Husker Volleyball & Soccer to Visit North Platte

National Champion Huskers Head to North Platte
Lincoln ? Volleyball fans in the western part of the state will have the first opportunity to see the Huskers in action this spring, as Nebraska will host Wichita State in an exhibition match in North Platte on Saturday, April 7. The match between the Huskers and Shockers will take place at North Platte High School with first serve set for 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and are available at Huskers.com and by calling the Nebraska Ticket Office at 800-8-BIGRED beginning on March 14. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance, as the Huskers’ first visit to North Plate in 2004 sold out the first day tickets were available.

Nebraska Coach John Cook said that the Huskers are excited for a return to North Platte after a sellout crowd of 2,400 watched the Nebraska-Creighton match in 2004. The Huskers have used the spring season to barnstorm across the state in recent years, including a match in Ogallala in 2003.

"We have learned that this is Nebraska’s team, and we are always looking for opportunities to share our team with volleyball fans across the state," Cook said. "We are grateful to Wichita State for helping us arrange this match, and we are looking forward to a sold-out event and a great experience for both teams."

The Huskers return five starters from a team that went 33-1 and won the school’s third national title in 2006. The Huskers return 2006 Honda Award Winner and AVCA National Player of the Year Sarah Pavan, along with AVCA All-Americans Jordan Larson, Tracy Stalls and Rachel Holloway. In addition, 2005 AVCA National Player of the Year Christina Houghtelling returns for the 2007 season, but will not likely play in North Platte as she recovers from shoulder surgery.

Wichita State finished the season with a 25-7 record and placed second in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 15-3 MVC mark.

Husker Soccer Travels to North Platte on April 21
Lincoln ?The Husker volleyball team will be one of two Husker teams visiting North Platte next month for matches, as the Nebraska soccer team will travel to North Platte, Neb., on Saturday, April 21, to meet up with the Colorado Buffaloes.

The game is set for 6 p.m. at North Platte High School Stadium. Tickets for Nebraska’s game against Colorado are $5 per person and can be ordered in advance at North Platte High School and on Huskers.com.

Nebraska’s match with Colorado will feature an experienced Husker roster that includes nine returning starters. NU welcomes the return of seniors Abby Penas and Meghan Hungerford, as well as well as sophomore Lauren Isenhower, to the pitch. All three were injured in 2006. They will help ease NU’s transition into 2007, along with seniors Tanya Dennis and Jessie Bruch.

The match with Colorado is one of four Husker spring soccer matches this spring, as the Nebraska opens the spring season against Minnesota on Sunday, March 25.