Huskers Sweep Past Shockers

Lincoln, Neb. ? Behind a solid all-around effort, the second-ranked Nebraska volleyball team advanced to its nation-leading 14th consecutive NCAA Regional appearance with a 30-22, 30-19, 30-19 sweep of Wichita State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament before 4,056 fans at the NU Coliseum.

The Huskers had an edge in nearly every statistical category, out-hitting the Shockers .325-to-.122, totaling 52 kills to WSU’s 35. Defensively, the Huskers recorded 10 blocks to Wichita State’s three, while Nebraska out-dug the Shockers 54-45.

One of the more impressive areas where Nebraska excelled was at the service line, where the Huskers (29-1) tallied a season-high 11 aces and were aced just once. It marked the second straight match where NU totaled at least 10 aces after not reaching double figures in aces during the regular season.

Sarah Pavan, one of four seniors playing their final match at the Coliseum, finished with 15 kills on .481 hitting to lead three Huskers with double figures in kills. Jordan Larson added 11 kills, nine digs and five aces, while Tracy Stalls pounded 10 kills and had four blocks, as the seniors wrapped up their 72nd consecutive home win.

Even with the Huskers’ All-Americans shining, the play of freshman Tara Mueller stood out. One night after receiving her first career start at outside hitter, Mueller pounded a career-high nine kills on .316 hitting, while adding the first solo block of her young career. Mueller came off the bench midway through game one and by the halfway point of game two, she had already pounded a career-high six kills on 10 swings without an error.

Mueller’s performance highlighted a night where Nebraska had moments of brilliance in every phase of the game, both from the starters and the bench. The Huskers, who won their nation-leading eighth consecutive NCAA Tournament match and collected their 39th win in the last 40 matches.

Wichita State ended its season with a 27-6 record and the program’s second-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Sara Lungren paced the Shockers with 12 kills and nine digs, while Emily Stockman added nine kills and seven digs.

In the opener, Pavan keyed Nebraska’s 30-22 win, totaling eight kills on 12 swings, while Larson and Kori Cooper added four kills apiece in helping NU hit .425.  Nebraska maintained a slim lead until Wichita State won five of six points to pull within 17-16 and force the Huskers into a timeout. The Shockers were within 22-21 before Mueller sparked the Huskers on a game-ending spurt. The freshman had two kills on two swings and a solo block that ignited a 7-0 run that put NU ahead 29-21 as she combined with Pavan to run off the final five points of the spurt. Pavan then ended the game with her eighth kill to wrap up a hard-fought 30-22 win.

While Nebraska used its offensive power in game one, it was its defense that lifted the Big Red to a 30-19 victory. NU totaled four blocks, including two by Pavan, and totaled 18 digs in holding WSU to .051 hitting.  Nebraska stuffed Wichita State’s first two attacks in game two to set the tone for a defensive battle. Several great digs kept long rallies alive for the Shockers, who used t superb floor defense to stay within striking distance. Leading 12-11, NU used strong serving from Rachel Holloway to run off six of the next seven points, as Muller slammed home two straight kills to put the Huskers up 18-12 and force WSU to take its final timeout. The Shockers got to within 25-18 after a Lungren kill, but NU ran off four straight points, capped by a Cooper kills to make it 29-18 and took a 2-0 lead into the locker room.

In the finale, it was the Huskers’ serving that helped NU overcome an early deficit and post a 30-19 win. NU totaled five aces without an error in the finale, including two from Larson, who matched her career best for the second straight night. Wichita State jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead in game three, but Nebraska quickly responded with an 8-1 run to take a 10-7 lead and force a Shockers’ timeout. Back-to-back aces from Jordan Larson put the Huskers on top 17-11 and NU led by at least five the rest of the way. Tracy Stalls punched the Huskers’ ticket to the next round with a thundering kill on match point, sending the crowd of 4,056 who home happy.

Nebraska now advances to the Madison (Wis.) Regional, where the Huskers will take on Michigan State, an upset winner over Dayton next Friday at 7 p.m. (central). Iowa State and California will play the evening's first match at 5 p.m. (central)