Huskers Defeat Iowa State with Efficient Offense

Omaha, Neb. ? The seventh-ranked Nebraska volleyball team hit a season-high .443 to defeat Iowa State, 30-25, 30-20, 30-14, Wednesday night before 4,173 fans at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. Sophomore middle blocker Melissa Elmer was the most efficient Husker, as she pounded 11 kills on 15 attempts, which was good for a .733 hitting percentage.

Overall, five NU players hit over .400. Sophomore outside hitter Jennifer Saleaumua recorded 12 kills and hit .455, while junior outside hitter Ally Rebholz tallied nine kills on a .615 hitting percentage. The Huskers' team hitting percentage was its highest in 27 matches. Setters Michelle Lynch and Dani Busboom combined for 49 assists.

With the win, Nebraska improved to 11-1 overall and 3-0 in the Big 12 Conference. NU extended its regular-season streak of wins over league teams to 73. Meanwhile, Iowa State fell to 7-6 and 0-3.

"I think this was the best match I've seen our setters play," NU Coach John Cook said. "They are getting used to going in and out of the match and staying at a high level mentally. The confidence from our team overall was very high ? you could just see it out there.

"I also appreciate the fans that came out tonight. This was a great opportunity for us to play in Omaha, and I think it was a win-win situation for both teams."

After several lead changes early in game one, Nebraska began to pull away and led 18-14 with the help of back-to-back kills by Elmer and freshman middle blocker Christina Houghtelling. NU maintained the advantage, and kills by Elmer and Rebholz made it 29-23, Huskers. Iowa State held Nebraska off with kills by Renee Pruess and Ashlie McWee, but senior outside hitter Anna Schrad pounded a kill on the next play to give NU a 30-25, first-game win.

Nebraska hit a sizzling .486 in game one, led by Elmer's 6-for-7 (.857) effort. Rebholz also tallied six kills in game one.

The Huskers cooled down a bit in game two, hitting .294 but holding ISU to minus -.026. Nebraska controlled throughout and all but sealed the second-game win with a late 7-0 run. With NU leading, 20-17, senior middle blocker Sara Westling served seven straight points, including a service ace. Elmer, Saleaumua, Schrad and Kelsey Fautsch all had kills in the run. The Huskers wrapped up a 30-20 victory on Saleaumua's eighth kill of the match.

The Huskers were never seriously challenged in game three, when they threw Iowa State off-balance with their aggressive serving. Busboom picked up two services late in the game, and NU led, 24-12, after an ace by freshman outside hitter Dani Mancuso, Nebraska led 22-11.

All of Nebraska's available players saw action, including freshman libero/defensive specialist Amanda McCormick, who had been sidelined by an elbow injury since NU's Aug. 30 win over Illinios State.

The Huskers return to action Saturday, Sept. 27, when they play host to Texas Tech. First serve at the NU Coliseum is set for 7 p.m.