Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College avenged an earlier season loss to the Broncos of Hastings College JV, 87-79, on Wednesday night.

Bryce Baez posted his fourth double-double of the season, finishing the game with 21 points to accompany his 11 rebounds. Emmanuel Oladeru also recorded a double-double after tallying 21 points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes of action.

North Platte managed to take a 40-30 lead into the halftime break behind 16 points from Oladeru. The Knights had a battle on their hands throughout the opening 14:42 of the half, as each run was challenged by the hot perimeter shooting by the Broncos.

Trailing 30-29, the Knights launched an 11-0 run over the final 2:58 of the quarter to take the lead into the halftime break.

The North Platte lead grew in the opening minutes of the second half, but Hastings rallied to cut the margin to 68-65 with 5:29 to play in regulation. A short 8-0 spurt provided some momentary relief as the Knights went back on the offensive. The Broncos narrowed the margin to one possession before a putback by Parker Baumann pushed the lead to 81-76.

North Platte put the game out of reach by going 6-of-8 from the free throw line in the final minute to give Kade Erickson his first win as a head coach.

North Platte (6-6) will close out December with Southeast Community College on Friday afternoon. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College avenged an earlier season loss to the Broncos of Hastings College JV, 87-79, on Wednesday night.Bryce Baez posted his fourth double-double of the season, finishing the game with 21 points to accompany his 11 rebounds. Emmanuel Oladeru also recorded a double-double after tallying 21 points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes of action.North Platte managed to take a 40-30 lead into the halftime break behind 16 points from Oladeru. The Knights had a battle on their hands throughout the opening 14:42 of the half, as each run was challenged by the hot perimeter shooting by the Broncos.Trailing 30-29, the Knights launched an 11-0 run over the final 2:58 of the quarter to take the lead into the halftime break.The North Platte lead grew in the opening minutes of the second half, but Hastings rallied to cut the margin to 68-65 with 5:29 to play in regulation. A short 8-0 spurt provided some momentary relief as the Knights went back on the offensive. The Broncos narrowed the margin to one possession before a putback by Parker Baumann pushed the lead to 81-76.North Platte put the game out of reach by going 6-of-8 from the free throw line in the final minute to give Kade Erickson his first win as a head coach.North Platte (6-6) will close out December with Southeast Community College on Friday afternoon. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

 Erickson era begins with win over Hastings

Ogallala BBB sophomore Sawyer Smith joined the Kwik Stop postgame show after the boys' team defeated Lexington 62-22 to offer his thoughts on how the team did in their first game of the season.&nbsp; Check out podcast below to hear what Smith had to say.

Sandhills PostOgallala BBB sophomore Sawyer Smith joined the Kwik Stop postgame show after the boys' team defeated Lexington 62-22 to offer his thoughts on how the team did in their first game of the season.&nbsp; Check out podcast below to hear what Smith had to say.<div><iframe title="Ogallala BBB Sophomore Sawyer Smith postgame interview vs Lexington (12/1)" 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=gbdgp-15250dc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ogallala BBB Sophomore Sawyer Smith postgame interview vs Lexington (12/1)

Ogallala GBB senior Aelyn Cain joined the Kwik Stop pregame show before the boy's matchup against Lexington (12/1) to offer her thoughts on her team's first win of the season over Minutemaids. The lady Indians would win the game 61-18.&nbsp;Check out podcast below to hear what Cain had to say.

Sandhills PostOgallala GBB senior Aelyn Cain joined the Kwik Stop pregame show before the boy's matchup against Lexington (12/1) to offer her thoughts on her team's first win of the season over Minutemaids. The lady Indians would win the game 61-18.&nbsp;Check out podcast below to hear what Cain had to say.<div><iframe title="Ogallala GBB Senior Aelyn Cain post-game interview vs Lexington (12/1)" 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=3qz5h-15250b8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ogallala GBB Senior Aelyn Cain post-game interview vs Lexington (12/1)

Ogallala assistant coach Jeremy Smith joined Canon Rath on the Kwik Stop post-game show to offer his thoughts on how the game went and more. Ogallala defeated North Platte St. Pats 83-57. Check out podcast below to hear what Smith had to say.

Sandhills PostOgallala assistant coach Jeremy Smith joined Canon Rath on the Kwik Stop post-game show to offer his thoughts on how the game went and more. Ogallala defeated North Platte St. Pats 83-57. Check out podcast below to hear what Smith had to say.<div><iframe title="Ogallala BBB post-game interview with Ogallala assistant coach Jeremy Smith" 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=wrhvj-152501b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ogallala BBB post-game interview with Ogallala assistant coach Jeremy Smith vs NPSP (12/12)

Atwood-Rawlins County, KS 48, Dundy County Stratton 29

Maywood-Hayes Center 60, Sandhills Valley 6

Ogallala 40, North Platte St. Patrick's 18

Dundy County Stratton 67, Atwood-Rawlins County, KS 53

Maywood-Hayes Center 59, Sandhills Valley 52

Ogallala 83, North Platte St. Patrick's 57

North Platte Wrestling<div><style type="text/css">
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<table class="tg">
<thead>
 <tr>
 <th class="tg-svha"></th>
 <th class="tg-u04u">165</th>
 <th class="tg-u04u"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=141856009" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andrew Pittman</a> (Grand Island) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1842057009" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brenttyn Boe</a> (North Platte) (Fall 1:07)</th>
 <th class="tg-svha">6</th>
 <th class="tg-0lax">0</th>
 </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-voex"></td>
 <td class="tg-lt2h">175</td>
 <td class="tg-hict"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1391890009">Gabriel Moreno</a> (North Platte) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1548111135">Max Ross</a> (Grand Island) (Fall 1:59)</td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">6</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-u04u"></td>
 <td class="tg-svha">190</td>
 <td class="tg-u04u"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1252091009">Hudson Oliver</a> (Grand Island) over Unknown (For.)</td>
 <td class="tg-svha">6</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-hict"></td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">215</td>
 <td class="tg-hict"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=706360096">Justyce Hostetler</a> (Grand Island) over Unknown (For.)</td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">6</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-u04u"></td>
 <td class="tg-svha">285</td>
 <td class="tg-u04u"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=141857009">Zachary Pittman</a> (Grand Island) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=988286135">Alex Gove</a> (North Platte) (Fall 4:47)</td>
 <td class="tg-svha">6</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-hict"></td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">106</td>
 <td class="tg-hict"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=607025009">Brody Pitner</a> (North Platte) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=2087402009">Riley Bishop</a> (Grand Island) (MD 10-2)</td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">4</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-u04u"></td>
 <td class="tg-svha">113</td>
 <td class="tg-u04u"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=531966135">Rudy Rodriguez</a> (Grand Island) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=502049096">DeAngelo Mata</a> (North Platte) (Fall 3:11)</td>
 <td class="tg-svha">6</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-hict"></td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">120</td>
 <td class="tg-hict"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=519114096">Tyler Haneborg</a> (North Platte) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1385957135">Frank Rodriguez</a> (Grand Island) (Fall 1:03)</td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">6</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-u04u"></td>
 <td class="tg-svha">126</td>
 <td class="tg-u04u"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1001463009">Alex Gates</a> (Grand Island) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=947742096">Roman Ochoa</a> (North Platte) (Fall 0:47)</td>
 <td class="tg-svha">6</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-hict"></td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">132</td>
 <td class="tg-hict"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=49043135">Kirk Wilson</a> (North Platte) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=761487135">Ryker Booth</a> (Grand Island) (Fall 2:24)</td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">6</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-u04u"></td>
 <td class="tg-svha">138</td>
 <td class="tg-u04u"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=630891096">Kaden Harder</a> (Grand Island) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=950640096">Cayden Eyten</a> (North Platte) (Dec 8-2)</td>
 <td class="tg-svha">3</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-hict"></td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">144</td>
 <td class="tg-hict"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=330528096">Jace Kennel</a> (North Platte) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=2012978009">Hayden Klimek</a> (Grand Island) (Fall 1:45)</td>
 <td class="tg-1z31">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">6</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-u04u"></td>
 <td class="tg-svha">150</td>
 <td class="tg-u04u"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1267867135">Ethan jackson</a> (North Platte) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=933468096">Gavin Pedersen</a> (Grand Island) (SV-1 9-7)</td>
 <td class="tg-svha">0</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">3</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-oi3a"></td>
 <td class="tg-qcr8">157</td>
 <td class="tg-y2n0"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1893466009">Lathen Huntsman</a> (North Platte) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=415026096">Carter Peterson</a> (Grand Island) (Fall 0:55)</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">6</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ufqv"></td>
 <td class="tg-akel">190</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">Extra: Junior Varsity - <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=379106132">Cole Salpas</a> (Grand Island) over Blake Sorrells (North Platte) (Fall 0:51)</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">0</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-oi3a"></td>
 <td class="tg-qcr8">126</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">Extra: Junior Varsity - Edward Santana (Grand Island) over Alexander Bruns (North Platte) (Fall 1:13)</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ufqv"></td>
 <td class="tg-akel">126</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">Extra: Junior Varsity - Michael Hoss (Grand Island) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1051396135">Trenton Schrader</a> (North Platte) (Fall 5:10)</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">0</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-oi3a"></td>
 <td class="tg-qcr8">126</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">Extra: Junior Varsity - <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1450570135">Camden Weaver</a> (North Platte) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1233116135">Tanner Dunning</a> (Grand Island) (Fall 3:22)</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ufqv"></td>
 <td class="tg-akel">132</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">Extra: Junior Varsity - Adam Grabast (Grand Island) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1917470135">Jace Kackmeister</a> (North Platte) (Fall 2:53)</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">0</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-oi3a"></td>
 <td class="tg-qcr8">138</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">Extra: Junior Varsity - Jesus Ceja (Grand Island) over Jericho Franson (North Platte) (Fall 0:52)</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ufqv"></td>
 <td class="tg-akel">138</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">Extra: Junior Varsity - Roman DeVault (Grand Island) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=331155096">Carson Cooksley</a> (North Platte) (Fall 0:31)</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">0</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-oi3a"></td>
 <td class="tg-qcr8">150</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">Extra: Junior Varsity - <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1513926135">Joden Schumacher</a> (Grand Island) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=984523135">Deondray Steele</a> (North Platte) (Fall 5:28)</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ufqv"></td>
 <td class="tg-akel">150</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">Extra: Junior Varsity - <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=1389828009">Reece Perry</a> (North Platte) over Aden Stephens (Grand Island) (MD 9-1)</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">0</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-oi3a"></td>
 <td class="tg-qcr8">157</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">Extra: Junior Varsity - <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1702488889367&twSessionId=dvzgraygfv&twId=794156132">Joseph Aguilar</a> (Grand Island) over Brady Kelsey (North Platte) (Fall 0:22)</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-mfi1" colspan="3">unsportsmanlike</td>
 <td class="tg-mfi1">0</td>
 <td class="tg-e87f">-1.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-2ep2" colspan="3">Team Score:</td>
 <td class="tg-2ep2">39</td>
 <td class="tg-dgl5">36</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div><h2>Girls Basketball</h2>Atwood-Rawlins County, KS 48, Dundy County Stratton 29Gothenburg 56, Southern Valley 42Maxwell 39, Brady 29Maywood-Hayes Center 60, Sandhills Valley 6McCook 60, Cozad 43Paxton 65, Perkins County 42Wallace 52, Sutherland 44Ogallala 40, North Platte St. Patrick's 18<h2>Boys Basketball</h2>Dundy County Stratton 67, Atwood-Rawlins County, KS 53Gothenburg 73, Southern Valley 41Maywood-Hayes Center 59, Sandhills Valley 52Ogallala 83, North Platte St. Patrick's 57Perkins County 57, Paxton 44Wallace 57, Sutherland 32

Area sports scores from 12-12

North
Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College announces that long-time head
coach Kevin O’Connor has stepped down from his head coaching post after 39
years at the helm of the men’s basketball program.

“We
would like to thank Coach O’Connor for his dedication and contributions to the
North Platte Community College men’s basketball team,” said Vice President of
Academic Affairs and NPCC Dr. Jody Tomanek. “His efforts to build successful
teams’ year in and year out elevated the program to historic success.”

O’Connor
is the all-time winningest coach in Region IX, amassing 744 career wins
including 31 winning seasons during his tenure. He guided the Knights to two
NJCAA National Tournament appearances in 2010 and 2013, while claiming 22
Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference titles.

O’Connor
was named Region IX Coach of the Year four times, while also earning NCCAC
Coach of the Year and Omaha World Herald’s Male College Coach of the Year
designations during his storied career. He has coached nine NJCAA All-Americans
and 19 NJCAA Academic Team selections.

O’Connor
began his collegiate playing career in North Platte totaling 659 career points
from 1974-76, before finishing off his eligibility at the University of
Nebraska-Kearney. Prior to returning to North Platte in 1985, O’Connor spent
time as an assistant coach at the College of Great Falls in Montana and the
University of Nebraska-Kearney.

O’Connor
will stay on as the athletic director for NPCC athletics, while continuing to
serve as a mathematics instructor for the institution. 

Assistant
coach Kade Erickson has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the
season.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth
Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College announces that long-time head
coach Kevin O’Connor has stepped down from his head coaching post after 39
years at the helm of the men’s basketball program.“We
would like to thank Coach O’Connor for his dedication and contributions to the
North Platte Community College men’s basketball team,” said Vice President of
Academic Affairs and NPCC Dr. Jody Tomanek. “His efforts to build successful
teams’ year in and year out elevated the program to historic success.”O’Connor
is the all-time winningest coach in Region IX, amassing 744 career wins
including 31 winning seasons during his tenure. He guided the Knights to two
NJCAA National Tournament appearances in 2010 and 2013, while claiming 22
Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference titles.O’Connor
was named Region IX Coach of the Year four times, while also earning NCCAC
Coach of the Year and Omaha World Herald’s Male College Coach of the Year
designations during his storied career. He has coached nine NJCAA All-Americans
and 19 NJCAA Academic Team selections.O’Connor
began his collegiate playing career in North Platte totaling 659 career points
from 1974-76, before finishing off his eligibility at the University of
Nebraska-Kearney. Prior to returning to North Platte in 1985, O’Connor spent
time as an assistant coach at the College of Great Falls in Montana and the
University of Nebraska-Kearney.O’Connor
will stay on as the athletic director for NPCC athletics, while continuing to
serve as a mathematics instructor for the institution. Assistant
coach Kade Erickson has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the
season.

Storied coach to step down

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska had a total of 103 student-athletes earn Fall Academic All-Big Ten recognition as announced by the Conference Office on Monday.

The group of Husker student-athletes includes 50 football players, 22 soccer student-athletes, 16 women’s cross country athletes, eight volleyball student-athletes and seven members of the men’s cross country team.

The Husker honorees included three student-athletes who earned a 4.0 grade-point average for the academic year, including&nbsp;Alea Hardie, a cross country runner from Sioux Falls, S.D.,&nbsp;McKenna Lovehaug, a cross country student-athlete from Fargo, N.D., and&nbsp;Abby Vacek, a soccer player from Lincoln.

The 50 football honorees were led by seven players who earned Academic All-Big Ten honors for a fourth time. That group includes offensive tackle&nbsp;Bryce Benhart, tight end&nbsp;John Goodwin, linebacker&nbsp;Nick Henrich, defensive lineman&nbsp;Jacob Herbek, offensive lineman&nbsp;Ethan Piper, linebacker&nbsp;Luke Reimer&nbsp;and linebacker&nbsp;Garrett Snodgrass.&nbsp;A total of 11 football student-athletes made the academic list for the third time in their career.

Soccer student-athlete&nbsp;Marissa Popoola&nbsp;earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition for the fourth year, while teammates&nbsp;Audra Clark, Eleanor Dale, Gwen Lane&nbsp;and&nbsp;Reagan Raabe&nbsp;were recognized for the third time.

Four volleyball student-athletes earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition for a second time including&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst, Lindsay Krause, Kennedi Orr&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lexi Rodriguez.

Men’s cross country runner&nbsp;Jerry Jorgensen&nbsp;picked up his fourth honor, while&nbsp;Trevor Acton&nbsp;and&nbsp;Adam Christopher&nbsp;were honored for a third time. On the women’s side,&nbsp;Taya Skelton&nbsp;earned Academic All-Big Ten for a fourth time, while fellow runners&nbsp;Jacquelyn Abanes, Lindsey Blehm, Brynna McQuillen, Katelyn Mullinax&nbsp;and&nbsp;Emma Ralston&nbsp;each picked up a third award.

To be eligible for Academic All-Big Ten selection, students must be on a varsity team (as verified by being on the official squad list as of Nov. 1 for fall sports), have been enrolled full time at the institution for a minimum of 12 months and carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska had a total of 103 student-athletes earn Fall Academic All-Big Ten recognition as announced by the Conference Office on Monday.The group of Husker student-athletes includes 50 football players, 22 soccer student-athletes, 16 women’s cross country athletes, eight volleyball student-athletes and seven members of the men’s cross country team.The Husker honorees included three student-athletes who earned a 4.0 grade-point average for the academic year, including&nbsp;Alea Hardie, a cross country runner from Sioux Falls, S.D.,&nbsp;McKenna Lovehaug, a cross country student-athlete from Fargo, N.D., and&nbsp;Abby Vacek, a soccer player from Lincoln.The 50 football honorees were led by seven players who earned Academic All-Big Ten honors for a fourth time. That group includes offensive tackle&nbsp;Bryce Benhart, tight end&nbsp;John Goodwin, linebacker&nbsp;Nick Henrich, defensive lineman&nbsp;Jacob Herbek, offensive lineman&nbsp;Ethan Piper, linebacker&nbsp;Luke Reimer&nbsp;and linebacker&nbsp;Garrett Snodgrass.&nbsp;A total of 11 football student-athletes made the academic list for the third time in their career.Soccer student-athlete&nbsp;Marissa Popoola&nbsp;earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition for the fourth year, while teammates&nbsp;Audra Clark, Eleanor Dale, Gwen Lane&nbsp;and&nbsp;Reagan Raabe&nbsp;were recognized for the third time.Four volleyball student-athletes earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition for a second time including&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst, Lindsay Krause, Kennedi Orr&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lexi Rodriguez.Men’s cross country runner&nbsp;Jerry Jorgensen&nbsp;picked up his fourth honor, while&nbsp;Trevor Acton&nbsp;and&nbsp;Adam Christopher&nbsp;were honored for a third time. On the women’s side,&nbsp;Taya Skelton&nbsp;earned Academic All-Big Ten for a fourth time, while fellow runners&nbsp;Jacquelyn Abanes, Lindsey Blehm, Brynna McQuillen, Katelyn Mullinax&nbsp;and&nbsp;Emma Ralston&nbsp;each picked up a third award.To be eligible for Academic All-Big Ten selection, students must be on a varsity team (as verified by being on the official squad list as of Nov. 1 for fall sports), have been enrolled full time at the institution for a minimum of 12 months and carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

More than 100 Nebraska Student-Athletes earn Academic All-Big Ten Honors

Lincoln, Neb.-&nbsp;Nebraska men’s gymnastics held its annual intrasquad meet on Friday evening at the Devaney Sports Center with team Scarlet narrowly taking the win by .05 to beat out Cream, 248 to 247.95, respectively.

The competition began on floor, with Cream edging Scarlet, 42.45-41.4. The event was led by sophomore Luke James, putting up a 14.75 on the event. Second and third place was claimed by junior Chris Hiser (14.05) and captain Sam Phillips (13.9) respectively.

On pommel horse, Scarlet beat out their competitors after notching a 41.7 over Cream (40.9). Junior Travis Wong took the event title (14.5), while sophomores Nathan York (14.2) and Toby Liang (13.75) followed closely behind.

On rings, the event was highlighted by Sam Phillips claiming a 13.65. Asher Cohen finished in second place with a 13.45. Nathan York rounded out the top three with a score of 13.1. Scarlet secured the win on rings, 39.8-39.2.

After a well fought battle, the rotation on vault was a draw among both teams, finishing at an even score of 43.9 for the Scarlet and the Cream. Freshman Chase Mondi debuted a glimpse of his skill in the upcoming season after taking the event title on vault with a 14.9. Captain Zac Tiderman notched a 14.85, and Sam Phillips finished in third with a 14.6.

Team Cream took the event victory on parallel bars, 40.45-39.3. Asher Cohen snagged the title (13.5), with freshman Cole Partridge (13.5) and senior Yanni Chronopoulos (13.45) securing second and third spot.

The intrasquad concluded on high bar, with team Scarlet just scraping by with the triumph (41.9-41.05). Zac Tiderman led the Scarlet with a score of 14.25. Sam Phillips took second after notching a 14.15, and captain Taylor Christopulos collected the third position with a 13.85.

The All-Around was highlighted by Sam Phillips (81.05) in first place, followed by Toby Liang (80.8), and Joey Pepe (78.85) in second and third, respectively.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln, Neb.-&nbsp;Nebraska men’s gymnastics held its annual intrasquad meet on Friday evening at the Devaney Sports Center with team Scarlet narrowly taking the win by .05 to beat out Cream, 248 to 247.95, respectively.The competition began on floor, with Cream edging Scarlet, 42.45-41.4. The event was led by sophomore Luke James, putting up a 14.75 on the event. Second and third place was claimed by junior Chris Hiser (14.05) and captain Sam Phillips (13.9) respectively.On pommel horse, Scarlet beat out their competitors after notching a 41.7 over Cream (40.9). Junior Travis Wong took the event title (14.5), while sophomores Nathan York (14.2) and Toby Liang (13.75) followed closely behind.On rings, the event was highlighted by Sam Phillips claiming a 13.65. Asher Cohen finished in second place with a 13.45. Nathan York rounded out the top three with a score of 13.1. Scarlet secured the win on rings, 39.8-39.2.After a well fought battle, the rotation on vault was a draw among both teams, finishing at an even score of 43.9 for the Scarlet and the Cream. Freshman Chase Mondi debuted a glimpse of his skill in the upcoming season after taking the event title on vault with a 14.9. Captain Zac Tiderman notched a 14.85, and Sam Phillips finished in third with a 14.6.Team Cream took the event victory on parallel bars, 40.45-39.3. Asher Cohen snagged the title (13.5), with freshman Cole Partridge (13.5) and senior Yanni Chronopoulos (13.45) securing second and third spot.The intrasquad concluded on high bar, with team Scarlet just scraping by with the triumph (41.9-41.05). Zac Tiderman led the Scarlet with a score of 14.25. Sam Phillips took second after notching a 14.15, and captain Taylor Christopulos collected the third position with a 13.85.The All-Around was highlighted by Sam Phillips (81.05) in first place, followed by Toby Liang (80.8), and Joey Pepe (78.85) in second and third, respectively.Team Scarlet:<ul>
 <li>Sam Phillips</li><li>Max Odden</li><li>Nathan York</li><li>Travis Wong</li><li>Alex Nitache</li><li>Zac Tiderman</li><li>Chris Hiser</li><li>James Friedman</li><li>AJ Morgan</li><li>Jack Critz</li>
 </ul>Team Cream:<ul>
 <li>Taylor Christopulos</li><li>Toby Liang</li><li>Luke James</li><li>Cooper Giles</li><li>Yanni Chronopoulos</li><li>Chase Mondi</li><li>Asher Cohen</li><li>Cole Partridge</li><li>Anthony Koppie</li><li>Joey Pepe</li>
 </ul>Event Scores:Scarlet:<ul>
 <li>F&nbsp;41.4</li><li>PH&nbsp;41.7</li><li>R&nbsp;39.8</li><li>V&nbsp;43.9</li><li>PB&nbsp;39.3</li><li>HB&nbsp;41.9</li>
 </ul>Cream:<ul>
 <li>F&nbsp;42.45</li><li>PH&nbsp;40.9</li><li>R 39.2</li><li>V&nbsp;43.9</li><li>PB&nbsp;40.45</li><li>HB&nbsp;41.05</li>
 </ul>Top 3:Floor:<ol>
 <li>Luke James – 14.75</li><li>Chris Hiser – 14.05</li><li>Sam Phillips – 13.9</li>
 </ol>Pommel Horse:<ol>
 <li>Travis Wong – 14.5</li><li>Nathan York – 14.2</li><li>Toby Liang – 13.75</li>
 </ol>Rings:<ol>
 <li>Sam Phillips – 13.65</li><li>Asher Cohen– 13.45</li><li>Nathan York– 13.1</li>
 </ol>Vault:<ol>
 <li>Chase Mondi – 14.9</li><li>Zac Tiderman – 14.85</li><li>Sam Phillips – 14.6</li>
 </ol>Parallel Bars:<ol>
 <li>Asher Cohen – 13.5</li><li>Cole Partridge – 13.5</li><li>Yanni Chronopoulos – 13.45</li>
 </ol>High Bar:<ol>
 <li>Zac Tiderman – 14.25</li><li>Sam Phillips – 14.15</li><li>Taylor Christopulos – 13.85</li>
 </ol>All-Around:<ol>
 <li>Sam Phillips – 81.05</li><li>Toby Liang – 80.8</li><li>Joey Pepe – 78.85</li>
 </ol>

Scarlet tops Cream at Gymnastics intrasquad

Story by Omaha Supernovas Communications

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.supernovas.com/" target="_blank">Omaha Supernovas,</a>&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team in the newly-established&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">Professional Volleyball Federation</a>,&nbsp;drafted five players, headlined by Amber Igiede&nbsp;from Hawaii,&nbsp;as&nbsp;part of the&nbsp;2023 Pro Volleyball Federation U.S. College Player Draft&nbsp;held Monday in Atlanta.&nbsp;

The Supernovas' draft class includes Igiede, Paige Briggs from Western Kentucky, Maggie Cartwright of Arkansas, Sophie Davis from James Madison, and Auburn's Kyla Swanson.&nbsp;

"Our coaching staff has invested so many hours in preparing for this draft, and we are ecstatic with our selections,” Supernovas Head Coach&nbsp;Shelton Collier&nbsp;said. “Our first pick, Amber Igiede, is no doubt one of the top middle blockers in the country. For us to be able to trade for Paige Briggs, whom we targeted as the most skilled all-around player we really wanted at the top of the draft, was incredible for us.&nbsp;

Our staff loves&nbsp;Maggie Cartwright and Sophie Davis for their energetic vibe and versatility. We are so fired up about drafting Nebraska native Kyla Swanson, who had an amazing high school career in Wahoo. All five players were so excited when we called them to let them know that they were drafted by the Supernovas. They are all going to add tremendous value to our gym immediately&nbsp;in January.”&nbsp;

Omaha added a middle blocker with its first pick at No. 7 overall, drafting Igiede&nbsp;from Hawaii. The 6-foot-3 Louisiana native has grown into one of the best middles in the country as part of the Rainbow Wāhine. For the past four seasons, Igiede&nbsp;has played nearly every&nbsp;match, becoming a star player as early as her freshman&nbsp;season when she recorded 2.28 kills per set on a .349 hitting percentage en&nbsp;route to being named to the 2019 All-Big West First Team along with VolleyballMag.com Freshman All-American honors.&nbsp;

Igiede&nbsp;turned into an elite middle blocker over the next few seasons, with a massive jump coming between her sophomore and junior years. The Baton Rouge native became an offensive focal point during the 2022 season, averaging 3.79 kills per set on a .433 hitting percentage, which ranked No. 5 overall in the NCAA. Igiede’s&nbsp;blocking was one of the best in college volleyball that season as well, recording 138 total blocks for 1.29 blocks per set. The biggest jump, however, came in serving. Entering that season, Igiede&nbsp;compiled only 12 career aces, but by the season’s end, she had turned in&nbsp;29, which was second on the team.&nbsp;

Igiede&nbsp;was well-rewarded for her efforts, earning AVCA All-America Third Team honors, becoming the first Rainbow Wāhine&nbsp;to accomplish&nbsp;that feat since 2017. She also became the 12th overall and third-straight Hawaii player to be voted Big West Player of the Year.&nbsp;

Igiede&nbsp;nearly matched those totals during her senior season in 2023, averaging 3.72 kills per set on a .396 clip with 28 aces and 127 total blocks. As a result, she was named to her fourth-straight All-Big West First Team while helping the Rainbow Wāhine&nbsp;to the second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament this last fall.&nbsp;

"I’m super excited and honored to be picked to the Omaha Supernovas,” Igiede&nbsp;said. “This is an amazing opportunity, and I am really looking forward to playing for great coaches and coming to Omaha in January. What a great and exciting time for volleyball!”&nbsp;

After originally picking Jill Gillen of Arkansas at No. 8 overall and UCF middle blocker Abby Hansen at No. 21, the Supernovas pulled off a trade with the Orlando Valkyries. Omaha traded away Gillen and Hansen for Western Kentucky outside hitter Paige Briggs, as well as the No. 24 overall pick. Briggs was originally selected No. 5 overall. With that newly acquired&nbsp;pick from Orlando, the Supernovas selected another middle blocker in Sophie Davis from James Madison.&nbsp;

In five seasons with the Hilltoppers, Briggs became a program legend amassing over 1,800 career kills and nearly 1,500&nbsp;digs. Briggs turned in her best work over the past two seasons, with her 2022 season resulting in an AVCA and VolleyballMag&nbsp;All-American Honorable Mention. During that 2022 season, Briggs eclipsed the 400-kill mark for the first time in her career.&nbsp;

Briggs returned for a fifth season in 2023 and continued to add to her historic playing career by having&nbsp;career highs in kills (476), kills per set (4.00), hitting percentage (.330), and points (569.5). Briggs was recently named the Alyssa Cavanaugh Conference USA Player of the Year after helping the Hilltoppers to a 30-5 overall record and reaching the second round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament.&nbsp;

“I am extremely excited to join the Omaha Supernovas,” Briggs said. “Nebraska has an amazing volleyball community that it is an honor to just be a part of. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and cannot wait to see professional volleyball in the United States take off.”&nbsp;

The Supernovas went after another Razorback with the selection&nbsp;of Arkansas opposite Maggie Cartwright at No. 22 overall following the trade with Orlando. Cartwright spent all five seasons in Fayetteville, totaling over 1,200 career kills, 1,840 digs, and 108 aces.&nbsp;

Coming back to Arkansas for her fifth and final season, Cartwright had career highs in kills (363) and kills per set (2.85) while posting 89 blocks and 36 aces in helping the Hogs reach the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.&nbsp;

“I am so stoked and cannot wait to be a Supernova,” Cartwright said. “I have always dreamed to play professional volleyball in the United States and with this draft my dreams came true! I am so excited to get in the gym to compete and learn from great coaches. I can’t&nbsp;wait to get to Omaha!”&nbsp;

Using the pick acquired&nbsp;from Orlando, Omaha selected middle blocker Sophie Davis at No. 24, who joins the Supernovas after a historic career at James Madison. Davis was a force for the Dukes&nbsp;as she was an impact player from the day&nbsp;she starred in her first career match. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native leaves the team as the program’s all-time leader in hitting percentage (.372), solo blocks (136), block assists (447), and total blocks (583) after five seasons.&nbsp;

Davis improved her play dramatically over the past two seasons as she was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 after recording 148 total blocks, which led the conference. Her .407 hitting percentage was also the highest in school history. Additionally, she nearly doubled her career aces total that season with 27 after posting 15 in the previous three years. Davis was named to the Sun Belt First Team All-Conference in 2023 after recording similar numbers with 139 blocks, a career-high 3.07 kills per set mark, and 22 aces.&nbsp;

“Words can’t express how grateful and excited I am to have been drafted to one of the premier teams in the league, the Omaha Supernovas,” Davis said. “I have heard so many great things&nbsp;about Coach Collier and his staff and I can’t&nbsp;wait to get in the gym and the team!” &nbsp;

With the final pick of the first college player draft, Omaha picked up a Nebraska native at No. 35 overall in the fifth round by selecting middle blocker Kyla Swanson from Auburn. Raised in Wahoo, Nebraska, Swanson was the top prospect in the state coming out of Wahoo High School in 2019.&nbsp;

Swanson helped the Warriors to back-to-back Class C-1 State Championships in 2017 and 2018 while recording the highest hitting percentage in the state with clips of .488 in 2017 and .462 in 2018.&nbsp;

Swanson committed to Illinois and former Nebraska assistant Chris Tamas, where she would spend the next four years. The 6-foot-4 middle didn’t&nbsp;garner much playing time in her first two seasons, but that changed when she grabbed a starting spot ahead of her junior season in 2021.&nbsp;

Swanson took advantage of the starting role, recording 106 total blocks, which was second on the team, while averaging 1.48 kills per set.&nbsp;She wasn’t able to replicate that success in her senior season, playing 15 matches in 2022.&nbsp;After graduating from Illinois, Swanson transferred to Auburn for her final season, where she had an impressive year, posting a career-high 129 blocks with 154 kills. The Tigers reached new heights during the 2023 season with Swanson, as Auburn was ranked inside the top 25 for the first time in program history while qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for the second-straight year.&nbsp;

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue furthering my volleyball career post-graduation&nbsp;with the Omaha Supernovas,” Swanson said. “Nebraska is where I grew up and fell in love with volleyball. To be able to play in Omaha is a momentous homecoming for me. I am extremely honored to learn from and compete with the best players and coaches&nbsp;in the nation.” &nbsp;

All five draftees will join the current roster in January as they attempt&nbsp;to make the Supernovas’ final roster. All Federation teams will cut&nbsp;down to 14-person rosters ahead of their season openers, with two additional roster spots saved for college draftees for a total of 16 players. The Supernovas will host the first Pro Volleyball Federation match on January 24, 2024, as Omaha takes on the Atlanta Vibe at the CHI Health Center, with the first serve set for 7 p.m.&nbsp;

With the conclusion of the draft, any player drafted shall be immediately eligible to sign a standard player agreement.&nbsp;Any college player who goes undrafted will be immediately&nbsp;eligible to sign with any team beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.&nbsp;

If a college player doesn’t&nbsp;sign a standard player agreement with the team that drafts her, the team shall retain&nbsp;the drafted college player’s rights for two league seasons. If the college player’s rights are traded to another team, those rights carry over to the team receiving the college player’s rights. The extended two-year rights to a player end once that player signs a standard player agreement or practice squad agreement with a specific team.&nbsp;

A team may trade the rights to an unsigned but drafted college player from its college draft rights list to any team at any time. If a drafted player remains unsigned through the course of a league season, she shall remain on the team’s college draft right list for one additional league season, unless she has been traded to another team.&nbsp;

If a college player is drafted by a team and elects to return to school to retain&nbsp;her college eligibility, the college player shall be ineligible to sign with a league team during that league season and shall not be eligible for the college draft the following league season.&nbsp;

REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;competition will officially begin in the United States with the Omaha Supernovas hosting the Atlanta Vibe in the first match in league history at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha on January 24, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Nebraska supports volleyball better than anyone, as evidenced by the more than 92,000 fans that turned out this season for a collegiate match at the Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium in August, setting a new world record for the highest attended women’s sporting event.&nbsp;

The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024 inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas,&nbsp;<a href="https://atlantavibe.com/inaugural-season-tickets-on-sale/" target="_blank">Atlanta Vibe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://orlandoprovb.com/" target="_blank">Orlando Valkyries</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbusfury.com/" target="_blank">Columbus Fury</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grrise.com/" target="_blank">Grand Rapids Rise</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sandiegoprovb.com/" target="_blank">San Diego Mojo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://vegasthrill.com/" target="_blank">Vegas Thrill</a>. Two expansion teams,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dallasprovolleyball.com/" target="_blank">Dallas Pro Volleyball</a>&nbsp;and Kansas City Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. In Season One, the Pro Volleyball Federation will be showcased&nbsp;in three different U.S. time zones. Matches will take place on 67 different dates between January and May 2024, occurring on every day of the week.&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is&nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.

Story by Omaha Supernovas CommunicationsOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.supernovas.com/" target="_blank">Omaha Supernovas,</a>&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team in the newly-established&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">Professional Volleyball Federation</a>,&nbsp;drafted five players, headlined by Amber Igiede&nbsp;from Hawaii,&nbsp;as&nbsp;part of the&nbsp;2023 Pro Volleyball Federation U.S. College Player Draft&nbsp;held Monday in Atlanta.&nbsp;The Supernovas' draft class includes Igiede, Paige Briggs from Western Kentucky, Maggie Cartwright of Arkansas, Sophie Davis from James Madison, and Auburn's Kyla Swanson.&nbsp;"Our coaching staff has invested so many hours in preparing for this draft, and we are ecstatic with our selections,” Supernovas Head Coach&nbsp;Shelton Collier&nbsp;said. “Our first pick, Amber Igiede, is no doubt one of the top middle blockers in the country. For us to be able to trade for Paige Briggs, whom we targeted as the most skilled all-around player we really wanted at the top of the draft, was incredible for us.&nbsp;Our staff loves&nbsp;Maggie Cartwright and Sophie Davis for their energetic vibe and versatility. We are so fired up about drafting Nebraska native Kyla Swanson, who had an amazing high school career in Wahoo. All five players were so excited when we called them to let them know that they were drafted by the Supernovas. They are all going to add tremendous value to our gym immediately&nbsp;in January.”&nbsp;Omaha added a middle blocker with its first pick at No. 7 overall, drafting Igiede&nbsp;from Hawaii. The 6-foot-3 Louisiana native has grown into one of the best middles in the country as part of the Rainbow Wāhine. For the past four seasons, Igiede&nbsp;has played nearly every&nbsp;match, becoming a star player as early as her freshman&nbsp;season when she recorded 2.28 kills per set on a .349 hitting percentage en&nbsp;route to being named to the 2019 All-Big West First Team along with VolleyballMag.com Freshman All-American honors.&nbsp;Igiede&nbsp;turned into an elite middle blocker over the next few seasons, with a massive jump coming between her sophomore and junior years. The Baton Rouge native became an offensive focal point during the 2022 season, averaging 3.79 kills per set on a .433 hitting percentage, which ranked No. 5 overall in the NCAA. Igiede’s&nbsp;blocking was one of the best in college volleyball that season as well, recording 138 total blocks for 1.29 blocks per set. The biggest jump, however, came in serving. Entering that season, Igiede&nbsp;compiled only 12 career aces, but by the season’s end, she had turned in&nbsp;29, which was second on the team.&nbsp;Igiede&nbsp;was well-rewarded for her efforts, earning AVCA All-America Third Team honors, becoming the first Rainbow Wāhine&nbsp;to accomplish&nbsp;that feat since 2017. She also became the 12th overall and third-straight Hawaii player to be voted Big West Player of the Year.&nbsp;Igiede&nbsp;nearly matched those totals during her senior season in 2023, averaging 3.72 kills per set on a .396 clip with 28 aces and 127 total blocks. As a result, she was named to her fourth-straight All-Big West First Team while helping the Rainbow Wāhine&nbsp;to the second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament this last fall.&nbsp;"I’m super excited and honored to be picked to the Omaha Supernovas,” Igiede&nbsp;said. “This is an amazing opportunity, and I am really looking forward to playing for great coaches and coming to Omaha in January. What a great and exciting time for volleyball!”&nbsp;After originally picking Jill Gillen of Arkansas at No. 8 overall and UCF middle blocker Abby Hansen at No. 21, the Supernovas pulled off a trade with the Orlando Valkyries. Omaha traded away Gillen and Hansen for Western Kentucky outside hitter Paige Briggs, as well as the No. 24 overall pick. Briggs was originally selected No. 5 overall. With that newly acquired&nbsp;pick from Orlando, the Supernovas selected another middle blocker in Sophie Davis from James Madison.&nbsp;In five seasons with the Hilltoppers, Briggs became a program legend amassing over 1,800 career kills and nearly 1,500&nbsp;digs. Briggs turned in her best work over the past two seasons, with her 2022 season resulting in an AVCA and VolleyballMag&nbsp;All-American Honorable Mention. During that 2022 season, Briggs eclipsed the 400-kill mark for the first time in her career.&nbsp;Briggs returned for a fifth season in 2023 and continued to add to her historic playing career by having&nbsp;career highs in kills (476), kills per set (4.00), hitting percentage (.330), and points (569.5). Briggs was recently named the Alyssa Cavanaugh Conference USA Player of the Year after helping the Hilltoppers to a 30-5 overall record and reaching the second round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament.&nbsp;“I am extremely excited to join the Omaha Supernovas,” Briggs said. “Nebraska has an amazing volleyball community that it is an honor to just be a part of. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and cannot wait to see professional volleyball in the United States take off.”&nbsp;The Supernovas went after another Razorback with the selection&nbsp;of Arkansas opposite Maggie Cartwright at No. 22 overall following the trade with Orlando. Cartwright spent all five seasons in Fayetteville, totaling over 1,200 career kills, 1,840 digs, and 108 aces.&nbsp;Coming back to Arkansas for her fifth and final season, Cartwright had career highs in kills (363) and kills per set (2.85) while posting 89 blocks and 36 aces in helping the Hogs reach the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.&nbsp;“I am so stoked and cannot wait to be a Supernova,” Cartwright said. “I have always dreamed to play professional volleyball in the United States and with this draft my dreams came true! I am so excited to get in the gym to compete and learn from great coaches. I can’t&nbsp;wait to get to Omaha!”&nbsp;Using the pick acquired&nbsp;from Orlando, Omaha selected middle blocker Sophie Davis at No. 24, who joins the Supernovas after a historic career at James Madison. Davis was a force for the Dukes&nbsp;as she was an impact player from the day&nbsp;she starred in her first career match. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native leaves the team as the program’s all-time leader in hitting percentage (.372), solo blocks (136), block assists (447), and total blocks (583) after five seasons.&nbsp;Davis improved her play dramatically over the past two seasons as she was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 after recording 148 total blocks, which led the conference. Her .407 hitting percentage was also the highest in school history. Additionally, she nearly doubled her career aces total that season with 27 after posting 15 in the previous three years. Davis was named to the Sun Belt First Team All-Conference in 2023 after recording similar numbers with 139 blocks, a career-high 3.07 kills per set mark, and 22 aces.&nbsp;“Words can’t express how grateful and excited I am to have been drafted to one of the premier teams in the league, the Omaha Supernovas,” Davis said. “I have heard so many great things&nbsp;about Coach Collier and his staff and I can’t&nbsp;wait to get in the gym and the team!” &nbsp;With the final pick of the first college player draft, Omaha picked up a Nebraska native at No. 35 overall in the fifth round by selecting middle blocker Kyla Swanson from Auburn. Raised in Wahoo, Nebraska, Swanson was the top prospect in the state coming out of Wahoo High School in 2019.&nbsp;Swanson helped the Warriors to back-to-back Class C-1 State Championships in 2017 and 2018 while recording the highest hitting percentage in the state with clips of .488 in 2017 and .462 in 2018.&nbsp;Swanson committed to Illinois and former Nebraska assistant Chris Tamas, where she would spend the next four years. The 6-foot-4 middle didn’t&nbsp;garner much playing time in her first two seasons, but that changed when she grabbed a starting spot ahead of her junior season in 2021.&nbsp;Swanson took advantage of the starting role, recording 106 total blocks, which was second on the team, while averaging 1.48 kills per set.&nbsp;She wasn’t able to replicate that success in her senior season, playing 15 matches in 2022.&nbsp;After graduating from Illinois, Swanson transferred to Auburn for her final season, where she had an impressive year, posting a career-high 129 blocks with 154 kills. The Tigers reached new heights during the 2023 season with Swanson, as Auburn was ranked inside the top 25 for the first time in program history while qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for the second-straight year.&nbsp;“I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue furthering my volleyball career post-graduation&nbsp;with the Omaha Supernovas,” Swanson said. “Nebraska is where I grew up and fell in love with volleyball. To be able to play in Omaha is a momentous homecoming for me. I am extremely honored to learn from and compete with the best players and coaches&nbsp;in the nation.” &nbsp;All five draftees will join the current roster in January as they attempt&nbsp;to make the Supernovas’ final roster. All Federation teams will cut&nbsp;down to 14-person rosters ahead of their season openers, with two additional roster spots saved for college draftees for a total of 16 players. The Supernovas will host the first Pro Volleyball Federation match on January 24, 2024, as Omaha takes on the Atlanta Vibe at the CHI Health Center, with the first serve set for 7 p.m.&nbsp;With the conclusion of the draft, any player drafted shall be immediately eligible to sign a standard player agreement.&nbsp;Any college player who goes undrafted will be immediately&nbsp;eligible to sign with any team beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.&nbsp;If a college player doesn’t&nbsp;sign a standard player agreement with the team that drafts her, the team shall retain&nbsp;the drafted college player’s rights for two league seasons. If the college player’s rights are traded to another team, those rights carry over to the team receiving the college player’s rights. The extended two-year rights to a player end once that player signs a standard player agreement or practice squad agreement with a specific team.&nbsp;A team may trade the rights to an unsigned but drafted college player from its college draft rights list to any team at any time. If a drafted player remains unsigned through the course of a league season, she shall remain on the team’s college draft right list for one additional league season, unless she has been traded to another team.&nbsp;If a college player is drafted by a team and elects to return to school to retain&nbsp;her college eligibility, the college player shall be ineligible to sign with a league team during that league season and shall not be eligible for the college draft the following league season.&nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;competition will officially begin in the United States with the Omaha Supernovas hosting the Atlanta Vibe in the first match in league history at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha on January 24, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Nebraska supports volleyball better than anyone, as evidenced by the more than 92,000 fans that turned out this season for a collegiate match at the Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium in August, setting a new world record for the highest attended women’s sporting event.&nbsp;The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024 inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas,&nbsp;<a href="https://atlantavibe.com/inaugural-season-tickets-on-sale/" target="_blank">Atlanta Vibe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://orlandoprovb.com/" target="_blank">Orlando Valkyries</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbusfury.com/" target="_blank">Columbus Fury</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grrise.com/" target="_blank">Grand Rapids Rise</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sandiegoprovb.com/" target="_blank">San Diego Mojo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://vegasthrill.com/" target="_blank">Vegas Thrill</a>. Two expansion teams,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dallasprovolleyball.com/" target="_blank">Dallas Pro Volleyball</a>&nbsp;and Kansas City Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. In Season One, the Pro Volleyball Federation will be showcased&nbsp;in three different U.S. time zones. Matches will take place on 67 different dates between January and May 2024, occurring on every day of the week.&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is&nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.

Amber Igiede leads impressive haul for Omaha in first U.S. College Player Draft 

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Columbus (2-2), NR; Omaha Benson (2-1), NR; Papillion-La Vista (3-1).

Comments:&nbsp;Pius shakes things up with a win over previous No. 1 Bellevue West on Saturday. This jumps Millard West to the top spot, but not much changes behind. Pius inched ahead of Southwest on the win. Omaha Benson moves closer to the top 10.

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Blair (4-1), 8.&nbsp;

Comments:&nbsp;Some minor reshuffling as York bounced back from an opening loss to Platteview with a 41-31 over then-No. 3 Waverly. The Dukes reenter at ninth and Waverly rumbles to sixth. It will be interesting to see how the coaches grade new Gretna East, which plays just one in-state Class B team all season.&nbsp;

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;DC West (3-0), 10; GICC (4-0), NR; Wahoo (2-2), 8.

Comments:&nbsp;Another new&nbsp; No. 1. Good luck to Lincoln Christian who will be the third No. 1 in as many weeks after Adams Central knocked off Gothenburg on Friday night. Platteview enters at eighth with losses to Elkhorn North and Malcolm but a win over Class B No. 9 York.

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Elkhorn Valley (1-3), 9; Humphrey/LHF (1-3), 6; Johnson County Central (4-1), NR; Superior (4-1), NR; Valentine (4-1), NR.

Comments:&nbsp;While there is certainly some consensus on the top half of this class, ranking teams 7-10 has been a difficult ask. Sutton, Cedar Catholic and Freeman join the ranks this week.&nbsp;

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Bancroft-Rosalie (4-0), NR; Deshler (4-0), NR; Diller-Odell (4-0), RV..

Comments:&nbsp;The top eight teams remain solid with some minor changes after GACC lost to Crofton and Amherst lost to Broken Bow. Johnson-Brock enters but faces RV Diller-Odell Tuesday night.&nbsp;

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Anselmo-Merna (3-1). NR; Parkview Christian (4-0), RV: Plainview (4-1), RV; Stuart (4-1), RV.

Comments:&nbsp;The same 10 teams are ranked with FCSH and Overton flipping spots and Sandhills/Thedford and Cambridge as well. No ranked team has a loss to a Class D-2 team. Wynot is not penalized for a loss to Class D-1 No. 2 GACC last week.&nbsp;

Story by Nebpreps Communication<h2>CLASS A (RECORD), PREVIOUS</h2><ol>
 <li>Millard West (4-0), 3</li><li>Bellevue West (3-1),</li><li>Millard North (3-1),&nbsp; 2</li><li>Lincoln North Star (3-1), 4</li><li>Omaha Central (6-0), 5</li><li>Lincoln Pius X (2-1), 7</li><li>Lincoln Southwest (4-0), 6</li><li>Lincoln Northeast (3-1), 8</li><li>Omaha Marian (3-1), 9</li><li>Bellevue East (3-1), 10</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Columbus (2-2), NR; Omaha Benson (2-1), NR; Papillion-La Vista (3-1).Comments:&nbsp;Pius shakes things up with a win over previous No. 1 Bellevue West on Saturday. This jumps Millard West to the top spot, but not much changes behind. Pius inched ahead of Southwest on the win. Omaha Benson moves closer to the top 10.<h2>CLASS B (RECORD), PREVIOUS</h2><ol>
 <li>Elkhorn North (3-0), 1</li><li>Skutt Catholic (1-0), 2</li><li>Beatrice (3-0), 5</li><li>Bennington (3-1), 4</li><li>Seward (3-1), 6</li><li>Waverly (3-1), 3</li><li>Norris (3-1), 7</li><li>South Sioux City (3-1), 8</li><li>York (2-1), RV</li><li>Gretna East (3-1), RV</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Blair (4-1), 8.&nbsp;Comments:&nbsp;Some minor reshuffling as York bounced back from an opening loss to Platteview with a 41-31 over then-No. 3 Waverly. The Dukes reenter at ninth and Waverly rumbles to sixth. It will be interesting to see how the coaches grade new Gretna East, which plays just one in-state Class B team all season.&nbsp;<h2>CLASS C-1 (RECORD), PREVIOUS</h2><ol>
 <li>Lincoln Christian (4-0), 2</li><li>Malcolm (4-0), 3</li><li>Adams Central (4-0), 5</li><li>Gothenburg (2-1), 1&nbsp;</li><li>Bridgeport (5-0), 7</li><li>Sidney (4-0), 4</li><li>Minden (3-1), 6</li><li>Platteview (3-2), NR</li><li>Broken Bow (3-1), 9</li><li>Battle Creek (4-0), RV</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;DC West (3-0), 10; GICC (4-0), NR; Wahoo (2-2), 8.Comments:&nbsp;Another new&nbsp; No. 1. Good luck to Lincoln Christian who will be the third No. 1 in as many weeks after Adams Central knocked off Gothenburg on Friday night. Platteview enters at eighth with losses to Elkhorn North and Malcolm but a win over Class B No. 9 York.<h2>CLASS C-2 (RECORD), PREVIOUS</h2><ol>
 <li>Crofton (5-0), 1</li><li>Bishop Neumann (3-0), 2</li><li>Elmwood-Murdock (4-0), 4&nbsp;</li><li>Cross County (4-0), 3&nbsp;</li><li>Hastings St. Cecilia (3-1), 6&nbsp;</li><li>Oakland-Craig (3-2), 9</li><li>Yutan (3-1), 10</li><li>Sutton (3-1), NR</li><li>Cedar Catholic (2-2, NR</li><li>Freeman (3-1), NR</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Elkhorn Valley (1-3), 9; Humphrey/LHF (1-3), 6; Johnson County Central (4-1), NR; Superior (4-1), NR; Valentine (4-1), NR.Comments:&nbsp;While there is certainly some consensus on the top half of this class, ranking teams 7-10 has been a difficult ask. Sutton, Cedar Catholic and Freeman join the ranks this week.&nbsp;<h2>CLASS D-1 (RECORD), PREVIOUS</h2><ol>
 <li>Pender (5-0), 1</li><li>Southern Valley (4-0), 3&nbsp;</li><li>Guardian Angels Central Catholic (4-1), 2</li><li>O’Neill St. Mary’s (4-0), 4</li><li>Sumner-Eddyville-Miller (5-0), 6</li><li>McCool Junction (3-1), 7</li><li>Elgin Public/Pope John (5-0), 8</li><li>Amherst (3-1), 5</li><li>Centura (3-1), 10</li><li>Johnson-Brock (2-1), RV</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Bancroft-Rosalie (4-0), NR; Deshler (4-0), NR; Diller-Odell (4-0), RV..Comments:&nbsp;The top eight teams remain solid with some minor changes after GACC lost to Crofton and Amherst lost to Broken Bow. Johnson-Brock enters but faces RV Diller-Odell Tuesday night.&nbsp;<h2>CLASS D-2 (RECORD), PREVIOUS</h2><ol>
 <li>Wynot (3-1), 1</li><li>Falls City Sacred Heart (3-0), 3</li><li>Overton (4-1), 2</li><li>Leyton (4-0), 4</li><li>Humphrey St. Francis (4-1), 5</li><li>Meridian (2-1), 6</li><li>Shelton (3-1), 7</li><li>Sandhills/Thedford (4-0), 9&nbsp;</li><li>Cambridge (3-1), 8</li><li>Howells-Dodge (2-3), 10</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Anselmo-Merna (3-1). NR; Parkview Christian (4-0), RV: Plainview (4-1), RV; Stuart (4-1), RV.Comments:&nbsp;The same 10 teams are ranked with FCSH and Overton flipping spots and Sandhills/Thedford and Cambridge as well. No ranked team has a loss to a Class D-2 team. Wynot is not penalized for a loss to Class D-1 No. 2 GACC last week.&nbsp;

Girls Basketball Coaches poll 12-11

Yesterday, Maxwell High School Senior Jocey Cheek signed her letter of intent committing to North Platte Community College for the foreseeable future.

"I've always watched games and have always been around that area," Cheek said, "I loved the experience and general culture at NPCC and I'm super excited to be a part of it."

Cheek joins a Knights squad that finished the season 14-21 and was just one set shy of winning the Region 9 Tournament last season in Columbus.

This past season at Maxwell Cheek finished with 231 Kills, 24 aces, and a team-high 25 solo blocks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702389314824.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Yesterday, Maxwell High School Senior Jocey Cheek signed her letter of intent committing to North Platte Community College for the foreseeable future."I've always watched games and have always been around that area," Cheek said, "I loved the experience and general culture at NPCC and I'm super excited to be a part of it."Cheek joins a Knights squad that finished the season 14-21 and was just one set shy of winning the Region 9 Tournament last season in Columbus.This past season at Maxwell Cheek finished with 231 Kills, 24 aces, and a team-high 25 solo blocks.

Maxwell High Volleyball player commits locally 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702388682338.jpeg" alt="Class A" />
 <figcaption>Class A</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702388698389.jpeg" alt="Class B" />
 <figcaption>Class B</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702388712827.jpeg" alt="Class C1" />
 <figcaption>Class C1</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702388729628.jpeg" alt="Class C2" />
 <figcaption>Class C2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702388750552.jpeg" alt="Class D1" />
 <figcaption>Class D1</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702388774025.jpeg" alt="Class D2" />
 <figcaption>Class D2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702388795706.jpeg" alt="6-Man" />
 <figcaption>6-Man</figcaption>
 </figure>

NSAA 2024 & 2025 Football classifications

“I’m proud of our guy for an unbelievable bounce back game after a really difficult night in Minneapolis where we could not have played worse in the second half. Give Minnesota credit for the pressure they turned up on us, but I thought we learned a lot from that game. Our guys were locked during the film session the next morning and went out and had two really good hard physical days of practice preparing for a very tough Michigan State team. I thought the second half we got out, we talked about the starts obviously that have been an issue for our team, and to come out and get off to an 11-2 start in the second half and take a lead. They got a little lead on us there late, but for the most part we kept it for the entire 20 minutes. We made really smart decisions unlike the other night, and that’s something I give our guys a lot of credit for is learning from the mistakes we made in Minnesota. We had 12 turnovers in the second half (against Minnesota), tonight we had two. When you get the ball to the elbow, we worked a lot with that, getting movement, getting it to the elbow, cutting, and trying to use pressure against the defense. I thought our guys did a masterful job of getting the job to Rienk (Mast) and continuing with that, doing the things that made us successful.&nbsp; When I look at that box score, obviously Juwan (Gary) and Rienk with the nights they had, but you could argue anybody that stepped on the floor tonight was the player of the game. Eli (Rice) and Matar (Diop) go out and give us huge minutes especially with Josiah out of the lineup today with his ankle. Start to finish, I was just really pleased how the guys went out there and played a complete 40-minute game. Really talked a lot about that, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time.”&nbsp;

On Juwan Gary’s first start of the season and the game overall

“We’ll see. We’ve got a week to make that decision. Juwan’s energy out of the gate was great. It is just exactly what he does when he comes off the bench. It doesn’t change the person or the player that Juwan is. He is going to go out there and compete every time he’s on the floor. Made some huge blocks for us late in the game. Shot looked phenomenal tonight. He had great balance, and great lift, and knocking down shots when he was open. He had a really nice play to Rienk (Mast) after the timeout play. Just really made winning plays all night long. Rienk was an absolute monster on the glass. Got it handed to us the other night. Minnesota was much more physical than us. Again, that was a huge emphasis for us going into this game. Getting back in transition. We gave them too many in the first half, did much better in the second, but transition and rebounding were the two keys and for the most part, I thought we did a solid job.”

On shooting from 50% from the field and team decision making

“We executed. We talked about playing with pace but playing with smart pace. If we didn’t have anything, I thought we did a really nice job of getting into a set, and I thought we executed very well, especially in the second half. I think we were 65%, and that is not easy to do against a Tom Izzo team. We just kept going back to what was working, and I can’t call a timeout every possession. These guys have to go out there and execute. When we didn’t have anything, we didn’t press, we didn’t force, we got the ball where we needed to get it. You look at Rienk with six assists. It showed a little bit of what Derrick (Walker) did for us last year, and again the guys cut and withstood runs. I thought they kept their poise and composure. One thing I was really pleased with our team was how well they were communicating in huddles, and talking to each other, and taking constructive criticism, and then going out and executing. That makes our job as coaches a lot easier when those guys are over there talking about things that they need to figure out on the floor, and I thought our huddles were the best they’ve been all year tonight.”

Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo&nbsp;

“Disappointed is the word. There’s some things we did better. Couldn’t believe some of the shots we missed early then made a decent amount of shots. When they hit those threes banged in a two. 30-40 quarters in the shot clock. That kinda you know instead of being up eight or nine at half we were up to three or four. Give them credit. They made some plays. Third game of five that we’ve lost that we were up four minutes left in the game and found a way to win it.&nbsp; I think A.J. (Hoggard) played well on both ends. Tyson (Walker) played okay. I thought they did a good job at the end. Give Fred (Hoiberg) credit. Good job on him. Malik (Hall) had a tough game overall. I had to move him all over. There’s a lack of production I got out of my two centers. I’m just disappointed that I thought we were playing well enough to win. Boy, they made some shots in the second half. They did a hell of a job in those back doors and our centers got lazy. Ball pressure and they got three of them in the start of the second half. They made nine out of their first 11 shots. So we’ll be doing some restructuring I guess. Really disappointed in the outcome. They did a great job. Give them some credit.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

On restructuring the centers and what other options there have

“The way I feel right now Nick (Sanders) and Steven (Izzo) are options. I was very disappointed in our play out there. Very disappointed. You’re right. Not a lot of options, just the same. Just need a little better play. In fairness, Jeremy (Fears Jr.) played his butt off as far as trying to check and do things.

On Xavier (Booker) not playing tonight and what he can do in the rotation

Story by NU Athletic Communications<ul>
 <li>Nebraska’s win snapped an 11-game losing streak to Michigan State. It was the Huskers’ first victory over the Spartans since Jan. 20, 2016.</li><li>NU outscored Michigan State 46-36 in the second half. The 46-point second half marked the Huskers’ highest-scoring half in their last 25 games against Big Ten teams dating back to a 49-point first half at Penn State on Feb. 27, 2022.</li><li>NU shot 50 percent in the game (27-of-54), including 64.0 percent from the field in the second half (16-of-25). Each of those marked Nebraska’s second-best effort of the season, as the Huskers shot 55 percent against Stony Brook on Nov. 12, including 65.5 percent in the second half.</li><li>It also marked the first time MSU had allowed an opponent to shoot 50 percent since the 2022 NCAA Sweet 16.&nbsp; The previous opponent high this season was .458 by Arizona on Nov. 23.</li><li>Nebraska was 13-of-15 from the free throw line in the game, including 11-of-13 in the second half. The Huskers made their final 11 free throws to close out the game.</li><li>Nebraska is shooting 86.3 percent (82 of 95) from the foul line over the last five games.</li><li>The Huskers’ seven-point victory marked Nebraska’s first game this season decided by single digits.</li><li>Nebraska hit 10 3-pointers in the game, marking the Huskers’ fourth game of the season with double-digit 3-pointers.</li><li>Juwan Gary tied his career high with 20 points in his first start of the season. That matched his scoring output against Duquesne on Nov. 22.</li><li>Rienk Mast had a career-high six assists to go along with a game-high 14 rebounds. Mast had five of his six assists and 10 of his 14 rebounds in the second half.</li><li>Brice Williams scored all of his 14 points in the second half, making all four of his field goal attempts.</li>
 </ul>Nebraska Coach Fred HoibergOpening Statement“I’m proud of our guy for an unbelievable bounce back game after a really difficult night in Minneapolis where we could not have played worse in the second half. Give Minnesota credit for the pressure they turned up on us, but I thought we learned a lot from that game. Our guys were locked during the film session the next morning and went out and had two really good hard physical days of practice preparing for a very tough Michigan State team. I thought the second half we got out, we talked about the starts obviously that have been an issue for our team, and to come out and get off to an 11-2 start in the second half and take a lead. They got a little lead on us there late, but for the most part we kept it for the entire 20 minutes. We made really smart decisions unlike the other night, and that’s something I give our guys a lot of credit for is learning from the mistakes we made in Minnesota. We had 12 turnovers in the second half (against Minnesota), tonight we had two. When you get the ball to the elbow, we worked a lot with that, getting movement, getting it to the elbow, cutting, and trying to use pressure against the defense. I thought our guys did a masterful job of getting the job to Rienk (Mast) and continuing with that, doing the things that made us successful.&nbsp; When I look at that box score, obviously Juwan (Gary) and Rienk with the nights they had, but you could argue anybody that stepped on the floor tonight was the player of the game. Eli (Rice) and Matar (Diop) go out and give us huge minutes especially with Josiah out of the lineup today with his ankle. Start to finish, I was just really pleased how the guys went out there and played a complete 40-minute game. Really talked a lot about that, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time.”&nbsp;On Juwan Gary’s first start of the season and the game overall“We’ll see. We’ve got a week to make that decision. Juwan’s energy out of the gate was great. It is just exactly what he does when he comes off the bench. It doesn’t change the person or the player that Juwan is. He is going to go out there and compete every time he’s on the floor. Made some huge blocks for us late in the game. Shot looked phenomenal tonight. He had great balance, and great lift, and knocking down shots when he was open. He had a really nice play to Rienk (Mast) after the timeout play. Just really made winning plays all night long. Rienk was an absolute monster on the glass. Got it handed to us the other night. Minnesota was much more physical than us. Again, that was a huge emphasis for us going into this game. Getting back in transition. We gave them too many in the first half, did much better in the second, but transition and rebounding were the two keys and for the most part, I thought we did a solid job.”On shooting from 50% from the field and team decision making“We executed. We talked about playing with pace but playing with smart pace. If we didn’t have anything, I thought we did a really nice job of getting into a set, and I thought we executed very well, especially in the second half. I think we were 65%, and that is not easy to do against a Tom Izzo team. We just kept going back to what was working, and I can’t call a timeout every possession. These guys have to go out there and execute. When we didn’t have anything, we didn’t press, we didn’t force, we got the ball where we needed to get it. You look at Rienk with six assists. It showed a little bit of what Derrick (Walker) did for us last year, and again the guys cut and withstood runs. I thought they kept their poise and composure. One thing I was really pleased with our team was how well they were communicating in huddles, and talking to each other, and taking constructive criticism, and then going out and executing. That makes our job as coaches a lot easier when those guys are over there talking about things that they need to figure out on the floor, and I thought our huddles were the best they’ve been all year tonight.”Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo&nbsp;Opening Statement“Disappointed is the word. There’s some things we did better. Couldn’t believe some of the shots we missed early then made a decent amount of shots. When they hit those threes banged in a two. 30-40 quarters in the shot clock. That kinda you know instead of being up eight or nine at half we were up to three or four. Give them credit. They made some plays. Third game of five that we’ve lost that we were up four minutes left in the game and found a way to win it.&nbsp; I think A.J. (Hoggard) played well on both ends. Tyson (Walker) played okay. I thought they did a good job at the end. Give Fred (Hoiberg) credit. Good job on him. Malik (Hall) had a tough game overall. I had to move him all over. There’s a lack of production I got out of my two centers. I’m just disappointed that I thought we were playing well enough to win. Boy, they made some shots in the second half. They did a hell of a job in those back doors and our centers got lazy. Ball pressure and they got three of them in the start of the second half. They made nine out of their first 11 shots. So we’ll be doing some restructuring I guess. Really disappointed in the outcome. They did a great job. Give them some credit.”&nbsp;&nbsp;On restructuring the centers and what other options there have“The way I feel right now Nick (Sanders) and Steven (Izzo) are options. I was very disappointed in our play out there. Very disappointed. You’re right. Not a lot of options, just the same. Just need a little better play. In fairness, Jeremy (Fears Jr.) played his butt off as far as trying to check and do things.On Xavier (Booker) not playing tonight and what he can do in the rotation

Nebraska post-game notes vs Michigan State

Receiving Votes: Gretna East (2-2), RV; Omaha Gross (3-2), NR

Receiving Votes: Adams Central (4-0), RV; Central City (3-1), 8

Receiving Votes: Ponca (4-0), NR; Elkhorn Valley (4-0), NR; Grand Island Central Catholic (2-2), 10; Johnson County Central (4-1), NR

9. Guardian Angles Central Catholic (3-2), RV

Receiving Votes: Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family (2-1), RV; South Loup (3-1), 10;

Receiving Votes: Lawrence-Nelson (4-0), NR; Elm Creek (2-3), RV; Nebraska Lutheran (2-0), NR

<h2>CLASS A (RECORD), PREVIOUS RANKING</h2>1. Millard North (4-0), 32. Omaha Westside (4-0), 53. Bellevue West (3-1), 14. Papillion-La Vista South (4-0), 65. Gretna (3-1), 46. Creighton Prep (3-1), 27. Omaha Bryan (4-0), 78. Kearney (2-2), 89. Lincoln Southwest (3-1), 910. Lincoln Pius X (1-2), 10Receiving Votes: Omaha North (3-1), NR<h2>CLASS B</h2>1. Crete (4-0), 12. Elkhorn (3-0), 43. Skutt Catholic (1-1), 24. Norris (3-1), 35. Omaha Roncalli (2-1), 56. Scottsbluff (4-0), 67. Bennington (2-2), 88. Hastings (3-0), NR9. Elkhorn Mount Michael (3-2), 1010. Blair (3-1), NRReceiving Votes: Gretna East (2-2), RV; Omaha Gross (3-2), NR<h2>CLASS C-1</h2>1. Omaha Concordia (2-0), 12. Ashland-Greenwood (3-0), 23. Wahoo (4-1), 34. Doniphan-Trumbull (3-0), 45. Ogallala (4-0), 56. Auburn (3-0), 67. DC West (2-0), 78. Sidney (4-0), 99. Wahoo Neumann (4-0), 1010. Boone Central (2-2), RVReceiving Votes: Adams Central (4-0), RV; Central City (3-1), 8<h2>CLASS C-2</h2>1. Amherst (3-0), 12. Lincoln Lutheran (4-0), 33. Lutheran High Northeast (5-0), 74. Tri County (4-0), 85. Sandy Creek (4-0), 96. Freeman (3-1), 57. Cross County (3-1), 28. Hartington Cedar Catholic (2-1), 69. Summerland (4-0), RV10. Mead (3-1), RVReceiving Votes: Ponca (4-0), NR; Elkhorn Valley (4-0), NR; Grand Island Central Catholic (2-2), 10; Johnson County Central (4-1), NR<h2>CLASS D-1</h2>1. Johnson-Brock (3-0), 12. North Platte St. Patrick’s (5-0), 23. Dundy County Stratton (4-0), 34. Howells-Dodge (4-1), 65. Ainsworth (3-0), 46. Ansley/Litchfield (4-0), 57. McCool Junction (3-1), 88. Plainview (3-1), 99. Guardian Angles Central Catholic (3-2), RV10. Elgin Public Pope John (3-1), 7Receiving Votes: Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family (2-1), RV; South Loup (3-1), 10;<h2>CLASS D-2</h2>1. Shelton (4-0), 22. Wynot (3-1), 13. Osceola (4-0), 44. Lincoln Parkview Christian (3-0), 55. Maywood/Hayes Center (4-1), 36. Falls City Sacred Heart (1-0), 67. Walthill (3-0), 108. St. Mary’s (4-0), RV9. Sandhills/Thedford (3-0), 910. Hyannis (4-0), NRReceiving Votes: Lawrence-Nelson (4-0), NR; Elm Creek (2-3), RV; Nebraska Lutheran (2-0), NR

Boys basketball Coaches Poll 12-11

KEARNEY, NE.&nbsp;– The Tri-City Storm’s annual Teddy Bear Toss event at the Viaero Center on Friday night gathered hundreds of stuffed animals to be donated throughout the local community during this holiday season.&nbsp;

Prior to puck drop, more than one hundred stuffed animals were donated through both private and sponsorship donations. These were placed in select seats before the game and given to fans who arrived early for Friday’s event. The Teddy Bear Toss goal was scored by Storm forward Cam Briere during the 1st&nbsp;period of Tri-City’s rivalry matchup against the Omaha Lancers. Following the scoring play, hundreds of teddy bears and various stuffed animals made their way onto the ice as fans participated in the annual tradition. Every Storm player assisted staff members in their efforts to collect the donated items from the ice, and Tri-City went on to win the game by a final score of 4-3. &nbsp;

Stormy, along with several Storm players, will distribute the stuffed animals collected from this year’s event to various charities and organizations in the local community including CHI Health, Kearney Goodfellows, S.A.F.E. Center, Kearney/Buffalo County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA’s), Kearney Children’s Museum, Kearney Regional Medical Center, and Compass. Presenting sponsor Slumberland Furniture will also receive stuffed animals collected at the event and assist in distribution to those in need. &nbsp;

If you would like a local charity or organization to be included in the Storm’s stuffed animal distribution, please contact a Tri-City Storm staff member at the Viaero Center by calling 308-338-8144. &nbsp;

Yesterday, the Storm hosted its annual Paint the Ice event ahead of next weekend’s Concrete Cares game. Members of the local community were encouraged to paint messages of support on the ice at the Viaero Center to support those affected by cancer. The Storm’s home game against the Lincoln Stars on Saturday, December 16th&nbsp;will be played on the painted ice, and proceeds raised during the postgame jersey auction will benefit Concrete Cares, on behalf of Kearney Concrete. Concrete Cares is a volunteer group whose primary focus is fighting cancer on a local level. The mission of the organization is to make a difference in the local community by enabling friends, relatives, and families to join the fight to provide support for those stricken with cancer. More information on the group can be found at www.ConcreteCares.com. &nbsp;

KEARNEY, NE.&nbsp;– The Tri-City Storm’s annual Teddy Bear Toss event at the Viaero Center on Friday night gathered hundreds of stuffed animals to be donated throughout the local community during this holiday season.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702233323358.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Prior to puck drop, more than one hundred stuffed animals were donated through both private and sponsorship donations. These were placed in select seats before the game and given to fans who arrived early for Friday’s event. The Teddy Bear Toss goal was scored by Storm forward Cam Briere during the 1st&nbsp;period of Tri-City’s rivalry matchup against the Omaha Lancers. Following the scoring play, hundreds of teddy bears and various stuffed animals made their way onto the ice as fans participated in the annual tradition. Every Storm player assisted staff members in their efforts to collect the donated items from the ice, and Tri-City went on to win the game by a final score of 4-3. &nbsp;Stormy, along with several Storm players, will distribute the stuffed animals collected from this year’s event to various charities and organizations in the local community including CHI Health, Kearney Goodfellows, S.A.F.E. Center, Kearney/Buffalo County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA’s), Kearney Children’s Museum, Kearney Regional Medical Center, and Compass. Presenting sponsor Slumberland Furniture will also receive stuffed animals collected at the event and assist in distribution to those in need. &nbsp;If you would like a local charity or organization to be included in the Storm’s stuffed animal distribution, please contact a Tri-City Storm staff member at the Viaero Center by calling 308-338-8144. &nbsp;Yesterday, the Storm hosted its annual Paint the Ice event ahead of next weekend’s Concrete Cares game. Members of the local community were encouraged to paint messages of support on the ice at the Viaero Center to support those affected by cancer. The Storm’s home game against the Lincoln Stars on Saturday, December 16th&nbsp;will be played on the painted ice, and proceeds raised during the postgame jersey auction will benefit Concrete Cares, on behalf of Kearney Concrete. Concrete Cares is a volunteer group whose primary focus is fighting cancer on a local level. The mission of the organization is to make a difference in the local community by enabling friends, relatives, and families to join the fight to provide support for those stricken with cancer. More information on the group can be found at www.ConcreteCares.com. &nbsp;

Tri-City Storm’s annual Teddy Bear Toss gathered hundreds of stuffed animals

LINCOLN, Neb. -&nbsp;The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team advanced to the NCAA Semifinals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over third-seeded Arkansas Saturday evening in front of 8,713 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Nebraska erased a late five-point deficit to rally and win set one, 26-24. The Huskers then cruised to a 25-14 victory in set two but Arkansas (28-6) battled over the next two sets. The Razorbacks won set three, 25-21, handing the Huskers their first set loss of the NCAA Tournament. Arkansas then led 19-17 in set four before NU rallied for a 25-23 victory.

Nebraska (32-1) will head to the NCAA Semifinals for the 17th time in program history and the sixth time in the last nine years. The Huskers will face No. 4 Pittsburgh on Thursday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The match is set for 6:00 pm CST, followed by Wisconsin vs. Texas.

The Huskers, who finished 21-0 at home this season, hit just .194 in the match, but Nebraska held Arkansas to a .100 attack percentage. The Huskers had the advantage in kills (57-47), blocks (17-9) and digs (78-62), but the Razorbacks served up eight aces while Nebraska's lone ace came on the first point of the match.

Merritt Beason, the NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player, finished with a match-high 19 kills. She recorded a double-double by adding 11 digs and nearly posted a triple-double after finishing with eight blocks, tying her career high. Harper Murray had 15 kills and 12 digs for the Big Red. Bergen Reilly also had a double-double with 40 assists and 16 digs.

Defensively, Bekka Allick had a career-high 12 blocks. Her 12 stuffs were the most ever by a Husker in an NCAA Tournament match during the rally-scoring era and were just one shy of the program record for any postseason match. Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 20 digs to lead the Nebraska floor defense, as five Huskers finished with double-digit digs.

Reilly and Rodriguez joined Beason on the Lincoln Regional All-Tournament team.

Three Razorbacks finished with double-digit kills, led by 14 from Jillian Gillen.

Set 1:&nbsp;Arkansas went up 6-3 after three straight kills. The Razorbacks led 12-6 after a kill and ace by Gillen on back-to-back rallies. Murray and Beason posted back-to-back kills, and Beason and Allick combined for a block as the Huskers pulled within 12-10 after a 4-0 run. Arkansas answered with three points in a row and held a 16-11 lead before a kill by Batenhorst and Arkansas hitting error made it 16-13. However, the Razorbacks restored their five-point lead at 18-13. Back-to-back kills by Jackson brought NU back within three, 19-16, but once again Arkansas had an answer with a kill and block by Gillen to go up 21-16. Murray posted a sideout kill, which brought Kennedi Orr in to serve. From there, Murray terminated again and then added a block with Allick. A hitting error by Arkansas cut its lead to one, 21-20, after the Huskers' 4-0 run. The Razorbacks led 23-21 when a service error and block by Allick and Beason tied the score at 23-23. Beason terminated a kill for the Huskers' first lead since 2-1 and set point, 24-23. An Arkansas kill tied it 24-24, but Beason once again put down a kill to earn a second chance at set point. This time, a block by Beason and Jackson won the set, 26-24.&nbsp;

Set 2:&nbsp;Allick had a block and kill, and Beason, Batenhorst and Jackson combined for six kills as the Huskers went ahead 9-2. Back-to-back kills by Jackson and Reilly kept the lead at seven, 11-4. Arkansas cut it to 15-10, but a kill by Beason and block by Beason and Jackson made it 17-10 Huskers. Arkansas got within five again, 17-12, but Beason recorded a kill and Jackson terminated on the slide to make it 19-12 Huskers. Jackson and Murray had kills for a 23-13 lead, and a kill by Beason and block by Allick and Reilly closed the set out, 25-14.&nbsp;

Set 3:&nbsp;Arkansas held an 8-7 lead when kills by Allick and Beason put the Huskers on top, 10-8. Back-to-back aces by Gillen put Arkansas back in front, 13-12, but Batenhorst and Murray terminated two straight kills for a 15-14 NU lead at the media timeout. But the Razorbacks responded with a 4-0 run out of the break to claim an 18-15 advantage, and the Huskers used a timeout. A solo block by Murray ended the run, and a kill by Murray and block by Beason and Allick cut it to 19-18. But after a timeout, the Razorbacks got a kill and a block to go up 21-18, and the Huskers called timeout. Beason then tallied her 14th kill, and a back-row kill by Murray got NU within 21-20. The Razorbacks answered with a 4-1 run to win the set, 25-21.&nbsp;

Set 4:&nbsp;Nebraska led 9-8 when a kill by Murray brought Orr in to serve again, and she delivered a 4-0 Husker run that put the Big Red up 13-8. Reilly and Allick had a block in that run, and Reilly dumped a kill. A kill by Murray put the Huskers ahead 14-10, but two straight hitting errors and a net violation allowed the Razorbacks within 14-13. Arkansas tied the score at 16-16, but Beason hit off the block and out to put NU back on top. But a service error and hitting error put Arkansas in front, 18-17, and an ace made it 19-17 Arkansas. Batenhorst terminated after a timeout, and a kill by Beason tied the score at 19-19. Arkansas regained a 20-19 lead but the committed a service error and attacking error to give the Huskers a 21-20 lead. Gillen answered with a kill, but the Huskers won the next three points on a pair of blocks and a third Arkansas attack error. The Razorbacks then fought off two match points before a service error sent Nebraska into the NCAA Semifinals.

LINCOLN, Neb. -&nbsp;The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team advanced to the NCAA Semifinals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over third-seeded Arkansas Saturday evening in front of 8,713 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702233128991.jpeg" alt="#1 Huskers win their regional vs Arkansas, it's Nebraska's 17th Final Four" />
 <figcaption>#1 Huskers win their regional vs Arkansas, it's Nebraska's 17th Final Four</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska erased a late five-point deficit to rally and win set one, 26-24. The Huskers then cruised to a 25-14 victory in set two but Arkansas (28-6) battled over the next two sets. The Razorbacks won set three, 25-21, handing the Huskers their first set loss of the NCAA Tournament. Arkansas then led 19-17 in set four before NU rallied for a 25-23 victory.Nebraska (32-1) will head to the NCAA Semifinals for the 17th time in program history and the sixth time in the last nine years. The Huskers will face No. 4 Pittsburgh on Thursday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The match is set for 6:00 pm CST, followed by Wisconsin vs. Texas.The Huskers, who finished 21-0 at home this season, hit just .194 in the match, but Nebraska held Arkansas to a .100 attack percentage. The Huskers had the advantage in kills (57-47), blocks (17-9) and digs (78-62), but the Razorbacks served up eight aces while Nebraska's lone ace came on the first point of the match.Merritt Beason, the NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player, finished with a match-high 19 kills. She recorded a double-double by adding 11 digs and nearly posted a triple-double after finishing with eight blocks, tying her career high. Harper Murray had 15 kills and 12 digs for the Big Red. Bergen Reilly also had a double-double with 40 assists and 16 digs.Defensively, Bekka Allick had a career-high 12 blocks. Her 12 stuffs were the most ever by a Husker in an NCAA Tournament match during the rally-scoring era and were just one shy of the program record for any postseason match. Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 20 digs to lead the Nebraska floor defense, as five Huskers finished with double-digit digs.Reilly and Rodriguez joined Beason on the Lincoln Regional All-Tournament team.Three Razorbacks finished with double-digit kills, led by 14 from Jillian Gillen.Set 1:&nbsp;Arkansas went up 6-3 after three straight kills. The Razorbacks led 12-6 after a kill and ace by Gillen on back-to-back rallies. Murray and Beason posted back-to-back kills, and Beason and Allick combined for a block as the Huskers pulled within 12-10 after a 4-0 run. Arkansas answered with three points in a row and held a 16-11 lead before a kill by Batenhorst and Arkansas hitting error made it 16-13. However, the Razorbacks restored their five-point lead at 18-13. Back-to-back kills by Jackson brought NU back within three, 19-16, but once again Arkansas had an answer with a kill and block by Gillen to go up 21-16. Murray posted a sideout kill, which brought Kennedi Orr in to serve. From there, Murray terminated again and then added a block with Allick. A hitting error by Arkansas cut its lead to one, 21-20, after the Huskers' 4-0 run. The Razorbacks led 23-21 when a service error and block by Allick and Beason tied the score at 23-23. Beason terminated a kill for the Huskers' first lead since 2-1 and set point, 24-23. An Arkansas kill tied it 24-24, but Beason once again put down a kill to earn a second chance at set point. This time, a block by Beason and Jackson won the set, 26-24.&nbsp;Set 2:&nbsp;Allick had a block and kill, and Beason, Batenhorst and Jackson combined for six kills as the Huskers went ahead 9-2. Back-to-back kills by Jackson and Reilly kept the lead at seven, 11-4. Arkansas cut it to 15-10, but a kill by Beason and block by Beason and Jackson made it 17-10 Huskers. Arkansas got within five again, 17-12, but Beason recorded a kill and Jackson terminated on the slide to make it 19-12 Huskers. Jackson and Murray had kills for a 23-13 lead, and a kill by Beason and block by Allick and Reilly closed the set out, 25-14.&nbsp;Set 3:&nbsp;Arkansas held an 8-7 lead when kills by Allick and Beason put the Huskers on top, 10-8. Back-to-back aces by Gillen put Arkansas back in front, 13-12, but Batenhorst and Murray terminated two straight kills for a 15-14 NU lead at the media timeout. But the Razorbacks responded with a 4-0 run out of the break to claim an 18-15 advantage, and the Huskers used a timeout. A solo block by Murray ended the run, and a kill by Murray and block by Beason and Allick cut it to 19-18. But after a timeout, the Razorbacks got a kill and a block to go up 21-18, and the Huskers called timeout. Beason then tallied her 14th kill, and a back-row kill by Murray got NU within 21-20. The Razorbacks answered with a 4-1 run to win the set, 25-21.&nbsp;Set 4:&nbsp;Nebraska led 9-8 when a kill by Murray brought Orr in to serve again, and she delivered a 4-0 Husker run that put the Big Red up 13-8. Reilly and Allick had a block in that run, and Reilly dumped a kill. A kill by Murray put the Huskers ahead 14-10, but two straight hitting errors and a net violation allowed the Razorbacks within 14-13. Arkansas tied the score at 16-16, but Beason hit off the block and out to put NU back on top. But a service error and hitting error put Arkansas in front, 18-17, and an ace made it 19-17 Arkansas. Batenhorst terminated after a timeout, and a kill by Beason tied the score at 19-19. Arkansas regained a 20-19 lead but the committed a service error and attacking error to give the Huskers a 21-20 lead. Gillen answered with a kill, but the Huskers won the next three points on a pair of blocks and a third Arkansas attack error. The Razorbacks then fought off two match points before a service error sent Nebraska into the NCAA Semifinals.

Husker Volleyball Punches Ticket to Tampa

Sterling, Colo. – Landon Broer had a career high 16 points, but North Platte was unable to overcome a Western Wyoming rally in the opening minutes of the second half in a 71-67 loss Friday afternoon.

Broer connected on 4-of-6 shots from downtown to lead four Knights players in double figures. North Platte finished the game shooting 46.6 percent (26-61) from the floor, including 6-of-17 from beyond the arc.

The Mustangs leapt out to an 18-10 advantage in the opening 11:28 of the first half. Broer found a crease in the defense and was able to finish at the basket to ignite the Knights offense. The layup triggered a 12-5 run, which cut the margin to one inside the final five minutes. North Platte settled in down the stretch as they built a three-point advantage by the halftime break.

The margin grew to 36-29 in the opening minute of the second half, but a 15-2 run over the next 5:16 helped the Mustangs recapture the momentum. Western Wyoming pushed their lead into double digits where it would remain until Michael Cooper connected from long range with 5:44 to play.

The Mustangs offense hit a cold spell, as the Knights trimmed the deficit down to 66-64 as the clock moved inside 2:35 remaining. A short 5-3 spurt in the final minutes ended the Knights chances of completing the come from behind victory.

North Platte (4-6) will conclude the Region IX Crossover on Saturday against Eastern Wyoming College. Tip is set for 6:30 p.m. inside the Bank of Colorado Event Center in Sterling.

Daniel Stinman NPCCSterling, Colo. – Landon Broer had a career high 16 points, but North Platte was unable to overcome a Western Wyoming rally in the opening minutes of the second half in a 71-67 loss Friday afternoon.Broer connected on 4-of-6 shots from downtown to lead four Knights players in double figures. North Platte finished the game shooting 46.6 percent (26-61) from the floor, including 6-of-17 from beyond the arc.The Mustangs leapt out to an 18-10 advantage in the opening 11:28 of the first half. Broer found a crease in the defense and was able to finish at the basket to ignite the Knights offense. The layup triggered a 12-5 run, which cut the margin to one inside the final five minutes. North Platte settled in down the stretch as they built a three-point advantage by the halftime break.The margin grew to 36-29 in the opening minute of the second half, but a 15-2 run over the next 5:16 helped the Mustangs recapture the momentum. Western Wyoming pushed their lead into double digits where it would remain until Michael Cooper connected from long range with 5:44 to play.The Mustangs offense hit a cold spell, as the Knights trimmed the deficit down to 66-64 as the clock moved inside 2:35 remaining. A short 5-3 spurt in the final minutes ended the Knights chances of completing the come from behind victory.North Platte (4-6) will conclude the Region IX Crossover on Saturday against Eastern Wyoming College. Tip is set for 6:30 p.m. inside the Bank of Colorado Event Center in Sterling.

Knights open Region IX Crossover with loss to Mustangs

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Redshirt freshman reserve post&nbsp;Bailee Sobczak&nbsp;scored a season-high 18 points and redshirt sophomore point guard&nbsp;Jillian Aschoff&nbsp;got close to a triple double to help Nebraska Kearney rolled past Missouri Western State,&nbsp;<a href="https://unk_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/wbball/Stats/2023-2024%20Season/24wbnk09.htm" target="_blank">76-54</a>, Thursday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center.

The Lopers (8-1, 2-1) wax the Griffons (5-3, 1-2) at home for the second straight year and push its win streak at Buckle Court to 24 in a row. Northwest Missouri (7-1, 2-1) is the next test this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Mo West just dropped out of the WBCA Top 25 poll and hung around thanks to five first half threes. However, they struggled from inside the arc for much of the night and got blitzed 28-15 in the third quarter. Thus, UNK turned a 28-24 halftime score into an insurmountable 56-39 lead.

“In the Northeastern State game (74-71 loss last Saturday), I thought our toughness was just okay. I really challenged them this week to be tougher and that you’re going to have to be ready to go,” said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson.&nbsp;“We really paid attention to the defensive scouting report, and it paid off for us.”

Beating the Griffs 91-55 last year in the H &amp;S Center, the Lopers made 57% (16 of 28) of its shots after the break including a sizzling 7 of 10 effort from downtown. Senior guard&nbsp;Trinity Law&nbsp;(Brandon, S.D.) hit all four of her triples after the break with Sobczak (Rapid, S.D.) one of four others to make one. Defensively, UNK limited MWSU to 8 of 31 three-point shooting as well as being plus 10 on the boards.

“We made the first run in the second half. We missed a couple of layups in the first quarter, and it could’ve been a seven- or nine-point lead for us,” said Johnson.

Sobczak reached her game-high point total in just 17 minutes as she was 5 of 10 from the field and 7 of 9 at line. She also had eight rebounds (five offensive) with Aschoff (Lincoln Pius) having a game-high 12, all on the defensive end. She also had a season-high 16 points, eight assists and two steals. In the season-opener vs. Minnesota-Crookston, Aschoff had stat line of 15-11-7.&nbsp;

“She plays incredibly hard and I think she’s going to get that triple double at some point this season,” said Johnson.

Also for UNK, Law finished with 14 points, post&nbsp;Shiloh McCool&nbsp;(Pleasant Hill, Ia.) had nine points, five rebounds and four dimes and freshman wing&nbsp;Brinly Christensen&nbsp;(Lincoln SW) had five points in 20 minutes off the bench.

Jayme Jackson paced MWSU with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists.

UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Redshirt freshman reserve post&nbsp;Bailee Sobczak&nbsp;scored a season-high 18 points and redshirt sophomore point guard&nbsp;Jillian Aschoff&nbsp;got close to a triple double to help Nebraska Kearney rolled past Missouri Western State,&nbsp;<a href="https://unk_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/wbball/Stats/2023-2024%20Season/24wbnk09.htm" target="_blank">76-54</a>, Thursday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center.The Lopers (8-1, 2-1) wax the Griffons (5-3, 1-2) at home for the second straight year and push its win streak at Buckle Court to 24 in a row. Northwest Missouri (7-1, 2-1) is the next test this Saturday at 2 p.m.Mo West just dropped out of the WBCA Top 25 poll and hung around thanks to five first half threes. However, they struggled from inside the arc for much of the night and got blitzed 28-15 in the third quarter. Thus, UNK turned a 28-24 halftime score into an insurmountable 56-39 lead.“In the Northeastern State game (74-71 loss last Saturday), I thought our toughness was just okay. I really challenged them this week to be tougher and that you’re going to have to be ready to go,” said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson.&nbsp;“We really paid attention to the defensive scouting report, and it paid off for us.”Beating the Griffs 91-55 last year in the H &amp;S Center, the Lopers made 57% (16 of 28) of its shots after the break including a sizzling 7 of 10 effort from downtown. Senior guard&nbsp;Trinity Law&nbsp;(Brandon, S.D.) hit all four of her triples after the break with Sobczak (Rapid, S.D.) one of four others to make one. Defensively, UNK limited MWSU to 8 of 31 three-point shooting as well as being plus 10 on the boards.“We made the first run in the second half. We missed a couple of layups in the first quarter, and it could’ve been a seven- or nine-point lead for us,” said Johnson.Sobczak reached her game-high point total in just 17 minutes as she was 5 of 10 from the field and 7 of 9 at line. She also had eight rebounds (five offensive) with Aschoff (Lincoln Pius) having a game-high 12, all on the defensive end. She also had a season-high 16 points, eight assists and two steals. In the season-opener vs. Minnesota-Crookston, Aschoff had stat line of 15-11-7.&nbsp;“She plays incredibly hard and I think she’s going to get that triple double at some point this season,” said Johnson.Also for UNK, Law finished with 14 points, post&nbsp;Shiloh McCool&nbsp;(Pleasant Hill, Ia.) had nine points, five rebounds and four dimes and freshman wing&nbsp;Brinly Christensen&nbsp;(Lincoln SW) had five points in 20 minutes off the bench.Jayme Jackson paced MWSU with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists.

Big Nights for Aschoff & Sobczak

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Redshirt junior lefty wing&nbsp;Damiri Lindo&nbsp;hit a halfcourt buzzer beater to help Nebraska Kearney stun No. 22 Missouri Western State,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=7553" target="_blank">93-90,</a>&nbsp;Thursday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center. The Lopers (4-3, 2-1) and Griffons (7-1, 2-1) have now played 10 straight games decided by 10 points or less. Each team has won five with Mo West's luck in close games coming to an end. They have four wins by four points or less and another by 10."I was surprised because I thought they would give some more pressure and not just let the ball in," said UNK interim head coach&nbsp;Antoine Young. "When they did, we said forget what we drew up, just get it up the floor as close as you can and try and get a shot off.

I'm glad it worked out. "Last Saturday at home, junior guard Zion Swader hit a buzzer beating three to help the Griffs knock off Missouri Southern, 62-61. He did again, knocking down a left wing three with 2.7 seconds remaining to knot things up at 90. UNK had the ball up 84-76 with 1:30 left but Swader's fourth triple of the night capped a furious 14-6 run.Lindo (Oakland), who missed the start of the year due to injury, made his Buckle Court debut a memorable one as he hit a 45-footer to win it. Previously playing for Division II Holy Names (Calif.) University, Lindo received the inbound&nbsp;pass but allowed the ball to roll for a split second. Unguarded by the Griffs, his shot didn't hit glass but went straight through the hoop. "We work on these types of plays in practice. They don't happen often, but we want to be prepared at high level when they do," said Lindo. "I wanted to get as close to halfcourt as possible and they give me a little too much space. "In a game with 10 ties and 10 lead changes, UNK had five players scored in double figures. Lindo had a team-high 21, junior lefty&nbsp;Taden King&nbsp;(Rexburg, Idaho) went for season-high 20 on 7 of 10 shooting, junior point guard&nbsp;Miguel Robles&nbsp;(East L.A.) had 17 in 26 minutes with guards&nbsp;Sean Evans&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;D'Aundre Samuels&nbsp;(14) combing for 26. King fouled out with Lindo, Evans and Robles having four fouls apiece. However, MWSU didn't take full advantage as they went 15 of 22 at the line. "We were moving the ball really well, playing together and for most part took good shots," said Young. "We also won the rebounding battle which we had to do if we wanted to have a chance. "Going 35 of 71 from the field including a 12 of 28 effort from the arc, the Lopers also were plus seven on the glass due in large part to New Zealand junior forward&nbsp;Sean Murphy.&nbsp;He had a career-high 18 rebounds (14 defensive), pushing his season total to 67 (9.6 avg). Trey Lansman (Nov. 2017) and Dusty Jura (March 2007) both had 20 rebounds in a game with "Tall" Paul Collison setting the Loper standard with 32 rebounds in a 1957 contest vs. Colorado Mines. MWSU finished 13 of 32 from downtown with Swader (4 of 7) and junior guard Julius Dixon (6 of 10) doing the most damage. Dixon had a game-high 28 points with Swader at 27. Swader went for 23 in the second half with Dixon having 12 first half points and a team-best 11 rebounds. Finally, forward Taye Fields (13 points, nine rebounds) got close to a double double. UNK hosts nationally-ranked Northwest Missouri on Saturday. The Bearcats (5-3, 2-1) lost at Fort Hays State tonight, 57-49&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Redshirt junior lefty wing&nbsp;Damiri Lindo&nbsp;hit a halfcourt buzzer beater to help Nebraska Kearney stun No. 22 Missouri Western State,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=7553" target="_blank">93-90,</a>&nbsp;Thursday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center. The Lopers (4-3, 2-1) and Griffons (7-1, 2-1) have now played 10 straight games decided by 10 points or less. Each team has won five with Mo West's luck in close games coming to an end. They have four wins by four points or less and another by 10."I was surprised because I thought they would give some more pressure and not just let the ball in," said UNK interim head coach&nbsp;Antoine Young. "When they did, we said forget what we drew up, just get it up the floor as close as you can and try and get a shot off. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sound up … Gives you chills 😤 <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCtop10?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCtop10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JaysonJorgensen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaysonJorgensen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LopesUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LopesUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/XihrJskELM">pic.twitter.com/XihrJskELM</a>&mdash; UNK Athletics (@UNK_Athletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNK_Athletics/status/1732980852567818492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>UNK AthleticsI'm glad it worked out. "Last Saturday at home, junior guard Zion Swader hit a buzzer beating three to help the Griffs knock off Missouri Southern, 62-61. He did again, knocking down a left wing three with 2.7 seconds remaining to knot things up at 90. UNK had the ball up 84-76 with 1:30 left but Swader's fourth triple of the night capped a furious 14-6 run.Lindo (Oakland), who missed the start of the year due to injury, made his Buckle Court debut a memorable one as he hit a 45-footer to win it. Previously playing for Division II Holy Names (Calif.) University, Lindo received the inbound&nbsp;pass but allowed the ball to roll for a split second. Unguarded by the Griffs, his shot didn't hit glass but went straight through the hoop. "We work on these types of plays in practice. They don't happen often, but we want to be prepared at high level when they do," said Lindo. "I wanted to get as close to halfcourt as possible and they give me a little too much space. "In a game with 10 ties and 10 lead changes, UNK had five players scored in double figures. Lindo had a team-high 21, junior lefty&nbsp;Taden King&nbsp;(Rexburg, Idaho) went for season-high 20 on 7 of 10 shooting, junior point guard&nbsp;Miguel Robles&nbsp;(East L.A.) had 17 in 26 minutes with guards&nbsp;Sean Evans&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;D'Aundre Samuels&nbsp;(14) combing for 26. King fouled out with Lindo, Evans and Robles having four fouls apiece. However, MWSU didn't take full advantage as they went 15 of 22 at the line. "We were moving the ball really well, playing together and for most part took good shots," said Young. "We also won the rebounding battle which we had to do if we wanted to have a chance. "Going 35 of 71 from the field including a 12 of 28 effort from the arc, the Lopers also were plus seven on the glass due in large part to New Zealand junior forward&nbsp;Sean Murphy.&nbsp;He had a career-high 18 rebounds (14 defensive), pushing his season total to 67 (9.6 avg). Trey Lansman (Nov. 2017) and Dusty Jura (March 2007) both had 20 rebounds in a game with "Tall" Paul Collison setting the Loper standard with 32 rebounds in a 1957 contest vs. Colorado Mines. MWSU finished 13 of 32 from downtown with Swader (4 of 7) and junior guard Julius Dixon (6 of 10) doing the most damage. Dixon had a game-high 28 points with Swader at 27. Swader went for 23 in the second half with Dixon having 12 first half points and a team-best 11 rebounds. Finally, forward Taye Fields (13 points, nine rebounds) got close to a double double. UNK hosts nationally-ranked Northwest Missouri on Saturday. The Bearcats (5-3, 2-1) lost at Fort Hays State tonight, 57-49&nbsp;&nbsp;

MWSU rallies late, only to see UNK newcomer drain 45-footer

LINCOLN, Neb. -&nbsp;The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team swept 12th-ranked and fifth-seeded Georgia Tech Thursday afternoon in a third-round NCAA Tournament match in front of 8,580 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

With the win, the Huskers (31-1) advanced to an NCAA Regional Final for the 11th time in the last 12 years. Nebraska will play the winner of No. 2 seed Kentucky and No. 3 seed Arkansas, on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Devaney Center.&nbsp;

Nebraska was impressive and efficient in posting its third sweep in three postseason matches. The Huskers hit .326 in the match, just the third time this season that a Georgia Tech opponent hit .300 or better. While Nebraska's offense was clicking with 37 kills and only nine errors, the Husker defense held the Yellow Jackets to a .019 attack percentage. Georgia Tech had 28 attack errors while being held to a season-low hitting percentage.

Merritt Beason paced the Huskers with 11 kills on only 23 swings, hitting .435 in the match. Ally Batenhorst added 10 kills on 25 swings. Andi Jackson had four kills on six error-free swings while posting a match-high five blocks. Bekka Allick added four blocks and totaled six kills on 11 swings. Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 12 digs, while Bergen Reilly added 10 digs to go along with 30 assists and three blocks.

Tamara Otene led Georgia Tech (24-7) with nine kills, while Bianca Bertolino had eight kills.

Set 1:&nbsp;Allick and Batenhorst each had two early kills as the Huskers went up 5-1. Two more kills by Batenhorst had the Huskers up 10-3, and Murray put down a pair of kills as the Huskers built the lead to eight at 15-7. Beason had two kills and an ace, and Jackson had a block with Batenhorst and a kill, and the Huskers extended their advantage to 21-10. Nebraska closed out the set, 25-11, hitting .281 to -.111 for Georgia Tech.&nbsp;

Set 2:&nbsp;Beason started the set with a solo block, and Murray had two kills to help NU go up 6-1. Another solo block by Beason between Batenhorst kills made it 9-5. Jackson teamed up with Reilly for a block, and then Jackson tallied a kill for a 12-7 advantage. The Yellow Jackets put together a 3-0 spurt to cut it to 14-12, but Beason terminated a kill and Jackson and Batenhorst combined for a block before Jackson put down a kill and a 17-12 lead. A kill by Beason and block by Jackson and Murray pushed the lead to 20-14. The Huskers earned a set point at 24-16 on a double block from Beason and Allick, forcing a Georgia Tech timeout. Following the timeout, a Murray kill gave Nebraska a 2-0 lead.

Set 3:&nbsp;Nebraska took an 8-6 lead after a block by Jackson and Reilly, but the Yellow Jackets fought back to take a 13-11 lead. Beason pounded her seventh kill, and Georgia Tech hit long before Batenhorst hammered down an overpass for a 14-13 advantage, and the Huskers led 15-14 at the media timeout after another Beason kill. The Yellow Jackets answered to take a 17-16 lead, but a block by Allick and Reilly tied it 18-18. With the score tied 19-19, Beason put down a kill after a scramble at the net, and the AVCA Region Player of the Year tipped a kill to the floor to make it 21-19. Batenhorst added a kill on Murray's service run for a 22-19 advantage, and Murray then served an ace off the top of the net, and Allick and Beason posted a block for match point, 24-19. The Yellow Jackets finally earned sideout, but Nebraska won 25-21 on Beason's 11th kill.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLINCOLN, Neb. -&nbsp;The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team swept 12th-ranked and fifth-seeded Georgia Tech Thursday afternoon in a third-round NCAA Tournament match in front of 8,580 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.With the win, the Huskers (31-1) advanced to an NCAA Regional Final for the 11th time in the last 12 years. Nebraska will play the winner of No. 2 seed Kentucky and No. 3 seed Arkansas, on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Devaney Center.&nbsp;Nebraska was impressive and efficient in posting its third sweep in three postseason matches. The Huskers hit .326 in the match, just the third time this season that a Georgia Tech opponent hit .300 or better. While Nebraska's offense was clicking with 37 kills and only nine errors, the Husker defense held the Yellow Jackets to a .019 attack percentage. Georgia Tech had 28 attack errors while being held to a season-low hitting percentage.Merritt Beason paced the Huskers with 11 kills on only 23 swings, hitting .435 in the match. Ally Batenhorst added 10 kills on 25 swings. Andi Jackson had four kills on six error-free swings while posting a match-high five blocks. Bekka Allick added four blocks and totaled six kills on 11 swings. Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 12 digs, while Bergen Reilly added 10 digs to go along with 30 assists and three blocks.Tamara Otene led Georgia Tech (24-7) with nine kills, while Bianca Bertolino had eight kills.Set 1:&nbsp;Allick and Batenhorst each had two early kills as the Huskers went up 5-1. Two more kills by Batenhorst had the Huskers up 10-3, and Murray put down a pair of kills as the Huskers built the lead to eight at 15-7. Beason had two kills and an ace, and Jackson had a block with Batenhorst and a kill, and the Huskers extended their advantage to 21-10. Nebraska closed out the set, 25-11, hitting .281 to -.111 for Georgia Tech.&nbsp;Set 2:&nbsp;Beason started the set with a solo block, and Murray had two kills to help NU go up 6-1. Another solo block by Beason between Batenhorst kills made it 9-5. Jackson teamed up with Reilly for a block, and then Jackson tallied a kill for a 12-7 advantage. The Yellow Jackets put together a 3-0 spurt to cut it to 14-12, but Beason terminated a kill and Jackson and Batenhorst combined for a block before Jackson put down a kill and a 17-12 lead. A kill by Beason and block by Jackson and Murray pushed the lead to 20-14. The Huskers earned a set point at 24-16 on a double block from Beason and Allick, forcing a Georgia Tech timeout. Following the timeout, a Murray kill gave Nebraska a 2-0 lead.Set 3:&nbsp;Nebraska took an 8-6 lead after a block by Jackson and Reilly, but the Yellow Jackets fought back to take a 13-11 lead. Beason pounded her seventh kill, and Georgia Tech hit long before Batenhorst hammered down an overpass for a 14-13 advantage, and the Huskers led 15-14 at the media timeout after another Beason kill. The Yellow Jackets answered to take a 17-16 lead, but a block by Allick and Reilly tied it 18-18. With the score tied 19-19, Beason put down a kill after a scramble at the net, and the AVCA Region Player of the Year tipped a kill to the floor to make it 21-19. Batenhorst added a kill on Murray's service run for a 22-19 advantage, and Murray then served an ace off the top of the net, and Allick and Beason posted a block for match point, 24-19. The Yellow Jackets finally earned sideout, but Nebraska won 25-21 on Beason's 11th kill.&nbsp;Nebraska Post-Match Notes<ul>
 <li>With the win, Nebraska advanced to an NCAA Regional Final for the 32nd time in program history and for the 11th time in the last 12 seasons. The Huskers’ 32 regional final appearances are the most in NCAA history.</li><li>Nebraska improved to 128-36 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. The Huskers rank second in NCAA history in postseason wins and winning percentage (.780).</li><li>Nebraska improved to 32-7 all-time in Regional Semifinal matches, including a 15-1 record in matches played in Lincoln.</li><li>The win was Nebraska’s 21st consecutive home victory in the NCAA Tournament dating back to 2013. NU improved to 82-7 all-time in home NCAA Tournament matches, including 27-2 at the Devaney Center.</li><li>The Huskers have swept their opponent 17 times in their 21-match home winning streak in the NCAA Tournament, posting a 66-7 set record during the winning streak.</li><li>Nebraska moved to 20-0 at home this season with the win.</li><li>The attendance for today’s match was 8,580. On the season, NU has drawn 255,953 fans for its 20 home matches (including the Memorial Stadium match). Nebraska has become the first female sport in NCAA history to draw 250,000 home fans in a single season.</li><li>Nebraska faced Georgia Tech for the first time in the NCAA Tournament. The Yellow Jackets are the 78th different opponent the Huskers have defeated in the NCAA Tournament. Georgia Tech became the 65th team John Cook has defeated during his Nebraska NCAA Tournament career.</li><li>The Huskers moved to 10-0 all-time against ACC teams in the NCAA Tournament.</li><li>John Cook coached the 119th NCAA Tournament match of his career today. He has coached the second-most postseason matches in NCAA history, as he entered today tied with John Dunning (Pacific/Stanford) with 118 NCAA Tournament matches coached. Russ Rose (Penn State) owns the NCAA record with 106 matches coached in the NCAA Tournament.</li><li>Cook improved to 87-19 in the NCAA Tournament as Nebraska’s head coach. He improved to 95-24 in his NCAA Tournament career. Cook ranks second all-time in career NCAA Tournament victories and NCAA Tournament wins at one school.</li><li>The Huskers won the first two sets against Georgia Tech and are 99-1 in the NCAA Tournament when taking a 2-0 lead. Nebraska has won 98 consecutive postseason matches when winning the first two sets.</li><li>Nebraska did not trail at any point in the first two sets. Through three NCAA Tournament matches this season, the Huskers have never trailed in either set one or set two.</li><li>The Huskers hit .326 in the match becoming just the third opponent to hit .300 against Georgia Tech.&nbsp;</li><li>Nebraska hit .300 or better against a ranked opponent for the sixth time this season but for the first time since hitting .311 in a five-set win at Purdue on Sept. 29.</li><li>The Huskers held the Yellow Jackets to a season-low .019 attack percentage, which also marked NU's second-lowest opponent hitting percentage of the season.</li><li>Nebraska held an opponent under .100 hitting for the second straight match and for the 14th time this season. Georgia Tech was the second ranked opponent Nebraska has held under a .100 attack percentage this season (also No. 21 Ohio State on Sept. 22, 2003 [.090]).</li><li>Nebraska won the opening set 25-11. That marked the first time the Huskers had held an opponent to 11 or fewer points in a set in an NCAA Regional since defeating Colorado, 25-11, in the second set of a 2017 regional semifinal.</li><li>Merritt Beason had 11 kills and hit .435 in the match. Through three NCAA Tournament matches this season, Beason has totaled 36 on .449 hitting. Beasons has had exactly 23 attacks in all three postseason matches, totaling double-digit kills with at least a .435 attack percentage in every match.</li>
 </ul>

NU sweeps way into Regional Final

LINCOLN, Neb. -&nbsp;The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team swept 12th-ranked and fifth-seeded Georgia Tech Thursday afternoon in a third-round NCAA Tournament match in front of 8,580 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.With the win, the Huskers (31-1) advanced to an NCAA Regional Final for the 11th time in the last 12 years. Nebraska will play the winner of No. 2 seed Kentucky and No. 3 seed Arkansas, on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Devaney Center.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701986577488.jpeg" alt="Harper Murray with kill against Georgia Tech" />
 <figcaption>Harper Murray with kill against Georgia Tech</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska was impressive and efficient in posting its third sweep in three postseason matches. The Huskers hit .326 in the match, just the third time this season that a Georgia Tech opponent hit .300 or better. While Nebraska's offense was clicking with 37 kills and only nine errors, the Husker defense held the Yellow Jackets to a .019 attack percentage. Georgia Tech had 28 attack errors while being held to a season-low hitting percentage.Merritt Beason paced the Huskers with 11 kills on only 23 swings, hitting .435 in the match. Ally Batenhorst added 10 kills on 25 swings. Andi Jackson had four kills on six error-free swings while posting a match-high five blocks. Bekka Allick added four blocks and totaled six kills on 11 swings. Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 12 digs, while Bergen Reilly added 10 digs to go along with 30 assists and three blocks.Tamara Otene led Georgia Tech (24-7) with nine kills, while Bianca Bertolino had eight kills.Set 1:&nbsp;Allick and Batenhorst each had two early kills as the Huskers went up 5-1. Two more kills by Batenhorst had the Huskers up 10-3, and Murray put down a pair of kills as the Huskers built the lead to eight at 15-7. Beason had two kills and an ace, and Jackson had a block with Batenhorst and a kill, and the Huskers extended their advantage to 21-10. Nebraska closed out the set, 25-11, hitting .281 to -.111 for Georgia Tech.&nbsp;Set 2:&nbsp;Beason started the set with a solo block, and Murray had two kills to help NU go up 6-1. Another solo block by Beason between Batenhorst kills made it 9-5. Jackson teamed up with Reilly for a block, and then Jackson tallied a kill for a 12-7 advantage. The Yellow Jackets put together a 3-0 spurt to cut it to 14-12, but Beason terminated a kill and Jackson and Batenhorst combined for a block before Jackson put down a kill and a 17-12 lead. A kill by Beason and block by Jackson and Murray pushed the lead to 20-14. The Huskers earned a set point at 24-16 on a double block from Beason and Allick, forcing a Georgia Tech timeout. Following the timeout, a Murray kill gave Nebraska a 2-0 lead.Set 3:&nbsp;Nebraska took an 8-6 lead after a block by Jackson and Reilly, but the Yellow Jackets fought back to take a 13-11 lead. Beason pounded her seventh kill, and Georgia Tech hit long before Batenhorst hammered down an overpass for a 14-13 advantage, and the Huskers led 15-14 at the media timeout after another Beason kill. The Yellow Jackets answered to take a 17-16 lead, but a block by Allick and Reilly tied it 18-18. With the score tied 19-19, Beason put down a kill after a scramble at the net, and the AVCA Region Player of the Year tipped a kill to the floor to make it 21-19. Batenhorst added a kill on Murray's service run for a 22-19 advantage, and Murray then served an ace off the top of the net, and Allick and Beason posted a block for match point, 24-19. The Yellow Jackets finally earned sideout, but Nebraska won 25-21 on Beason's 11th kill.&nbsp;

Huskers Sweep Way into Regional Final

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.supernovas.com/" target="_blank">Omaha Supernovas,</a>&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team in the newly-established&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">Professional Volleyball Federation</a>, has announced that single-match tickets are now available to purchase&nbsp;for the inaugural season.&nbsp;

Tickets can be purchased&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://supernovas.com/" target="_blank">Supernovas.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 402-502-5438 during business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Additionally, fans can purchase&nbsp;tickets on the official Supernovas app, available for download on any smartphone or tablet. Prices start at just $20 a match with season tickets still available at less than $200 for the full 12-match schedule. &nbsp;

The Supernovas just finished their inaugural mini-camp as 15 different players,&nbsp;with accolades ranging from multi-time All-Americans to Olympians, took the court for three days on the campus of College of Saint Mary. The Supernovas will return to Omaha in early January as the team looks to finalize&nbsp;a 14-person roster for the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation beginning with the league’s first-ever match on January&nbsp;24, 2024,&nbsp;against&nbsp;the Atlanta Vibe. &nbsp;

The Supernovas will play 12 home matches and 12 away matches, for 24 matches in the 16-week regular season.&nbsp;The full schedule is available on the team’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://supernovas.com/" target="_blank">Supernovas.com</a>. The Supernovas will make history&nbsp;with the first-ever match of the Professional Volleyball Federation held at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on January 24, 2024,&nbsp;at 7 p.m. as the Supernovas take on the Atlanta Vibe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the regular season&nbsp;concludes, the Supernovas are aiming to be one of the top four squads in the standings that will compete for the Pro Volleyball Federation Championship in May.&nbsp;The location of the championship will be determined and announced at a later date.&nbsp;

Fans will have the chance to see the current Supernovas&nbsp;world-class roster&nbsp;that&nbsp;includes Olympians, U.S. National Team veterans, NCAA National Champions and All-Americans. That roster consists of Anna Church, Bethania de la Cruz, Tori Dixon, Danielle Hart, Sydney Hilley, Gina Mancuso-Prososki, Allison Mayfield, Brooke Nuneviller,&nbsp;Yossiana&nbsp;Pressley, Nia Reed, Jess Schaben-Lansman, Jazz Schmidt, Natalia Valentín-Anderson, Hristina Vuchkova, Lindsey Vander Weide and Kendall White.&nbsp;

The Supernovas will begin their first-ever training camp in early January to finalize&nbsp;a 14-person roster for the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation beginning on January 24, 2024. &nbsp;

Geoff ExstromOmaha SupernovasOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.supernovas.com/" target="_blank">Omaha Supernovas,</a>&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team in the newly-established&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">Professional Volleyball Federation</a>, has announced that single-match tickets are now available to purchase&nbsp;for the inaugural season.&nbsp;Tickets can be purchased&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://supernovas.com/" target="_blank">Supernovas.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 402-502-5438 during business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Additionally, fans can purchase&nbsp;tickets on the official Supernovas app, available for download on any smartphone or tablet. Prices start at just $20 a match with season tickets still available at less than $200 for the full 12-match schedule. &nbsp;The Supernovas just finished their inaugural mini-camp as 15 different players,&nbsp;with accolades ranging from multi-time All-Americans to Olympians, took the court for three days on the campus of College of Saint Mary. The Supernovas will return to Omaha in early January as the team looks to finalize&nbsp;a 14-person roster for the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation beginning with the league’s first-ever match on January&nbsp;24, 2024,&nbsp;against&nbsp;the Atlanta Vibe. &nbsp;The Supernovas will play 12 home matches and 12 away matches, for 24 matches in the 16-week regular season.&nbsp;The full schedule is available on the team’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://supernovas.com/" target="_blank">Supernovas.com</a>. The Supernovas will make history&nbsp;with the first-ever match of the Professional Volleyball Federation held at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on January 24, 2024,&nbsp;at 7 p.m. as the Supernovas take on the Atlanta Vibe.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the regular season&nbsp;concludes, the Supernovas are aiming to be one of the top four squads in the standings that will compete for the Pro Volleyball Federation Championship in May.&nbsp;The location of the championship will be determined and announced at a later date.&nbsp;Fans will have the chance to see the current Supernovas&nbsp;world-class roster&nbsp;that&nbsp;includes Olympians, U.S. National Team veterans, NCAA National Champions and All-Americans. That roster consists of Anna Church, Bethania de la Cruz, Tori Dixon, Danielle Hart, Sydney Hilley, Gina Mancuso-Prososki, Allison Mayfield, Brooke Nuneviller,&nbsp;Yossiana&nbsp;Pressley, Nia Reed, Jess Schaben-Lansman, Jazz Schmidt, Natalia Valentín-Anderson, Hristina Vuchkova, Lindsey Vander Weide and Kendall White.&nbsp;The Supernovas will begin their first-ever training camp in early January to finalize&nbsp;a 14-person roster for the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation beginning on January 24, 2024. &nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;competition will officially begin in the United States with the Omaha Supernovas hosting the Atlanta Vibe in the first match in league history at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha on January 24, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Nebraska supports volleyball better than anyone, as evidenced by the more than 92,000 fans that turned out this season for a collegiate match at the Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium in August, setting a new world record for the highest attended women’s sporting event.&nbsp;The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024 inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas,&nbsp;<a href="https://atlantavibe.com/inaugural-season-tickets-on-sale/" target="_blank">Atlanta Vibe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://orlandoprovb.com/" target="_blank">Orlando Valkyries</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbusfury.com/" target="_blank">Columbus Fury</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grrise.com/" target="_blank">Grand Rapids Rise</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sandiegoprovb.com/" target="_blank">San Diego Mojo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://vegasthrill.com/" target="_blank">Vegas Thrill</a>. Two expansion teams,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dallasprovolleyball.com/" target="_blank">Dallas Pro Volleyball</a>&nbsp;and Kansas City Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. In Season One, the Pro Volleyball Federation will&nbsp;be showcased&nbsp;in three different U.S. time zones. Matches will take place on 67 different dates between January and May 2024, occurring on every day of the week.&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is&nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;