Holmquist Leads NU to Sweep of Tech with 13 Blocks

Lincoln, Neb. -- Junior middle blocker Amber Holmquist tied her own Nebraska and Big 12 Conference record for block assists in a three-game match to lead the No. 2 Nebraska volleyball to a 30-21, 30-19, 30-14, win over Texas Tech Sunday afternoon before a sold-out crowd of 4,105 at the NU Coliseum. Holmquist posted 12 block assists and 13 total blocks to go along with five kills on nine attacks as Nebraska improved to 25-1 overall and 17-0 in the Big 12.

As a team, Nebraska out-blocked Texas Tech 19-2. Junior setter Greichaly Cepero added eight blocks, and six other Huskers had at least two blocks in the match as Texas Tech hit a meager .021.

Offensively, Cepero had her best day of the season with 32 assists and a season-high 10 kills on a .391 hitting percentage. Anna Schrad led NU with eight kills and hit .389. NU swung for a .336 hitting percentage overall.

With the Huskers extended their winning streak to 23 matches. NU, which clinched the Big 12 title Saturday night with a win against Baylor, has won 47 straight conference matches. Texas Tech fell to 17-12 overall and 8-10 in the league.

"I had some anxiety coming into this match, because we were we were shaky last night against Baylor," NU Coach John Cook said. "That hasn't happened too often this season, so I wasn't sure how we were going to respond. But we certainly responded in a positive way. I think we executed as well as we have all season."

Nebraska never trailed in game one and breezed to a 30-21 victory. Led by three blocks from Holmquist, the Huskers out-blocked Tech 6-0 while swinging at a .400 clip. Pilakowski and Schrad each notched four kills, and Schrad, Jenny Kropp and Holmquist all hit .500 or better during the period.

The Huskers carried their momentum into game two, dominating the game with their block. Nebraska out-blocked the Red Raiders 8-1, as Holmquist tallied eight alone in the game. Cepero added five blocks, as the NU defense held Tech to a minus -.054 game two hitting percentage.

In game three, Nebraska out-blocked the Red Raiders, 5-1, and swung for a .412 hitting percentage, as Sara Westling posted five kills on nine attacks and Cepero produced four kills on eight swings.

The Huskers return to action Wednesday, Nov. 21, when they play host to No. 25 Colorado at 7 p.m. at the NU Coliseum. The match marks the final regular-season home contest for Jenny Kropp and Metcalf. Nebraska will honor the seniors in a ceremony immediately following the match.