Reds Win Scrimmage in Four Sets

Lincoln ? Jordan Larson’s match-high 16 kills led three Husker red players in double figures, as the Red Squad defeated the Whites, 25-19, 25-18, 22-25, 25-22, in front of an estimated crowd of 3,000 at the Nebraska Coliseum Saturday night.

Nebraska Coach John Cook saw some positives from the Huskers in their first true competition of the fall after two weeks of practices.

“I thought at times we did some really nice things, like what we’ve been working on,” Cook said. “I thought as the match went on we got a little sloppy. Part of that is just that we haven’t been scrimmaging a lot so mentally they have got to learn to push through that a little bit. Obviously tonight I thought Jordan Larson and Lindsey Licht had really good nights, and Kayla Banwarth was exceptional on defense.

Larson, a two-time All-American, turned in a solid night with a match-high 16 kills, three service aces and four blocks to key the Reds offensive efforts. Licht, a sophomore right side hitter, turned in a strong performance with 13 kills on over .400 hitting and four stuffs of her own. Banwarth paced the Reds defensive efforts with a match-high 20 digs, as the Whites were held to .140 hitting on the evening. Sophomore Tara Mueller also turned in a strong performance with a double-double of her own, finishing with 11 kills, 12 digs and three blocks.

Brooke Delano, who saw time for both teams during the match, paced the White squad with eight kills and seven blocks. Delano, who has been training at three different positions, worked as an outside hitter for the Whites in the first two sets before switching teams and moving inside for the final two sets.

Prior to the match, the Huskers retired the jersey of former three-time All-American Stephanie Thater. She became the sixth Husker to have her jersey retired and be displayed in the Husker Wall of Honor.

The Huskers will open the 2008 season at the Runza/AVCA Showcase at Qwest Center Omaha next Friday, Aug., 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are on sale at the Qwest Center Omaha box office and at Ticketmaster locations around Nebraska.