12 aces on the day. Nebraska meanwhile only earned mustered up 20 kills and two service aces.
Freshman Harper Murray finished the match as Nebraska’s leader in kills, delivering seven off 23 total attacks. Murray also landed both of the Huskers’ service aces. Freshman Andi Jackson finished with the second-most kills for Nebraska, earning four off nine attacks.
Bekka Allick led Nebraska in blocks with four, while also landing three kills off seven attacks. Freshman Bergen Reilly concluded the season with 17 set assists and six digs for the Huskers. Reilly tied with Lexi Rodriguez for the most digs in the match for Nebraska.
Final from Tampa. pic.twitter.com/FCYUopuWeT
— Nebraska Volleyball (@HuskerVB) December 17, 2023