Huskers Wrap Up Spring Schedule on Saturday

Lincoln ? The Huskers volleyball team returns to the court for their final match of the spring, as they host the Creighton Bluejays this Saturday, April 15, at 3:30 p.m. at the NU Coliseum.  Tickets for Saturday’s match are $6 for adults and $3 for youths and senior citizens and the doors will open at 2:30 p.m. because of the annual Red/White game.

The Huskers return four starters, including 2005 AVCA National Player of the Year Christina Houghtelling and two-time first-team All-American Sarah Pavan, from a team that finished with a 33-2 mark, the school’s eighth Big 12 title in 10 years, and an NCAA runner-up finish.

In addition to the two All-Americans, NU returns six of its top eight players from its 6-2 offense a year ago, as the Huskers also return starting setters Maggie Griffin and Dani Busboom, middle blocker Tracy Stalls and outside hitter Jordan Larson, the Big 12 and AVCA Central Region Freshman of the Year in 2005.

Creighton finished the 2005 season 16-14 and currently stand at 4-1-1 through six matches this spring. Saturday will be CU's final match of the spring. The Bluejays have wins over NCAA Tournament qualifiers Northwestern, Kansas State and Arkansas along with Division II runner-up Nebraska-Kearney.

Creighton’s Head Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth enters the 2006 season with five starters returning, including Carolyn Decker, who started as a true freshman on Creighton’s 18-win team in 2004 before undergoing elbow surgery last fall.

Huskers Post First Spring Win Over Purdue
Two-time All-American Sarah Pavan totaled a match-high 19 kills, leading the Nebraska volleyball team to a 30-24, 27-30, 30-23, 30-24 win over Purdue on April 8

Pavan added 11 digs and a service ace for the Huskers, while All-American Christina Houghtelling showed why she was the AVCA National Player of the Year in 2005 by totaling 17 kills and a team-leading 13 digs.

Dani Mancuso produced the team’s third double-double with 11 kills and 11digs in the victory over a Purdue team that reached the regional semifinals.

Dani Busboom moved to libero for Saturday’s match, picking up nine digs and three assists, as Maggie Griffin and Rachel Holloway shared the setting duties.

Houghtelling to Participate in School is Cool Celebration on Monday
AVCA National Player of the Year Christina Houghtelling is among several current Husker athletes participating in the “School is Cool” Celebration Monday, April 17th at Lincoln Southwest High School. Other Huskers student-athletes scheduled to participate include football players Zac Taylor and Cortney Grixby, basketball players Jason Dourisseau and Bronsen Schliep and track national champions Priscilla Lopes and Ashley Selig.

Huskers Travel to Japan and China
The Huskers will return to action next month, as the team will travel to China and Japan. The trip is set from May 17 to June 3 and includes six matches against teams from both countries.

2006 Nebraska Spring Volleyball Schedule
Date                Opponent               Time
April 8               vs. Purdue            W, 3-1 
April 15             vs. Creighton         3:30 p.m.