Story by NU Athletic Communications

*-Nebraska improves to 11-2 on the season for the second straight season. It matches NU’s best record since opening the 1991-92 season with a 12-1 mark after 13 games.*-Nebraska finishes its non-conference slate with a 10-1 mark, marking &nbsp;the sixth time since WW2 that Nebraska has finished non-conference action with one loss (2023-24; 2018-19, 2003-04, 1991-92, 1977-78).*-With the win, Nebraska has now won 19 straight at home dating back to December of 2023. The Huskers are one shy of the program record of 20 set two previous times.&nbsp;*-With tonight’s win, NU is 19-1 at home in non-conference action over the last three seasons.*-Nebraska had an 11-0 run in the first half, the 11th&nbsp;double-figure run of the season.*-Connor Essegian (20) and Andrew Morgan (11) both finished in double figures off the bench. NU now has 14 double-figure efforts from the bench this season.&nbsp;*-Essegian led all scorers with 20 points, his third 20-point game of the season and fifth of his career. It marks the 10th&nbsp;time in Fred Hoiberg’s six seasons that NU has had a player come off the bench and finish with at least 20 points.*-Essegian matched his career high with six 3-pointers (also vs. South Dakota and North Florida). He has hit five-or-more 3-pointers four times this season.*-Nebraska finished with 22 assists, its second-highest total of the year. In addition to Rollie Worster, who had six assists without a turnover, Sam Hoiberg added a career-high five assists.*-Brice Williams has reached double figures in 12 of NU’s 13 games, finishing with 11 points. He went over the 1,500-point mark for his career. Williams also matched his season high with seven boards.*-Nebraska tied a season high with 13 3-pointers, the third time this season NU hit 10-or-more 3-pointers in a game.

*-Nebraska’s defense posted season lows in field goal percentage (25.4%), 3-point percentage (12.5%), 3-pointers made (3) and free throw percentage (37.5%).*-The 43 points allowed and 25.4 percent field goal percentage by Southern were the lowest since Mississippi Valley State had 37 points and 19.1 percent shooting on Nov. 6, 2018.

*-Berke Büyüktuncel&nbsp;tied his career high nine rebounds, the fourth time this season he has grabbed nine or more rebounds.

“That’s the biggest thing we talked about the last couple days, was getting off to a good start. This team – Southern – has shown that they’ll hang in games if you allow them to get off to good starts. They did that against Texas A&amp;M, they were up 14 at half and had Ole Miss all the way to the end. This team is very capable. It was important for us to get off to a really good start, and that’s what we did defensively. I’m not really thrilled with how the offense was in the second half. I thought we got stalled, I thought we got stagnant and held the ball too much, after a really good couple days of moving that thing around and playing point five basketball. Tonight, in the second half, we just didn’t have it. The group I’m really proud of is that group that ended the game. I’m going to give Gavin (Griffiths) a lot of credit for keeping himself ready. He had a good week of practice, and that’s what this thing is all about, is taking advantage of your minutes and going out there and playing to the best of your ability. I thought he did that on both ends, not only offensively, but I thought he had a good couple defensive possessions out there as well. That’s what leads to more time. Another guy, probably nobody even realizes it, but we put Jeffrey Grace and Cale Jacobsen in the game against Oregon State with nine seconds left. Cale flew across the court to contest a shot. Jeff Grace had maybe our best block of the night. He dove on the floor. People don’t see those kinds of things, behind the scenes, what those guys do for the culture. There’s never any emotional outburst, there’s never any adversity with those guys. They just come in and work every day. It’s nice to see them go out there and get recognized by their teammates for making those kinds of plays. Those are huge. At the end of the year, when you’re looking at your resume – I’m proud of that group for going out there and playing the right way. Sometimes, in a blowout, you get out there and just try to jack up shots, but that group finished the game. With Jeff, Henry (Burt), Gavin, most specifically, those guys were plus nine, plus seven in under three minutes. Gavin played four. I wanted to give those guys a shoutout because of what they mean for our program.”

“Our defense has to be our constant. We’re not a real pretty team, so our defense has to be our calling card. Every time we step on the floor, that has to be what gets us going. We had a little bit of a rhythm, we shot the ball, I think we made 13 threes, but if we go out there and guard like we have been, then we’re going to have a chance to win most nights that we step on the floor. We can’t back off that, we’re not a finesse team. Last year I thought we were, with Keisei (Tominaga) with his shots, CJ (Wilcher), other guys that could get it going from the perimeter. This team has a chance to be a gritty, dirty, grimy team, similar to what it was a couple years ago with (Emmanuel) Bandoumel and (Juwan) Gary when they were healthy. I’ve liked how we’ve gone out and competed on that end, we’ve got to get better on the glass. They got 17 but they missed a lot of shots. I think it’s about 30%, that’s the number we want to keep them under on their offensive rebound percentage. Clean that up, clean the turnovers up, and hopefully we’ll have a chance to have a good season.”

On the challenge of a non-conference game&nbsp;

“This is always a dangerous game. It’s the last bye game for these teams. After this they get to go home. This is a grind for teams like this. I’ve had a lot of close games and situations like this. A game, Mississippi Valley State, shoot eight years ago, they hit a three at the buzzer, we beat them by one. I mean these games cause a lot of anxiety for a coach, but our guys came out with a lot of energy. I give them credit after coming back from the west, and that’s not easy to do. I remember the hardest game to play in my NBA player career was when I was coming back from the west coast. Our guys came out, took care of business, and were exactly where we should be right now. You lose one non-conference game, very similar to last year, we’re 1-1 in league. We won a home game and lost a road game. It’s very important here that we have good preparation. Guys can’t go out and go crazy for new years, have fun after the season. We’ve got two days of prep, Wednesday Thursday, to get ready for an early game on Saturday. We’ve got to put this one behind us, and get ready for an incredibly skilled, talented, tough UCLA team.”&nbsp;

Nebraska Junior Guard Connor Essegian&nbsp;

“Honestly, it just comes to me. We did a really good job passing the ball. There were a couple of turnovers too. I had three, that needs to change. It’s just kind of playing the flow, we knew they were going to be in a lot of different types of zones, and that does help as a shooter. But when you have guys like Rollie (Worster) that do a good job at finding guys like me, it works together.”&nbsp;

On the importance of building Gavin Griffiths’ confidence after scoring drought

“It’s huge for all of us. We’re the type of team that loves to see our teammates succeed. For him to come in and still be ready after that drought, to be able to come in and play like he does and knock down two threes – to have that energy, it’s hard to do in situations like that so I’m really proud of him, we’re all pretty proud of him and happy for him.”

On what lies ahead for conference play

“It’s going to be a gauntlet, it always is every year. That’s just what the Big Ten is, and we’ve got a really good team coming in here to start things off in this back end of it. You just have to be able to take care of your body, making sure you’re doing the little things every day to make sure that you feel good. If you don’t, it’s going to hurt and you’re going to pay for it. We do a pretty good job of that, so I think longevity is a big part in this.”

On growing from the first non-conference games

“I think that we have gotten a lot better, and still need to improve. I think it’s good to be successful in these games and it’s better to learn from a win, as Coach (Hoiberg) always says. But I think for us, building on what we’ve done and looking back, we’re a much better team, especially defensively, and we just need to keep improving.”

On playing as point guard“I think we just need to get into certain sets. Obviously, they try to slow the game down a little bit on us and cause havoc. But I think for me, just pulling it out, getting us set in our positions and then also running, I knew we could out-transition on this team. And I think versus zone, getting out in transition, offensive rebounding was key to beat a zone. I think we did that pretty well.&nbsp;

On how the Hawaii experience helped the team come together ahead of conference play&nbsp;

“Any game or tournament like that is big, especially in the pre-season. See where your team is at and have the chance to win a championship. You don’t have a lot of those opportunities. I think for us, we just wanted to go down there and handle business, it was a business trip. I think getting back from a long trip like that, and obviously, the time change and all of that, taking care of your body was key, and making sure that everyone was locked in for this game and going forward. I think we are doing a good job of that.”

On playing in a power 5 environment

“I thought they fought, this is not the first power five environment we’ve been in. We’re a little bit short handed tonight, missing two of our three leading scores so we knew it was going to be tough. But Nebraska’s got a really good team, so I’m not surprised by the outcome.”

“He’s just a freshman, and not many freshmen get an opportunity to play, but if he keeps shooting the ball and keeps learning and keeps getting better at defense. He probably gave up as many threes as he made, but if he keeps learning, he’ll get another opportunity.”

On expectations for conference play

“I expect to compete for a championship, but we’ve got to get healthy. Without our starting point guard, and leading scorer off the bench, it’s difficult. So if we get healthy I like our chances.”

Story by NU Athletic Communications*-Nebraska improves to 11-2 on the season for the second straight season. It matches NU’s best record since opening the 1991-92 season with a 12-1 mark after 13 games.*-Nebraska finishes its non-conference slate with a 10-1 mark, marking &nbsp;the sixth time since WW2 that Nebraska has finished non-conference action with one loss (2023-24; 2018-19, 2003-04, 1991-92, 1977-78).*-With the win, Nebraska has now won 19 straight at home dating back to December of 2023. The Huskers are one shy of the program record of 20 set two previous times.&nbsp;*-With tonight’s win, NU is 19-1 at home in non-conference action over the last three seasons.*-Nebraska had an 11-0 run in the first half, the 11th&nbsp;double-figure run of the season.*-Connor Essegian (20) and Andrew Morgan (11) both finished in double figures off the bench. NU now has 14 double-figure efforts from the bench this season.&nbsp;*-Essegian led all scorers with 20 points, his third 20-point game of the season and fifth of his career. It marks the 10th&nbsp;time in Fred Hoiberg’s six seasons that NU has had a player come off the bench and finish with at least 20 points.*-Essegian matched his career high with six 3-pointers (also vs. South Dakota and North Florida). He has hit five-or-more 3-pointers four times this season.*-Nebraska finished with 22 assists, its second-highest total of the year. In addition to Rollie Worster, who had six assists without a turnover, Sam Hoiberg added a career-high five assists.*-Brice Williams has reached double figures in 12 of NU’s 13 games, finishing with 11 points. He went over the 1,500-point mark for his career. Williams also matched his season high with seven boards.*-Nebraska tied a season high with 13 3-pointers, the third time this season NU hit 10-or-more 3-pointers in a game.*-Nebraska’s defense posted season lows in field goal percentage (25.4%), 3-point percentage (12.5%), 3-pointers made (3) and free throw percentage (37.5%).*-The 43 points allowed and 25.4 percent field goal percentage by Southern were the lowest since Mississippi Valley State had 37 points and 19.1 percent shooting on Nov. 6, 2018.*-Berke Büyüktuncel&nbsp;tied his career high nine rebounds, the fourth time this season he has grabbed nine or more rebounds.Nebraska Head Coach Fred HoibergOn setting the tone defensively“That’s the biggest thing we talked about the last couple days, was getting off to a good start. This team – Southern – has shown that they’ll hang in games if you allow them to get off to good starts. They did that against Texas A&amp;M, they were up 14 at half and had Ole Miss all the way to the end. This team is very capable. It was important for us to get off to a really good start, and that’s what we did defensively. I’m not really thrilled with how the offense was in the second half. I thought we got stalled, I thought we got stagnant and held the ball too much, after a really good couple days of moving that thing around and playing point five basketball. Tonight, in the second half, we just didn’t have it. The group I’m really proud of is that group that ended the game. I’m going to give Gavin (Griffiths) a lot of credit for keeping himself ready. He had a good week of practice, and that’s what this thing is all about, is taking advantage of your minutes and going out there and playing to the best of your ability. I thought he did that on both ends, not only offensively, but I thought he had a good couple defensive possessions out there as well. That’s what leads to more time. Another guy, probably nobody even realizes it, but we put Jeffrey Grace and Cale Jacobsen in the game against Oregon State with nine seconds left. Cale flew across the court to contest a shot. Jeff Grace had maybe our best block of the night. He dove on the floor. People don’t see those kinds of things, behind the scenes, what those guys do for the culture. There’s never any emotional outburst, there’s never any adversity with those guys. They just come in and work every day. It’s nice to see them go out there and get recognized by their teammates for making those kinds of plays. Those are huge. At the end of the year, when you’re looking at your resume – I’m proud of that group for going out there and playing the right way. Sometimes, in a blowout, you get out there and just try to jack up shots, but that group finished the game. With Jeff, Henry (Burt), Gavin, most specifically, those guys were plus nine, plus seven in under three minutes. Gavin played four. I wanted to give those guys a shoutout because of what they mean for our program.”On perimeter defense&nbsp;“Our defense has to be our constant. We’re not a real pretty team, so our defense has to be our calling card. Every time we step on the floor, that has to be what gets us going. We had a little bit of a rhythm, we shot the ball, I think we made 13 threes, but if we go out there and guard like we have been, then we’re going to have a chance to win most nights that we step on the floor. We can’t back off that, we’re not a finesse team. Last year I thought we were, with Keisei (Tominaga) with his shots, CJ (Wilcher), other guys that could get it going from the perimeter. This team has a chance to be a gritty, dirty, grimy team, similar to what it was a couple years ago with (Emmanuel) Bandoumel and (Juwan) Gary when they were healthy. I’ve liked how we’ve gone out and competed on that end, we’ve got to get better on the glass. They got 17 but they missed a lot of shots. I think it’s about 30%, that’s the number we want to keep them under on their offensive rebound percentage. Clean that up, clean the turnovers up, and hopefully we’ll have a chance to have a good season.”On the challenge of a non-conference game&nbsp;“This is always a dangerous game. It’s the last bye game for these teams. After this they get to go home. This is a grind for teams like this. I’ve had a lot of close games and situations like this. A game, Mississippi Valley State, shoot eight years ago, they hit a three at the buzzer, we beat them by one. I mean these games cause a lot of anxiety for a coach, but our guys came out with a lot of energy. I give them credit after coming back from the west, and that’s not easy to do. I remember the hardest game to play in my NBA player career was when I was coming back from the west coast. Our guys came out, took care of business, and were exactly where we should be right now. You lose one non-conference game, very similar to last year, we’re 1-1 in league. We won a home game and lost a road game. It’s very important here that we have good preparation. Guys can’t go out and go crazy for new years, have fun after the season. We’ve got two days of prep, Wednesday Thursday, to get ready for an early game on Saturday. We’ve got to put this one behind us, and get ready for an incredibly skilled, talented, tough UCLA team.”&nbsp;Nebraska Junior Guard Connor Essegian&nbsp;On his good games“Honestly, it just comes to me. We did a really good job passing the ball. There were a couple of turnovers too. I had three, that needs to change. It’s just kind of playing the flow, we knew they were going to be in a lot of different types of zones, and that does help as a shooter. But when you have guys like Rollie (Worster) that do a good job at finding guys like me, it works together.”&nbsp;On the importance of building Gavin Griffiths’ confidence after scoring drought“It’s huge for all of us. We’re the type of team that loves to see our teammates succeed. For him to come in and still be ready after that drought, to be able to come in and play like he does and knock down two threes – to have that energy, it’s hard to do in situations like that so I’m really proud of him, we’re all pretty proud of him and happy for him.”On what lies ahead for conference play“It’s going to be a gauntlet, it always is every year. That’s just what the Big Ten is, and we’ve got a really good team coming in here to start things off in this back end of it. You just have to be able to take care of your body, making sure you’re doing the little things every day to make sure that you feel good. If you don’t, it’s going to hurt and you’re going to pay for it. We do a pretty good job of that, so I think longevity is a big part in this.”Senior Guard Rollie WorsterOn growing from the first non-conference games“I think that we have gotten a lot better, and still need to improve. I think it’s good to be successful in these games and it’s better to learn from a win, as Coach (Hoiberg) always says. But I think for us, building on what we’ve done and looking back, we’re a much better team, especially defensively, and we just need to keep improving.”On playing as point guard“I think we just need to get into certain sets. Obviously, they try to slow the game down a little bit on us and cause havoc. But I think for me, just pulling it out, getting us set in our positions and then also running, I knew we could out-transition on this team. And I think versus zone, getting out in transition, offensive rebounding was key to beat a zone. I think we did that pretty well.&nbsp;On how the Hawaii experience helped the team come together ahead of conference play&nbsp;“Any game or tournament like that is big, especially in the pre-season. See where your team is at and have the chance to win a championship. You don’t have a lot of those opportunities. I think for us, we just wanted to go down there and handle business, it was a business trip. I think getting back from a long trip like that, and obviously, the time change and all of that, taking care of your body was key, and making sure that everyone was locked in for this game and going forward. I think we are doing a good job of that.”Southern Head Coach Kevin JohnsonOn playing in a power 5 environment“I thought they fought, this is not the first power five environment we’ve been in. We’re a little bit short handed tonight, missing two of our three leading scores so we knew it was going to be tough. But Nebraska’s got a really good team, so I’m not surprised by the outcome.”On Freshman Jayce Depron“He’s just a freshman, and not many freshmen get an opportunity to play, but if he keeps shooting the ball and keeps learning and keeps getting better at defense. He probably gave up as many threes as he made, but if he keeps learning, he’ll get another opportunity.”On expectations for conference play“I expect to compete for a championship, but we’ve got to get healthy. Without our starting point guard, and leading scorer off the bench, it’s difficult. So if we get healthy I like our chances.”

Nebraska Men's postgame notes

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Four Nebraska Kearney head coaches recently signed contract extensions that will have them leading the Lopers for the next four years.

Head football coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;(second season), head wrestling coach&nbsp;Dalton Jensen&nbsp;(ninth season), head soccer coach&nbsp;Rob Breton&nbsp;(third season), and head volleyball coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;(26th season) are now each signed through December, 31, 2028.&nbsp;

"At moments like this, you realize who you can count on and who is committed to UNK, our alums, and our student-athletes. I would put our entire coaching staff up against any coaching staff in the nation. These four reflect the values we have become accustomed to at UNK, such as hard work, doing the right thing, and always working towards developing and bringing out the best in their players," said UNK Atheltic Director Dr. Marc. Bauer. "These new multi-year contract extensions represent a long-term commitment, stability, and investment needed to continue these programs' upward trajectory, which directly impacts our fan base, community, and the University."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Held has led the Loper football program the past two falls, picking up wins over longtime rival Chadron State and national power Northwest Missouri State this past season. He has coached 15 All-MIAA players and increased the program's recruiting presence in Lincoln and Omaha metro areas. Finally, the team received the 2023 UNK Athletic Men's Service Award (1,220 hours).

"I'm very thankful to Chancellor Bicak and Dr. Marc Bauer for my contract extension. It means a lot to my family and my coaches," said Held. &nbsp;"We're excited about where we are at but are looking forward to continuing to build the program the right way helping our players graduate and become their best versions on and off the field."

Jensen leads one of college wrestling's premier programs as the Lopers are an annual Division II national title contender. UNK won the 2022 National Championship, was runner-up in 2021, third in 2024, and currently ranked fifth. Jensen has coached 43 All-Americans, including four national champs and seven national runners-up.&nbsp;

="I'm grateful for Marc and the University for trusting my staff and I to continue to lead this historic program. Kearney is a special place that has phenomenal support for our student-athletes to help them achieve success both on and off the mat," said Jensen. &nbsp;

On the pitch, Breton has helped rebuild Loper soccer over the past three falls, culminating with eight wins and a MIAA Tournament berth this fall. The team has its second-ever All-Region selection, and third-ever winning campaign, and it has set numerous game and season records during his brief tenure.

"I am very excited to be staying with the Lopers for three more seasons.&nbsp;Kearney has become a home to me, and I am very grateful for my opportunity to be here," said Breton. "Thank you, Dr. Bauer, for trusting me with this program and these ladies, as well as the community of Kearney for all the support.&nbsp;We have achieved a lot during my time here, and I am looking forward to all we are going to achieve as we continue to work together!"

Finally, Squiers has amassed a 788-111 record (.877-win pct.) since taking over the reins of Loper volleyball in 1999. The program has made 25 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, twice been Nationals Runner Up, and won 17 regular season league titles, to name a few of UNK's achievements in the past quarter century.&nbsp;

"Thank you to Dr. Bauer, Jon Watts, and Dr. Bicek for their continued support and commitment to Loper volleyball. &nbsp;It remains my honor to serve as head coach. This is truly a special place," said Squiers.&nbsp;

The 2024 NCAA Division II Moratorium – no practice or games – runs from Dec. 23-29 with UNK beginning spring semester classes on Jan. 21.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227117153.jpeg" alt="Coach Rick Squiers (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Rick Squiers (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK Athletics&nbsp;Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Four Nebraska Kearney head coaches recently signed contract extensions that will have them leading the Lopers for the next four years.Head football coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;(second season), head wrestling coach&nbsp;Dalton Jensen&nbsp;(ninth season), head soccer coach&nbsp;Rob Breton&nbsp;(third season), and head volleyball coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;(26th season) are now each signed through December, 31, 2028.&nbsp;"At moments like this, you realize who you can count on and who is committed to UNK, our alums, and our student-athletes. I would put our entire coaching staff up against any coaching staff in the nation. These four reflect the values we have become accustomed to at UNK, such as hard work, doing the right thing, and always working towards developing and bringing out the best in their players," said UNK Atheltic Director Dr. Marc. Bauer. "These new multi-year contract extensions represent a long-term commitment, stability, and investment needed to continue these programs' upward trajectory, which directly impacts our fan base, community, and the University."&nbsp; &nbsp;Held has led the Loper football program the past two falls, picking up wins over longtime rival Chadron State and national power Northwest Missouri State this past season. He has coached 15 All-MIAA players and increased the program's recruiting presence in Lincoln and Omaha metro areas. Finally, the team received the 2023 UNK Athletic Men's Service Award (1,220 hours).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227150458.jpeg" alt="Coach Ryan Held (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Ryan Held (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>"I'm very thankful to Chancellor Bicak and Dr. Marc Bauer for my contract extension. It means a lot to my family and my coaches," said Held. &nbsp;"We're excited about where we are at but are looking forward to continuing to build the program the right way helping our players graduate and become their best versions on and off the field."Jensen leads one of college wrestling's premier programs as the Lopers are an annual Division II national title contender. UNK won the 2022 National Championship, was runner-up in 2021, third in 2024, and currently ranked fifth. Jensen has coached 43 All-Americans, including four national champs and seven national runners-up.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227184514.jpeg" alt="Coach Dalton Jensen (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Dalton Jensen (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>="I'm grateful for Marc and the University for trusting my staff and I to continue to lead this historic program. Kearney is a special place that has phenomenal support for our student-athletes to help them achieve success both on and off the mat," said Jensen. &nbsp;On the pitch, Breton has helped rebuild Loper soccer over the past three falls, culminating with eight wins and a MIAA Tournament berth this fall. The team has its second-ever All-Region selection, and third-ever winning campaign, and it has set numerous game and season records during his brief tenure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227203917.jpeg" alt="Coach Rob Breton (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Rob Breton (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>"I am very excited to be staying with the Lopers for three more seasons.&nbsp;Kearney has become a home to me, and I am very grateful for my opportunity to be here," said Breton. "Thank you, Dr. Bauer, for trusting me with this program and these ladies, as well as the community of Kearney for all the support.&nbsp;We have achieved a lot during my time here, and I am looking forward to all we are going to achieve as we continue to work together!"Finally, Squiers has amassed a 788-111 record (.877-win pct.) since taking over the reins of Loper volleyball in 1999. The program has made 25 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, twice been Nationals Runner Up, and won 17 regular season league titles, to name a few of UNK's achievements in the past quarter century.&nbsp;"Thank you to Dr. Bauer, Jon Watts, and Dr. Bicek for their continued support and commitment to Loper volleyball. &nbsp;It remains my honor to serve as head coach. This is truly a special place," said Squiers.&nbsp;The 2024 NCAA Division II Moratorium – no practice or games – runs from Dec. 23-29 with UNK beginning spring semester classes on Jan. 21.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

UNK Athletics: Four Coaches Sign Contract Extensions

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpORciYXPM-Jc8Kfjs3GOhawNaPp3P8JfANFziqL8ERomL7YlEzVCNnsRpciXgEDIwxBUWaPw1eJhzpFyNb8eOW8yKFhUE-ZWLfRZpBF2pmSiBUs_4Letm22SqHUIAjz4Lwkr8aHyyX3OP&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">Omaha Supernovas</a>,&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, are thrilled to announce the latest signings of its 2024 PVF Draft Class while adding one of the premier middle blockers from the college volleyball season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Creighton superstar setter&nbsp;Kendra Wait,&nbsp;Nebraska volleyball player and Omaha native&nbsp;Lindsay Krause, first-round pick&nbsp;Toyosi Onabanjo,&nbsp;and Minnesota’s&nbsp;Phoebe Awoleye&nbsp;all signed contracts with the Supernovas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wait ended her career as one of the best players in Creighton volleyball history. The four-year starting setter helped her team reach the Regional Final for the second time in school history in 2024, falling just short to the eventual national champions Penn State in five sets. Wait became the first-ever Bluejay volleyball player to be named a four-time All-American after being selected to the AVCA All-America First Team. She was named to the third team in 2023, plus her two honorable mention honors in 2021 and 2022. The Kansas native won back-to-back BIG EAST Player and Setter of the Year awards while being a four-time All-BIG EAST nominee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The most impressive part of Wait’s game is her all-around ability. She finished her college career with 4,945 assists (10.75 A/S), 1,454 digs (3.16 D/S), 784 points, 507 kills (1.10 K/S) on a .362 hitting percentage, 360 total blocks and 85 aces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I am excited to have officially signed with the Supernovas! I’m grateful to have the opportunity to stay in Omaha and be surrounded by the community that has supported me for the past 4 years,” Wait said.&nbsp;“Omaha fans are truly one of a kind. I can’t wait to get in the gym with all the amazing players, coaches, and staff who make this organization so special.”&nbsp;

Krause wrapped up her four-year college career at Nebraska, helping the Cornhuskers to two national runners-up and three Final Fours. The 6-foot-4 attacker recorded 857 points, 2.36 kills per set, 185 blocks and 24 aces in 102 career matches played in Lincoln. The former No. 1 overall recruit makes a return to her hometown of Omaha with the Supernovas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Signing with the Supernovas is nothing short of a dream come true,” Krause shared. “It is nothing short of a privilege to not only have the ability to play professional volleyball in the United States, but in my hometown in Nebraska.”&nbsp;

After transferring from Iowa, Onabanjo formed into one of the best offensive middle blockers in the country during her last two college seasons at Kansas. She averaged 1.82 kills per set and 107 blocks in her junior season with the Jayhawks before a breakout season in her senior year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Houston, Texas native was named an All-American for the first time in her career with an Honorable Mention honor after recording 2.58 kills per set on a staggering .409 hitting percentage – which was a top 15 mark in the country and second in the conference. Toyosi was also part of the All-Big 12 First Team thanks to 123 blocks on the season, which led the team and was fourth overall in the conference.&nbsp;

Awoleye joins the Supernovas as an undrafted free agent from Minnesota. The 6-foot-2 Marietta, Georgia native was one of the premier blockers in the Big Ten in her two seasons with the Golden Gophers. She posted 114 kills on a .281 clip, but Awoleye excelled at the net with 173 total blocks to lead the team and rank second in the Big Ten. That was an improvement from her first season in Minnesota when she put up 141 blocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Awoleye joined the Golden Gophers from Loyola Marymount where she was an All-West Coast Conference First Team selection after posting 2.13 kills and 1.39 blocks per set in helping LMU to the NCAA Tournament. She spent her first two college seasons in her home state of Georgia playing for the Bulldogs, making the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2020 followed by 2021 where she appeared and started in all 29 matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All four players will join the Supernovas in Omaha, where they are in the middle of Training Camp to prepare for the 2025 season. The Supernovas kick off their title-defending campaign on Friday, January 10 by hosting the Atlanta Vibe at the CHI Health Center for Banner Night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on each draft pick, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOXcmaXbLtcVafeOTosrjPiLZgxdLYK8Xjjs5qIS7h9RndQvnCyM65tAJBKaTHOnLQkszwckW90Wa9OrODS4ksoFDZTm2BMKIYTWT4r8UGMSWGqnD_oGq_poJ4B-5uzQpNaBTaHo6QEMs&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">Supernovas Draft Tracker.</a>&nbsp;

With another star-loaded roster full of local talent and more opportunities to see the Supernovas, fans can buy the world’s hottest ticket in professional volleyball. Buy your 2025 season tickets today by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOYCawhUXIBnDshd16q041zVBSIYplfOriCWPPRyUitd7_fzsRFXPHQPWHQ_4r5ghCWsrkE3t2funn0JXNxZz72XMTDKqA7XrVcNaKCgBNFBu-8FIil83Hj4bUGs0U8ZSMA6DLcFtqB8W&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>&nbsp;or purchase&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOTWqFy3XO-Ij5Rx5vPYgpl3AJ9b45pHQpnkCFUq6iKWZfaR8iHMzKGatlRkH9-4lqR5TPF9yCe2ym42mJgE-qupRhq7TWHdmz0ISyt0-b_xOhhK7wGefdT7PdJMijvXPnVXH6p_ZxXAG&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">single-match tickets here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOeS-0L3SLFojrac3uCxWkyMo80jDwL3Jkw8i0PF-3TPsCEOQX-b3j86pesDBwdrYsBs4fF7euxjpwZj9moOdoXtZffPrLl32Au24SX6vdR6VnE653tXSAbGzXnoYktkPPZWQwsFSRuTGOhkVOe3nauU=&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOQb-qICxTgvCIfZ4WlRU1p1dEnkzsbU3F81o9g8mnUkznyooJAQWWWy9eojtvRuF74vx85MGV8p5-60O67g-GXdDjPpGb7f-Z4nDWIkcFeyUa6iZgfuSO7KyPczK5VgQpYUQZe13dNiq5GT3-e2UxHI=&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;

To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOeccKKCvLWttCLNT2hYaU6qpIgbflaz6RU0704lJWbKEoMOk2hNcBZkcl1Lih-4-r5j4m3UXIAw8ScZ6N0wTIkgHNbdPlYfSJVYccJjsY0b2yk_CKTn1wB8WcY8Eo1TK-Q==&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>.&nbsp;

To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOQZTPNc3lT7s1NOODJo1spkMt6Lxsj85RkUbcl5PA8hWuj5rCMNy71gXqkpNNwrsAG7FhQgOtS7oII5sXaZ8MVnz-T4YJlxAWB_dMb41oMPWzuf54r0buP4izLz-_3trs9zfLf_s7WuQ&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;

ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas are the premier home of professional volleyball, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world. The Supernovas 2025 season will begin in January. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White, Co-Founder of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734969337674.jpeg" alt="Nebraska - Lindsay Krause (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska - Lindsay Krause (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Geoff ExstromOmaha SupernovasOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpORciYXPM-Jc8Kfjs3GOhawNaPp3P8JfANFziqL8ERomL7YlEzVCNnsRpciXgEDIwxBUWaPw1eJhzpFyNb8eOW8yKFhUE-ZWLfRZpBF2pmSiBUs_4Letm22SqHUIAjz4Lwkr8aHyyX3OP&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">Omaha Supernovas</a>,&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, are thrilled to announce the latest signings of its 2024 PVF Draft Class while adding one of the premier middle blockers from the college volleyball season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Creighton superstar setter&nbsp;Kendra Wait,&nbsp;Nebraska volleyball player and Omaha native&nbsp;Lindsay Krause, first-round pick&nbsp;Toyosi Onabanjo,&nbsp;and Minnesota’s&nbsp;Phoebe Awoleye&nbsp;all signed contracts with the Supernovas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait ended her career as one of the best players in Creighton volleyball history. The four-year starting setter helped her team reach the Regional Final for the second time in school history in 2024, falling just short to the eventual national champions Penn State in five sets. Wait became the first-ever Bluejay volleyball player to be named a four-time All-American after being selected to the AVCA All-America First Team. She was named to the third team in 2023, plus her two honorable mention honors in 2021 and 2022. The Kansas native won back-to-back BIG EAST Player and Setter of the Year awards while being a four-time All-BIG EAST nominee.&nbsp;&nbsp;The most impressive part of Wait’s game is her all-around ability. She finished her college career with 4,945 assists (10.75 A/S), 1,454 digs (3.16 D/S), 784 points, 507 kills (1.10 K/S) on a .362 hitting percentage, 360 total blocks and 85 aces.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I am excited to have officially signed with the Supernovas! I’m grateful to have the opportunity to stay in Omaha and be surrounded by the community that has supported me for the past 4 years,” Wait said.&nbsp;“Omaha fans are truly one of a kind. I can’t wait to get in the gym with all the amazing players, coaches, and staff who make this organization so special.”&nbsp;Krause wrapped up her four-year college career at Nebraska, helping the Cornhuskers to two national runners-up and three Final Fours. The 6-foot-4 attacker recorded 857 points, 2.36 kills per set, 185 blocks and 24 aces in 102 career matches played in Lincoln. The former No. 1 overall recruit makes a return to her hometown of Omaha with the Supernovas.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Signing with the Supernovas is nothing short of a dream come true,” Krause shared. “It is nothing short of a privilege to not only have the ability to play professional volleyball in the United States, but in my hometown in Nebraska.”&nbsp;After transferring from Iowa, Onabanjo formed into one of the best offensive middle blockers in the country during her last two college seasons at Kansas. She averaged 1.82 kills per set and 107 blocks in her junior season with the Jayhawks before a breakout season in her senior year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Houston, Texas native was named an All-American for the first time in her career with an Honorable Mention honor after recording 2.58 kills per set on a staggering .409 hitting percentage – which was a top 15 mark in the country and second in the conference. Toyosi was also part of the All-Big 12 First Team thanks to 123 blocks on the season, which led the team and was fourth overall in the conference.&nbsp;Awoleye joins the Supernovas as an undrafted free agent from Minnesota. The 6-foot-2 Marietta, Georgia native was one of the premier blockers in the Big Ten in her two seasons with the Golden Gophers. She posted 114 kills on a .281 clip, but Awoleye excelled at the net with 173 total blocks to lead the team and rank second in the Big Ten. That was an improvement from her first season in Minnesota when she put up 141 blocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Awoleye joined the Golden Gophers from Loyola Marymount where she was an All-West Coast Conference First Team selection after posting 2.13 kills and 1.39 blocks per set in helping LMU to the NCAA Tournament. She spent her first two college seasons in her home state of Georgia playing for the Bulldogs, making the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2020 followed by 2021 where she appeared and started in all 29 matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;All four players will join the Supernovas in Omaha, where they are in the middle of Training Camp to prepare for the 2025 season. The Supernovas kick off their title-defending campaign on Friday, January 10 by hosting the Atlanta Vibe at the CHI Health Center for Banner Night.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on each draft pick, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOXcmaXbLtcVafeOTosrjPiLZgxdLYK8Xjjs5qIS7h9RndQvnCyM65tAJBKaTHOnLQkszwckW90Wa9OrODS4ksoFDZTm2BMKIYTWT4r8UGMSWGqnD_oGq_poJ4B-5uzQpNaBTaHo6QEMs&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">Supernovas Draft Tracker.</a>&nbsp;With another star-loaded roster full of local talent and more opportunities to see the Supernovas, fans can buy the world’s hottest ticket in professional volleyball. Buy your 2025 season tickets today by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOYCawhUXIBnDshd16q041zVBSIYplfOriCWPPRyUitd7_fzsRFXPHQPWHQ_4r5ghCWsrkE3t2funn0JXNxZz72XMTDKqA7XrVcNaKCgBNFBu-8FIil83Hj4bUGs0U8ZSMA6DLcFtqB8W&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>&nbsp;or purchase&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOTWqFy3XO-Ij5Rx5vPYgpl3AJ9b45pHQpnkCFUq6iKWZfaR8iHMzKGatlRkH9-4lqR5TPF9yCe2ym42mJgE-qupRhq7TWHdmz0ISyt0-b_xOhhK7wGefdT7PdJMijvXPnVXH6p_ZxXAG&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">single-match tickets here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOeS-0L3SLFojrac3uCxWkyMo80jDwL3Jkw8i0PF-3TPsCEOQX-b3j86pesDBwdrYsBs4fF7euxjpwZj9moOdoXtZffPrLl32Au24SX6vdR6VnE653tXSAbGzXnoYktkPPZWQwsFSRuTGOhkVOe3nauU=&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOQb-qICxTgvCIfZ4WlRU1p1dEnkzsbU3F81o9g8mnUkznyooJAQWWWy9eojtvRuF74vx85MGV8p5-60O67g-GXdDjPpGb7f-Z4nDWIkcFeyUa6iZgfuSO7KyPczK5VgQpYUQZe13dNiq5GT3-e2UxHI=&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOeccKKCvLWttCLNT2hYaU6qpIgbflaz6RU0704lJWbKEoMOk2hNcBZkcl1Lih-4-r5j4m3UXIAw8ScZ6N0wTIkgHNbdPlYfSJVYccJjsY0b2yk_CKTn1wB8WcY8Eo1TK-Q==&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>.&nbsp;To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOQZTPNc3lT7s1NOODJo1spkMt6Lxsj85RkUbcl5PA8hWuj5rCMNy71gXqkpNNwrsAG7FhQgOtS7oII5sXaZ8MVnz-T4YJlxAWB_dMb41oMPWzuf54r0buP4izLz-_3trs9zfLf_s7WuQ&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas are the premier home of professional volleyball, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world. The Supernovas 2025 season will begin in January. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White, Co-Founder of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.&nbsp;

Supernovas Continue Rookie Signings with Nebraska’s Lindsay Krause, Creighton's Kendra Wait, and Others 

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney senior defensive end&nbsp;Quillan Felton(pronounced key-lin)&nbsp;has been named to the 2024&nbsp;Don Hansen Division II All-American team.

This All-American team and the national committee that selects it carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen. From Brookfield, Ill., he started and published Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting D2 AA teams for the first time in 1988. 

He passed away at the age of 75 in Aug. 2010.Felton (Lithonia, Ga.) earned honorable mention accolades and is the fourth Loper d-linemen/d-end in the D2 era (1990-present) to earn AA status. The others were end Mason Brodine (2010) and interior linemen Michael Cunningham (2002) and Matt Bruggeman (1995).

A unanimous first-team All-MIAA pick, Felton was one of the league's most dominant defenders, having 17.5 tackles for loss including 7.0 sacks. He also has six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, blocked kick and 66 tackles. Felton ranked second on UNK in stops, led the MIAA in TFL's and was tied for first in sacks. The Butler C.C. (Kan.) transfer did all that despite playing with a protective wrap on his left hand for most of the fall. Finally, Felton also was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/12/5/football-felton-tabbed-first-team-all-region.aspx">first-team CSC All-Super Region</a>&nbsp;selection.

The MIAA had 22 Don Hansen All-Americans including three on the first-team offense and two on the second-team offense.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734968077940.jpeg" alt="Quillan Felton (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Quillan Felton (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney senior defensive end&nbsp;Quillan Felton(pronounced key-lin)&nbsp;has been named to the 2024&nbsp;Don Hansen Division II All-American team.This All-American team and the national committee that selects it carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen. From Brookfield, Ill., he started and published Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting D2 AA teams for the first time in 1988. He passed away at the age of 75 in Aug. 2010.Felton (Lithonia, Ga.) earned honorable mention accolades and is the fourth Loper d-linemen/d-end in the D2 era (1990-present) to earn AA status. The others were end Mason Brodine (2010) and interior linemen Michael Cunningham (2002) and Matt Bruggeman (1995).A unanimous first-team All-MIAA pick, Felton was one of the league's most dominant defenders, having 17.5 tackles for loss including 7.0 sacks. He also has six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, blocked kick and 66 tackles. Felton ranked second on UNK in stops, led the MIAA in TFL's and was tied for first in sacks. The Butler C.C. (Kan.) transfer did all that despite playing with a protective wrap on his left hand for most of the fall. Finally, Felton also was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/12/5/football-felton-tabbed-first-team-all-region.aspx">first-team CSC All-Super Region</a>&nbsp;selection.The MIAA had 22 Don Hansen All-Americans including three on the first-team offense and two on the second-team offense.&nbsp;

Fourth Loper D-Linemen in the D2 Era to be Selected

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The No. 22/25 Metro State Roadrunners shot 53 percent from the field and closed the first half on a 12-1 run to down Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25/metro-state/boxscore/8040">85-72</a>, Sunday afternoon at the Health &amp; Sports Center.

The 'Runners (10-2) bounce back from a 66-50 loss at Fort Hays State Thursday night while the Lopers end the first semester with a 3-7 mark. This was the first meeting between the old Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) rivals in 13 years with Metro now leading the all-time series, 28-27.

On Thursday night, Regis went 9 of 17 from behind the arc in the first half before cooling off after the break. The same story happened today as Metro was 7 of 13 from downtown to lead for much of the first half. They were just 2 for 11 over the final 20 minutes.

Getting 15 first half points from junior guard&nbsp;Ja'Bryant Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas), UNK weathered the threes to have things tied up at 34 at the 3:07 mark. A 9-3 spurt featured seven points from Hill, but Metro broke the tie after a three from redshirt senior serve Sufyan Elkannan. Post Brayden Carter then made two free throws, converted a three-point play and had one of Metro's four dunks on the afternoon to make it 46-35. UNK wouldn't get closer than nine points rest of the way.

"At the end of the half, the shot clock was at 30 and they had the ball at 23. I knew they were going to get the last shot, so we went with a little trap," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson. "They got out of it, scored on us and I think that gave them a little burst. They also made some plays before that."

Going 31 of 59 from the field and 14 of 17 at the line, Metro was paced by Carter (22 points, six rebounds), Elkannan (11 points; 3 of 5 threes) and starters Quave Propst-Allison (13 points; 3 of 5 threes) and Caleb McGill (17 points, points).

"They are a good team…they have long rangy wings, guards that can shoot and are fast and two really good bigs," said Levinson.

UNK could've made things a bit tighter down the stretch but was just 7 of 16 at the line. They were 15 of 24 against Regis to be at 70% for the season.

"I don't know what was up with our free throws. We've shot the ball well; it's like the turnover thing. We hadn't had a turnover issue until the Central Missouri game," said Levinson. "Rebounding, turnovers, free throws; you can never stop talking about them, never stop giving them attention. We didn't concentrate at the line as hard as we needed to."

Hill had a season-best 24 points thanks to 10 of 23 (3 of 7 threes) shooting. He also had five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Missing much of the first half due to taking an elbow to the nose, Omaha senior&nbsp;Chase Thompson&nbsp;had 12 points (two threes) with Texas sophomore post&nbsp;Taylor Harrell&nbsp;close to a double double (14 points, nine rebounds). Finally, UNK shot 44% from the field, was out rebounded by only four and committed just seven turnovers.

"JB has a long leash. He had a 50-point game last year, he made big shots to win a National Championships, won a high school state title. He's small but mighty," said Levison. "He's got toughness, he's got confidence."

The Division II moratorium runs from Dec. 23-29 this year with UNK at Missouri Western (Jan. 2) and Northwest Missouri (Jan. 4) to start the New Year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The No. 22/25 Metro State Roadrunners shot 53 percent from the field and closed the first half on a 12-1 run to down Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25/metro-state/boxscore/8040">85-72</a>, Sunday afternoon at the Health &amp; Sports Center.The 'Runners (10-2) bounce back from a 66-50 loss at Fort Hays State Thursday night while the Lopers end the first semester with a 3-7 mark. This was the first meeting between the old Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) rivals in 13 years with Metro now leading the all-time series, 28-27.On Thursday night, Regis went 9 of 17 from behind the arc in the first half before cooling off after the break. The same story happened today as Metro was 7 of 13 from downtown to lead for much of the first half. They were just 2 for 11 over the final 20 minutes.Getting 15 first half points from junior guard&nbsp;Ja'Bryant Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas), UNK weathered the threes to have things tied up at 34 at the 3:07 mark. A 9-3 spurt featured seven points from Hill, but Metro broke the tie after a three from redshirt senior serve Sufyan Elkannan. Post Brayden Carter then made two free throws, converted a three-point play and had one of Metro's four dunks on the afternoon to make it 46-35. UNK wouldn't get closer than nine points rest of the way."At the end of the half, the shot clock was at 30 and they had the ball at 23. I knew they were going to get the last shot, so we went with a little trap," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson. "They got out of it, scored on us and I think that gave them a little burst. They also made some plays before that."Going 31 of 59 from the field and 14 of 17 at the line, Metro was paced by Carter (22 points, six rebounds), Elkannan (11 points; 3 of 5 threes) and starters Quave Propst-Allison (13 points; 3 of 5 threes) and Caleb McGill (17 points, points)."They are a good team…they have long rangy wings, guards that can shoot and are fast and two really good bigs," said Levinson.UNK could've made things a bit tighter down the stretch but was just 7 of 16 at the line. They were 15 of 24 against Regis to be at 70% for the season."I don't know what was up with our free throws. We've shot the ball well; it's like the turnover thing. We hadn't had a turnover issue until the Central Missouri game," said Levinson. "Rebounding, turnovers, free throws; you can never stop talking about them, never stop giving them attention. We didn't concentrate at the line as hard as we needed to."Hill had a season-best 24 points thanks to 10 of 23 (3 of 7 threes) shooting. He also had five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Missing much of the first half due to taking an elbow to the nose, Omaha senior&nbsp;Chase Thompson&nbsp;had 12 points (two threes) with Texas sophomore post&nbsp;Taylor Harrell&nbsp;close to a double double (14 points, nine rebounds). Finally, UNK shot 44% from the field, was out rebounded by only four and committed just seven turnovers."JB has a long leash. He had a 50-point game last year, he made big shots to win a National Championships, won a high school state title. He's small but mighty," said Levison. "He's got toughness, he's got confidence."The Division II moratorium runs from Dec. 23-29 this year with UNK at Missouri Western (Jan. 2) and Northwest Missouri (Jan. 4) to start the New Year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

 #22/25 Metro Downs the Lopers to Close Out the Semester

Chadron State Senior guard Zy Wright joins that show to talk about winning RMAC Offensive Player of the Week honors, the fun of playing in the raucous kids-day game, this week's match-up at South Dakota State and how his mom helped develop his love for basketball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724858002589.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State Senior guard Zy Wright joins that show to talk about winning RMAC Offensive Player of the Week honors, the fun of playing in the raucous kids-day game, this week's match-up at South Dakota State and how his mom helped develop his love for basketball.<div><iframe title="CSC Sports Journal - Zy Wright - 12/18/24" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vn3f7-1776aeb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🏀 PODCAST: CSC Sports Journal: Zy Wright - 12/18/24

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– Three 2024 draftees of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1X7RYcG_aeMA959ciXNxDq-zKCDch1_-D5L7qqGsDChvIhogGdqUG4cFXyORFjyp5YOOi0j53bWGra4t9fFuyBmor55wlaRVQg4JzcusMuuDKBjGo_4-K-objWslgDMpru9rOu9YASdS&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and inaugural Pro Volleyball Champions, earned AVCA All-America honors on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Creighton setter&nbsp;Kendra Wait&nbsp;was named a First Team All-American after repeating as BIG EAST Player and Setter of the Year. Wait is the first player in Creighton history to be a four-time All-American, making the Third Team in 2023 along with a pair of Honorable Mentions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wait finished her last college season leading the BIG EAST in assists per set (10.97) for the fourth-straight season with that mark also being 12th nationally. She finished her college career with 4,945 assists (10.75 A/S), 1,454 digs (3.16 D/S), 784 points, 507 kills (1.10 K/S) on a .362 hitting percentage, 360 total blocks and 85 aces. Wait could end up being the steal of the PVF Draft with the Supernovas selecting the Gardner, Kan. product with the fourth-to-last pick at No. 37 overall in the fifth round.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fellow Supernovas draftees&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst&nbsp;and&nbsp;Toyosi Onabanjo&nbsp;were selected as Honorable Mentions for their final college seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Batenhorst spent her last season at USC after being at Nebraska for her first three years of college volleyball. The 6-foot-5 outside hitter was the leading force for the Trojans, who reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Batenhorst was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team after leading USC with 563.5 points and 3.94 kills per set. She played six rotations all season, compiling 2.11 digs per set, 96 blocks and 30 aces – all marks being second on the team. Batenhorst was the Supernovas third pick in the draft at No. 15 overall in the second round.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Onabanjo secured her first All-America honor after forming into one of the best offensive middle blockers in the country during her last two seasons at Kansas. The Houston, Texas native was named to the All-Big 12 First Team after recording 2.58 kills per set on a staggering .409 hitting percentage – which was a top 15 clip in the country and second in the conference. Onabanjo’s 123 blocks on the season led the team and was fourth overall in the Big 12. She was the franchise’s first round pick at No. 8 overall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supernovas second full draft class also includes Omaha native and outside hitter&nbsp;Lindsay Krause&nbsp;from Nebraska, outside hitter&nbsp;Valeria Vazquez Gomez&nbsp;from Pittsburgh and Ohio State opposite&nbsp;Emily Londot.&nbsp;Krause and Valeria Gomez will play on college volleyball’s biggest stage with Thursday’s NCAA National Semifinal in Louisville, Kentucky.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on each draft pick, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1bLoZp7irUudjMry_EJwbOr6qQJnDoKPYYx5fqOSEiIFtHnjcjNY0Eipe9svFPCj6hr6tXplwB--kFakhSeZz_PNnq5pEISgB9oheyfcARrhecQk2oXN208PaEdbNQP3hurXKj3jSmbP&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">Supernovas Draft Tracker.</a>&nbsp;

With another star-loaded roster full of local talent and more opportunities to see the Supernovas, fans can buy the world’s hottest ticket in professional volleyball. Buy your 2025 season tickets today by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1d2ZZvFORZYjlbWlatqc0UHPEBvlMDvDO8hxv80iGDp65JLI1Dlka2TrwuUdAed0aDJltZ5z5FPzMo2OdZtcn1P1hQBMeV2r3GByYX_yLjyFN7FmxQWp454XMI8H5jSVcXT_MX4fmM1O&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>&nbsp;or purchase&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1Xf_RZSDtVGz6IRSEtF3-hexPowW4Pg0X9kRhHXM3qmKPN_NrQbX8qvq4G4sGi3CLfLDu6Rnl3vJR4PCb4Hw9oi1rUlsdJzMh-Aew5tTwTR1acjaf-AUGjYPms7R_ZwmyCkN7H1OWIlY&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">single-match tickets here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1W3qAo01s1Ni6nZ9bxCxw4qt7zN2fRw_HFcRR0elSVEpLtx_3QRG6zGj1zRTAEfKYEBc46_UvngmZ5cM6l5_eOoRtiJWGc7aucztwqf7doYQ97t4OcriOkG6rnpJx3un_nZrQsebX6NsgY_A5qdwhhM=&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1TtkN_mD9Nb51dZ_a4WLlBuEQZWvztnsmsC4TA7kTUfZqBFcZX_LBIY2Lat7514Ap2SPpO6WVCrl_ePxEKj3E5kK9dXXg5sGFR3yG3Z1KRoGJRweuRRZjLlOzUPAat1D3IqkqD7xJO-m0scgE6tQe4c=&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;

To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1bcR5Laxsnaw7RE3LieFQuedNRtK1xzPMwd1hfRKxOaPA3kHdusBn6sWe535KMo02362_l5uRLTft1Bx6D8yNZj1qXeSBJ2I3MiWR7HUMDOtxGXSlZTIgCBTP5yOQrqk3g==&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>.&nbsp;

To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1ZdtEt7dPfI4TiRXHW_KGr47Ggjp1Ax7htRBZKQRsR2e__EFMVoX87UE2ATkaijScz-wquvHHd0QZ1A2Nup-HNkO7BE7gQeW29cX-GykYd16bEK5A0zmTbrmYMGb-2lozDsztFIxudSd&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;

Omaha SupernovasOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– Three 2024 draftees of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1X7RYcG_aeMA959ciXNxDq-zKCDch1_-D5L7qqGsDChvIhogGdqUG4cFXyORFjyp5YOOi0j53bWGra4t9fFuyBmor55wlaRVQg4JzcusMuuDKBjGo_4-K-objWslgDMpru9rOu9YASdS&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and inaugural Pro Volleyball Champions, earned AVCA All-America honors on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Creighton setter&nbsp;Kendra Wait&nbsp;was named a First Team All-American after repeating as BIG EAST Player and Setter of the Year. Wait is the first player in Creighton history to be a four-time All-American, making the Third Team in 2023 along with a pair of Honorable Mentions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait finished her last college season leading the BIG EAST in assists per set (10.97) for the fourth-straight season with that mark also being 12th nationally. She finished her college career with 4,945 assists (10.75 A/S), 1,454 digs (3.16 D/S), 784 points, 507 kills (1.10 K/S) on a .362 hitting percentage, 360 total blocks and 85 aces. Wait could end up being the steal of the PVF Draft with the Supernovas selecting the Gardner, Kan. product with the fourth-to-last pick at No. 37 overall in the fifth round.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fellow Supernovas draftees&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst&nbsp;and&nbsp;Toyosi Onabanjo&nbsp;were selected as Honorable Mentions for their final college seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Batenhorst spent her last season at USC after being at Nebraska for her first three years of college volleyball. The 6-foot-5 outside hitter was the leading force for the Trojans, who reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Batenhorst was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team after leading USC with 563.5 points and 3.94 kills per set. She played six rotations all season, compiling 2.11 digs per set, 96 blocks and 30 aces – all marks being second on the team. Batenhorst was the Supernovas third pick in the draft at No. 15 overall in the second round.&nbsp;&nbsp;Onabanjo secured her first All-America honor after forming into one of the best offensive middle blockers in the country during her last two seasons at Kansas. The Houston, Texas native was named to the All-Big 12 First Team after recording 2.58 kills per set on a staggering .409 hitting percentage – which was a top 15 clip in the country and second in the conference. Onabanjo’s 123 blocks on the season led the team and was fourth overall in the Big 12. She was the franchise’s first round pick at No. 8 overall.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Supernovas second full draft class also includes Omaha native and outside hitter&nbsp;Lindsay Krause&nbsp;from Nebraska, outside hitter&nbsp;Valeria Vazquez Gomez&nbsp;from Pittsburgh and Ohio State opposite&nbsp;Emily Londot.&nbsp;Krause and Valeria Gomez will play on college volleyball’s biggest stage with Thursday’s NCAA National Semifinal in Louisville, Kentucky.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on each draft pick, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1bLoZp7irUudjMry_EJwbOr6qQJnDoKPYYx5fqOSEiIFtHnjcjNY0Eipe9svFPCj6hr6tXplwB--kFakhSeZz_PNnq5pEISgB9oheyfcARrhecQk2oXN208PaEdbNQP3hurXKj3jSmbP&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">Supernovas Draft Tracker.</a>&nbsp;With another star-loaded roster full of local talent and more opportunities to see the Supernovas, fans can buy the world’s hottest ticket in professional volleyball. Buy your 2025 season tickets today by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1d2ZZvFORZYjlbWlatqc0UHPEBvlMDvDO8hxv80iGDp65JLI1Dlka2TrwuUdAed0aDJltZ5z5FPzMo2OdZtcn1P1hQBMeV2r3GByYX_yLjyFN7FmxQWp454XMI8H5jSVcXT_MX4fmM1O&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>&nbsp;or purchase&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1Xf_RZSDtVGz6IRSEtF3-hexPowW4Pg0X9kRhHXM3qmKPN_NrQbX8qvq4G4sGi3CLfLDu6Rnl3vJR4PCb4Hw9oi1rUlsdJzMh-Aew5tTwTR1acjaf-AUGjYPms7R_ZwmyCkN7H1OWIlY&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">single-match tickets here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1W3qAo01s1Ni6nZ9bxCxw4qt7zN2fRw_HFcRR0elSVEpLtx_3QRG6zGj1zRTAEfKYEBc46_UvngmZ5cM6l5_eOoRtiJWGc7aucztwqf7doYQ97t4OcriOkG6rnpJx3un_nZrQsebX6NsgY_A5qdwhhM=&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1TtkN_mD9Nb51dZ_a4WLlBuEQZWvztnsmsC4TA7kTUfZqBFcZX_LBIY2Lat7514Ap2SPpO6WVCrl_ePxEKj3E5kK9dXXg5sGFR3yG3Z1KRoGJRweuRRZjLlOzUPAat1D3IqkqD7xJO-m0scgE6tQe4c=&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1bcR5Laxsnaw7RE3LieFQuedNRtK1xzPMwd1hfRKxOaPA3kHdusBn6sWe535KMo02362_l5uRLTft1Bx6D8yNZj1qXeSBJ2I3MiWR7HUMDOtxGXSlZTIgCBTP5yOQrqk3g==&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>.&nbsp;To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1ZdtEt7dPfI4TiRXHW_KGr47Ggjp1Ax7htRBZKQRsR2e__EFMVoX87UE2ATkaijScz-wquvHHd0QZ1A2Nup-HNkO7BE7gQeW29cX-GykYd16bEK5A0zmTbrmYMGb-2lozDsztFIxudSd&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas are the premier home of professional volleyball, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world. The Supernovas 2025 season will begin in January. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White, Co-Founder of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.&nbsp;

Omaha Supernovas Draftee Kendra Wait Earns AVCA First Team All-American Honors; Batenhorst and Onabanjo Recognized as Honorable Mentions

Dundy County Stratton 41 vs Wauneta-Palisade 34

North Platte St. Patrick's 19 @ Ogallala 62

Sumner-Eddyville-Miller 58 @ South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 15

Dundy County Stratton 70 vs Wauneta-Palisade 23

North Platte St. Patrick's 50 @ Ogallala 85

Scores reported by the NSAA<h2>Girl's Basketball</h2>Brady 52 @ Maxwell 44Cozad 32 @ McCook 52Dundy County Stratton 41 vs Wauneta-Palisade 34Maywood-Hayes Center 67 vs Sutherland 6North Platte St. Patrick's 19 @ Ogallala 62Paxton 63 vs Perkins County 39Southern Valley 52 vs Norton, KS 26Sumner-Eddyville-Miller 58 @ South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 15<h2>Boy’s Basketball</h2>Dundy County Stratton 70 vs Wauneta-Palisade 23Maywood-Hayes Center 62 vs Sutherland 20North Platte St. Patrick's 50 @ Ogallala 85Paxton 54 vs Perkins County 65Southern Valley 48 vs Norton, KS 62<h2>Wrestling</h2>North Platte Varsity Vs. Grand IslandNorth Platte 30, Grand Island 41

Area Sports scores from 12-18

• The third-ranked Nebraska volleyball team will face No. 2 Penn State in the NCAA Semifinals on Thursday night at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.&nbsp;

• The match will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the other semifinal match between No. 1 Pittsburgh and No. 4 Louisville, which begins at 5:30 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

• Thursday’s match will be televised on ESPN. Courtney Lyle, Holly McPeak, Katie George and Madison Fitzpatrick will be on the call. The match can also be streamed on WatchESPN.&nbsp;

• Huskers Radio Network with John Baylor and Lauren (Cook) West will broadcast the Nebraska matches on their volleyball affiliate stations, on Huskers.com and on the Huskers App.&nbsp;

• Nebraska (33-2) advanced to the NCAA Semifinals for the second year in a row and seventh time in the last 10 years with a 3-0 sweep of No. 7 Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.&nbsp;

• The Huskers will be playing at the KFC Yum! Center for the third time this season. Nebraska beat No. 9 Kentucky, 3-1, in the AVCA Showcase on Aug. 27 and No. 4 Louisville, 3-0, on Sept. 22.

• Nebraska won its 36th all-time conference title and fifth Big Ten title with a 19-1 record in Big Ten play this season. The Huskers went back-to-back as Big Ten champions for the second time, also accomplishing that feat in 2016 and 2017.&nbsp;

• The Huskers’ 29 regular-season wins tied the 1983 school record for most wins in a regular season in the NCAA era.&nbsp;

• The Huskers’ 33 wins this season are tied for the most victories by a Husker team since the 2000 national championship team went 34-0.&nbsp;

• Nebraska won 25 matches in a row after a Sept. 3 loss at SMU. Of those 25 wins, 20 were sweeps. NU’s win streak ended on Nov. 29 in a 3-1 loss at No. 4 Penn State.&nbsp;

• Nebraska is 13-1 against ranked foes this season and 8-1 against top-10 teams. The Huskers’ eight wins against top-10 teams ties the school record, as the 1995 national championship team also had eight victories against top-10 opponents.

• After the Sept. 3 loss at SMU, Nebraska won 27 straight sets on the road until the Nov. 29 loss at No. 4 Penn State.

• The Huskers rank 12th nationally with a team hitting percentage of .285.

• The Huskers rank fourth nationally and first in the Big Ten in opponent hitting percentage at .139. NU led the nation in opponent hitting percentage in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;

• Nebraska ranks 11th nationally in kills per set (14.15).

• Nebraska enters Thursday’s match with 1,499 all-time victories and is looking to become the first Division I volleyball program to reach 1,500 all-time wins.&nbsp;

• Nebraska advanced to an NCAA Semifinal for the 18th time in program history and for the seventh time in the past 10 seasons. The Huskers’ 18 NCAA Semifinals rank second in NCAA history, and Nebraska’s seven semifinal appearances in the last 10 seasons lead the nation.

• Nebraska has made 13 NCAA Semifinals since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1998. The Huskers’ 13 trips to the semifinals in the 64-team NCAA Tournament era lead the nation.

• John Cook has led Nebraska to an NCAA Semifinal for the 12th time in his 25 seasons. He is one of only two coaches two make 12 NCAA Semifinals with one school.

• Cook is 101-25 in his NCAA Tournament career, including a 93-20 record at Nebraska. He ranks second all-time in career NCAA Tournament victories and NCAA Tournament wins at one school.

• Nebraska is 134-37 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. The Huskers rank second in NCAA history in postseason wins and winning percentage (.784).

• NU has held its four NCAA Tournament opponents to a combined .066 hitting percentage, which leads the field.&nbsp;

• Outside hitter Harper Murray is the team leader in kills at 3.37 per set, and also in aces with 36. One of the top six-rotation players in the country, Murray adds 2.41 digs per set.&nbsp;

• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason is second on the team in kills at 2.83 per set, and the two-year captain also contributes 1.25 digs per set and 29 aces.

• Middle blocker Andi Jackson is averaging 2.57 kills per set with a .428 hitting percentage, which ranks ninth in the nation.

• Middle blocker Rebekah Allick adds 1.83 kills per set on .357 hitting with 1.40 blocks per set. Allick has moved into the top 10 in school history in career blocks at No. 6 with 405.

• Setter Bergen Reilly is averaging 11.09 assists per set, which ranks 10th in the nation. She also adds 2.85 digs per set and has 21 aces. Reilly has 16 double-doubles and was named Big Ten Setter of the Year for the second straight year.&nbsp;

• The 2024 Big Ten Libero of the Year, Lexi Rodriguez leads the Husker back row with 3.91 digs per set. Rodriguez ranks No. 2 in school history in career digs with 1,882, needing nine more to break the school record of 1,890 set by Justine Wong-Orantes (2013-16).&nbsp;

• No. 2 Penn State is 33-2 overall and shared the Big Ten title with Nebraska with a 19-1 conference record.&nbsp;

• The Nittany Lions won their regional final against Creighton, 3-2, on Sunday night to advance to the NCAA Semifinals for the first time since 2017.&nbsp;

• Under third-year head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, the Nittany Lions have won their most matches in a season since going 33-2 in 2017. Schumacher-Cawley was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year.&nbsp;

• Penn State has won 10 matches in a row since being swept at Wisconsin on Nov. 9.

•&nbsp; Jess Mruzik leads Penn State with 4.21 kills per set with 2.37 digs per set.&nbsp;

• Camryn Hannah adds 3.59 kills per set.

• Freshman setter Izzy Starck is averaging 10.89 assists per set in guiding Penn State to a .285 hitting percentage. Starck was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.&nbsp;

• Nebraska is 28-12 all-time against Penn State and has won&nbsp; 14 of the last 16 meetings.&nbsp;

• Penn State snapped a seven-match losing streak to Nebraska with a 3-1 win on Nov. 29, 2024. In that match, the Huskers hit a season-low .154 and were out-killed 57-46.&nbsp;

• The teams have met 11 times in the NCAA Tournament with NU holding an 8-3 record against PSU in the postseason.&nbsp;

• The last NCAA Tournament meeting was Dec. 14, 2017 when the Huskers won 3-2 against the top-ranked Nittany Lions in an NCAA Semifinal. Nebraska went on to win the national title that season.&nbsp;

• Nebraska has allowed just 74 service aces this season, which leads the nation.

• NU allowed 77 aces in the 2022 season and 80 aces in 2017. Last season, the Huskers were aced 104 times.&nbsp;

• The Huskers have served 146 aces and committed 183 errors so far this season. The ace-to-error ratio of 0.80 is NU’s best in a full season since 2010 (0.86).&nbsp;

• Nebraska is on pace to record its fewest service errors in a season since 2011 (161).&nbsp;

• Nebraska has seven different players averaging between 1.83 and 3.37 kills per set.

• Six different players have led the Huskers in kills in a match this season.

• Setter Bergen Reilly ranks 10th nationally averaging 11.09 assists per set.&nbsp;

• Nebraska’s attack has been one of the best in the nation this season. The Huskers rank 12th in hitting percentage (.285) and 11th in kills per set (14.15).&nbsp;

• Nebraska has won 45 home matches in a row dating back to Dec. 1, 2022, which is the longest active streak in the nation.&nbsp;

• The Huskers’ home win streak is its longest since moving into the Devaney Center in 2013.&nbsp;

• Nebraska’s longest all-time home win streak was 88 matches from 2004-09.&nbsp;

• The Huskers went 22-0 at home in 2024, a school record for home wins in a season.&nbsp;

• Nebraska has won 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament matches played in the Devaney Center, a school record.&nbsp;

• Lexi Rodriguez is in her final year of a stellar career as the Huskers’ libero. A four-year starter and a three-year team captain, Rodriguez will go down in Nebraska volleyball history as one of the all-time greats.&nbsp;

• Rodriguez has 1,882 career digs, which ranks No. 2 in school history. U.S. Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes is the career leader in digs at NU with 1,890.&nbsp;

• Rodriguez has 265 career digs in the NCAA Tournament. She ranks first on Nebraska’s all-time postseason digs chart.&nbsp;

• Rodriguez was named Big Ten Libero of the Year this season, the third conference defensive player of the year award in her career, making her the second player in Big Ten history to accomplish that feat (Paula Gentil, Minnesota, 2002-04).&nbsp;

• An All-Big Ten First Team selection each year of her career, Rodriguez is the fifth Husker in school history to be named first-team all-conference four times in a career, joining Greichaly Cepero (1999-2002), Sarah Pavan (2004-07), Kadie Rolfzen (2013-16) and Lauren Stivrins (2018-21).

• Rodriguez earned her fourth AVCA All-Region honor and became the first libero to win a Region Player of the Year honor since the award’s inception in 2017.&nbsp;

• Rodriguez is a three-time AVCA All-American, earning first-team honors in 2021 and 2023, and second-team honors in 2022. She will look to join Kadie Rolfzen (2013-16) and Sarah Pavan (2004-07) as the only four-time All-Americans in program history.&nbsp;

• This season, Rodriguez leads the Huskers with 3.91 digs per set and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week twice, giving her seven career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.

BEASON LEADING HUSKERS ON AND OFF THE COURT

• For the second straight year since coming to Nebraska, Merritt Beason was an All-Big Ten First Team and AVCA All-Region selection. The opposite hitter is second on the team in kills at 2.83 per set, and she also contributes 1.25 digs per set and 29 aces.

• Beason posted 22 kills, eight digs and three blocks in a 3-2 win over No. 10 Purdue on Oct. 11.&nbsp;

• She also had 19 kills and hit .471 with a career-high 10 blocks in a Big Ten title-clinching win at Maryland on Nov. 30.&nbsp;

• A two-year team captain, Beason put together a sensational season in 2023 - her first as a Husker after transferring from Florida - earning AVCA All-America First Team honors and AVCA North Region Player of the Year.

• Harper Murray earned All-Big Ten First Team and AVCA All-Region accolades for the second straight year. Murray is the team leader in kills with 3.37 per set and adds 2.41 digs per set and 36 aces, the most on the team.

• In this year’s NCAA Tournament, Murray is putting up 4.08 kills per set on .322 hitting with 3.46 digs per set, 11 blocks and six aces.&nbsp;

• The sophomore outside hitter had a career-high 22 kills with season highs of 16 digs, four aces and four blocks in a 3-1 regional semifinal win over No. 23 Dayton. She added 10 kills, 12 digs and four blocks in the regional final sweep of No. 7 Wisconsin and was named the Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player.&nbsp;

• Murray was also clutch this season with 17 kills in a 3-2 win against No. 10 Purdue on Oct. 11, and 16 kills and 14 digs in a 3-2 win against No. 9 Creighton on Sept. 10.

• Murray finished her 2023 freshman campaign with 3.23 kills per set, the highest kills per set average by a Husker freshman since Kadie Rolfzen (3.46) in 2013. She earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year, AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team and AVCA All-America Third Team honors.

• Bergen Reilly is the only player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year in both her freshman and sophomore seasons after winning the award again this year. She was also on the All-Big Ten First Team both years and was an AVCA second-team All-American in 2023. Reilly received AVCA All-Region honors again this season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The sophomore collected five Big Ten Setter of the Week honors this season, which set a school record, and she was also named Best Setter at the season-opening AVCA First Serve Showcase in Louisville, Ky.&nbsp;

• Reilly ranks 10th nationally in assists per set with 11.09, and she adds 2.85 digs per set and has 21 aces. She has 16 double-doubles on the season.&nbsp;

• Reilly set the Huskers to a .285 season hitting percentage, which ranks 12th nationally.&nbsp;

• She had a career-high 60 assists to go with 17 digs in a 3-2 win against No. 10 Purdue on Oct. 11.

• Andi Jackson was unanimously named to the All-Big Ten First Team for the first time in her career after an outstanding sophomore campaign for the Huskers. She was also an AVCA All-Region selection for the second straight year.&nbsp;

• The middle blocker has elevated her game to new heights in 2024, averaging 2.57 kills per set with a .428 hitting percentage, which ranks ninth in the nation. Her hitting percentage also ranks third in school history.

• Jackson was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 28 after 11 kills and six blocks against Illinois and 10 kills and five blocks against Michigan.&nbsp;

• In the final two matches of the regular season, Jackson tied her career high with eight blocks in each match.

• Jackson showed enormous athleticism and potential the first time she stepped on the floor as a Husker, and she followed through with a strong debut season that included AVCA All-Region, All-Big Ten Second Team, and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors.&nbsp;

• Junior middle blocker Rebekah Allick is putting up 1.40 blocks per set so far this season. Offensively, she has provided 1.83 kills per set on .357 hitting.&nbsp;

• Allick’s career 1.31 blocks per set ranks No. 3 in school history in the rally scoring era.&nbsp;

• Allick has 405 career blocks, which ranks sixth in school history in the rally scoring era.&nbsp;

• In the season-opening victory over Kentucky, Allick had 11 kills and hit .667 while tying her career high with 12 blocks. Her performance earned her Best Middle Blocker and Most Valuable Player honors at the AVCA First Serve Showcase. She averaged 1.90 blocks per set in the first three matches of the season, which earned her Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

• Allick was again named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 7 after 2.00 blocks per set in sweeps at Illinois and vs. Iowa.&nbsp;

• Allick is a two-time AVCA All-Region and All-Big Ten Second Team pick. Last season, she averaged 1.76 kills per set with a team-high 1.50 blocks per set, which ranked second among Big Ten players and seven in the nation. Her 1.50 blocks per set was also the No. 2 mark in school history in the rally scoring era.&nbsp;

Huskers meet Penn State in NCAA Semifinal on Thursday

Nebraska senior libero Lexi Rodriguez has been named one of four finalists for the AVCA National Player of the Year Award, which will be presented on Friday at the AVCA All-America awards banquet.&nbsp;

Last week, Rodriguez became the first ever libero to be named AVCA Region Player of the Year. She is a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player and Libero of the Year and will look to become the third player in program history to be selected as a four-time All-American when the postseason honors come out on Wednesday.&nbsp;

A four-year starter and three-year team captain, Rodriguez has climbed to No. 2 in school history in career digs with 1,882, needing just nine more to break Justine Wong-Orantes' school record of 1,890.

Rodriguez is one of five Huskers in school history to earn first-team all-conference honors four times in a career, and she is only the second player in Big Ten history to earn three Big Ten Defensive Player/Libero of the Year honors (Paula Gentil, Minnesota, 2002-04).

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska senior libero Lexi Rodriguez has been named one of four finalists for the AVCA National Player of the Year Award, which will be presented on Friday at the AVCA All-America awards banquet.&nbsp;Last week, Rodriguez became the first ever libero to be named AVCA Region Player of the Year. She is a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player and Libero of the Year and will look to become the third player in program history to be selected as a four-time All-American when the postseason honors come out on Wednesday.&nbsp;A four-year starter and three-year team captain, Rodriguez has climbed to No. 2 in school history in career digs with 1,882, needing just nine more to break Justine Wong-Orantes' school record of 1,890.Rodriguez is one of five Huskers in school history to earn first-team all-conference honors four times in a career, and she is only the second player in Big Ten history to earn three Big Ten Defensive Player/Libero of the Year honors (Paula Gentil, Minnesota, 2002-04).This season, Rodriguez leads the Huskers with 3.91 digs per set as the team has climbed to No. 4 nationally in opponent hitting percentage on the season (.139). NU led the nation in opponent hitting percentage in both 2022 and 2023. Rodriguez was named to the NCAA Lincoln Regional All-Tournament Team on Sunday after leading the Huskers to two more dominant defensive outings. Nebraska is holding its opponents in the NCAA Tournament to a combined .066 hitting percentage, the best mark of any team.&nbsp;Rodriguez and the Huskers will face No. 2 Penn State on Thursday night in the NCAA Semifinals on ESPN. The match will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first semifinal between No. 1 Pittsburgh and No. 4 Louisville at 5:30 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;