Huskers Top Shockers in Exhibition

North Platte ? Tracy Stalls totaled a match-high 12 kills to help lead the Nebraska volleyball team to a 30-10, 30-20, 30-15 win over Wichita State Saturday afternoon in an exhibition match.

The exhibition match was played in North Platte to allow Husker volleyball fans across the state a chance to see the defending national champions in action and a sold-out gym was filled nearly an hour before first serve.

"It's hard to believe, anywhere in college volleyball in the spring, something like this could happen," Nebraska Head Coach John Cook said. "We needed Wichita State to come here and help make it happen, and I give them a lot of credit for doing that. But we have a great relationship with the western part of the state, and we want to continue to never take that for granted."

Nebraska looked hungry following a three-month break after their NCAA Championship win over Stanford, as three Huskers posted kills in the double digits in front of an overflow crowd of 2,400 in the North Platte High School.

Stalls, a 6-3 senior from Arvada, Colo., and Sarah Pavan, a senior from Kitchener, Ontario tied for the team high with 12 kills.

Senior Christina Houghtelling contributed in all areas in her first contest in 10 months following shoulder surgery, totaling six kills and 1.5 blocks while also snagging three digs in her first action since last summer’s trip to China.

"It's just crazy how much you miss this when you're out all year," said Houghtelling, who had reserved tickets for more than 30 family members and friends on Saturday. "I don't know - it's just great to be back. It was so fun out there."

While Stalls and Pavan provided the offensive firepower, Amanda Gates and freshman Lindsey Licht combined for five blocks apiece to help shut down the Shockers. Licht also snagged four kills in her collegiate debut for the Huskers.

The Huskers will play their final spring exhibition match against Colorado State on Saturday, April 14, at 3 p.m. at the NU Coliseum. Tickets for that match are on sale at Huskers.com or by calling the NU Ticket Office at 800-8-Big Red.