Cooper to Miss Remainder of Season

Lincoln ? Nebraska Coach John Cook confirmed Thursday afternoon that middle blocker Kori Cooper will undergo season-ending knee surgery on Friday.

“Kori will have surgery tomorrow,” Cook said. “When Dr. (Scott) Strasburger examined the knee, there was no swelling and they are able to get right in and fix it. Kori been though this surgery once already and knows what is ahead in terms of rehab. She was in good spirits and can’t wait to get back next year.”

A three-year starter at middle blocker, Cooper suffered the injury in the fourth set of last night’s match at Texas.  She has appeared in all 27 matches for the Huskers, averaging 2.09 kills and 0.88 blocks per set. Cooper is second in the Big 12 with a .396 hitting percentage, a total which would rank ninth on Nebraska’s all-time single-season list.

“Losing Brooke Delano (who underwent surgery last week) and Kori basically in a week hurts our depth,” Cook said. “Over the years, we’ve been fortunate in keeping players healthy, but it is one of those years where you have to be resilient and tough. It makes our players appreciate every moment on the court.”

Cook said that redshirt freshman Jordan Wilberger will move into the starting role. Wilberger has averaged 1.17 kills per set in six matches and had two kills and a block in last night’s match at Texas.

“Jordan has done a really nice job in the times she has played this year, and I think our team will rally around her,” Cook said. “This team has been resilient all season and this is an opportunity for Jordan.”

The third-ranked Huskers are in action on Saturday night when they host Texas Tech at the NU Coliseum. First serve for the regular-season home finale is set for 7 p.m.