Lincoln - Lindsey Licht and Sarah Pavan each slammed down a match-high 12 kills to help the Nebraska volleyball team to a 30-19, 30-17, 30-28 sweep over Colorado State in front of 2,893 fans at the NU Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
“I thought we did spectacular things today and made some really good plays,” NU Coach John Cook said following the match. “We are right where we need to be as far as spring play goes.
NU came out swinging, posting 16 kills while hitting .400 in the game one. Pavan added three service aces to lead the Huskers to an 11-point victory in the first game. CSU, which was led by Tonya Mokeki’s 11 kills on 20 swings, closed within three points, 18-15 before the Huskers moved into high gear, scoring 12 of the final 16 points, including aces from Pavan and Tracy Stalls.
Licht tallied five kills, while Tracy Stalls pounded four to help the Huskers to another 16 kills in game two. After CSU closed the gap to 7-6, Stalls helped NU to a 9-2 run to open a 16-8 advantage. NU held CSU to .059 hitting in the second game as CSU managed just 17 points in the game.
Colorado State rallied against the Huskers in game three, running out to a 12-8 advantage after Jonelle Wallace’s ace, but NU fought right back to tie it at 13-all. Jordan Larson, who finished with 10 kills while hitting .318 on the day, pounded home a pair of kills before a CSU attack error. Nebraska extended the run to 5-0 with a Pavan kill and Ram hitting error.
NU opened a four-point lead at 24-20 and led 28-24 before a final CSU rally came up short. The Huskers completed the match with a 30-28 game-three win despite hitting just .205.
Nebraska held CSU to just .144 hitting on the day while outdigging the Rams 41-28, although CSU held an 8.5-8.0 blocking advantage. Pavan and Larson also each just missed a double-double with nine digs apiece. The Huskers also received strong performances from setters Maggie Griffin and Rachel Holloway as they combined for 38 of NU’s 47 set assists on the game.
“We are very appreciative of Colorado State making the trip out here today,” Cook said. “And we’re even more appreciative of the fans who came out to see us today. This was a great environment to play in, especially for Lindsey Licht to get the experience of the Coliseum.”
“I love it here at the Coliseum and I love the atmosphere,” Licht said. “It was very welcoming in my first match here and I thank everyone for the support for this team.”
Spring volleyball action for the Huskers will conclude on Sunday, April 22, as Pavan and Larson will represent Nebraska in the POWERADE Beach Volleyball Championship in San Diego.