Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule met with members of the media following Thursday’s practice. He explained what the team has done to block out the noise ahead of Saturday’s game.

“I start the season off by deleting Twitter and Instagram and just live my life old school,” Rhule said. “If I want to get the news, I read the paper, but the players don’t. We don’t talk about those things. Nothing about this game for us is anything other than football. It’s a great opportunity versus a great opponent. The players have been very focused and very locked in. Our practices have been really hard, and our guys have responded really well.”

Rhule talked about the team’s response to adversity.

“I think it’s in their nature, he said. “There’s so many guys here that are true Cornhusker men that want this program to be great, and they’re built on grittiness. We’re not a super flashy organization. We want to be a gritty, tough organization. That’s our identity”

Rhule addressed the importance of starting the game strong.

“I think Gabe (Ervin Jr.) is a factor. Rahmir (Johnson) is a factor,” Rhule said. “Those guys have to play really well for us. They had explosive plays in the last game: one on the kickoff return, one running that allowed us to get going. I’m hoping we start with a little more rhythm than we did the last game, but no matter how we start, we’re going to think about the last five minutes of last game and how we can improve that in this game.”

Rhule discussed the weight of performing well on third downs.

“For us, it’s converting third downs and not turning the ball over. When you have four turnovers, you’re going to have less plays. And then on defense, challenge those guys to be good on third downs. We have to be good on third down defense. We have to try to take the ball away.”

The Huskers will kick off against Colorado at 11 a.m. (CT) on Saturday, Sept. 9 in Boulder, Colo. The game will be televised on FOX and radio coverage will be provided by Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com.

Story by NU Athletic Communications<div><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/AWnwBUl5-Qhb3tgnY.html" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Rhule Psr 9-7-23 Net" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule met with members of the media following Thursday’s practice. He explained what the team has done to block out the noise ahead of Saturday’s game.“I start the season off by deleting Twitter and Instagram and just live my life old school,” Rhule said. “If I want to get the news, I read the paper, but the players don’t. We don’t talk about those things. Nothing about this game for us is anything other than football. It’s a great opportunity versus a great opponent. The players have been very focused and very locked in. Our practices have been really hard, and our guys have responded really well.”Rhule talked about the team’s response to adversity.“I think it’s in their nature, he said. “There’s so many guys here that are true Cornhusker men that want this program to be great, and they’re built on grittiness. We’re not a super flashy organization. We want to be a gritty, tough organization. That’s our identity”Rhule addressed the importance of starting the game strong.“I think Gabe (Ervin Jr.) is a factor. Rahmir (Johnson) is a factor,” Rhule said. “Those guys have to play really well for us. They had explosive plays in the last game: one on the kickoff return, one running that allowed us to get going. I’m hoping we start with a little more rhythm than we did the last game, but no matter how we start, we’re going to think about the last five minutes of last game and how we can improve that in this game.”Rhule discussed the weight of performing well on third downs.“For us, it’s converting third downs and not turning the ball over. When you have four turnovers, you’re going to have less plays. And then on defense, challenge those guys to be good on third downs. We have to be good on third down defense. We have to try to take the ball away.”The Huskers will kick off against Colorado at 11 a.m. (CT) on Saturday, Sept. 9 in Boulder, Colo. The game will be televised on FOX and radio coverage will be provided by Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com.

Husker practice report following Thursdays practice

OGALLALA - The week 3 Sandhills Area Game of the Week features Cozad (1-1)&nbsp; taking on Ogallala (0-2). Ogallala is heading into their week 3 matchup looking for their first win of the season after falling in a close one last week to Broken Bow 28-22. Ogallala who started there season off as a balanced offense, has transitioned to a run heavy offense. Despite having injuries hit the team, upper and underclassmen student-athletes have stepped up. A few names to watch in tonight's football game is seniors Harry Caskey, Caden Rezac, and sophomores Edan Cain and Sawyer Smith.

Cozad comes into the week 3 matchup off a big win over Central City when they defeated the Bison last week 26-22. The Haymakers would score 19 points in the 4th quarter to pull away for the victory. This years Cozad team is a good mixture of upper and under classmen playing on both sides of the ball. Cozad's balanced style offense is led by junior quarterback Noah Shoemaker. Shoemaker alongside seniors Drue White, Tyree Smith, junior Lane Wright, and sophomore Olliver Davis are a few names to watch for tonight.

Tonight's Sandhills Area Game of the Week can be heard on Flatrock 100.7 or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">https://flatrock1007.com/</a>&nbsp;with the Kwik Stop pregame coverage being at 5:30 mountain/6:30 central with kickoff set for 6:00 mountain/7:00 central. Join along with Canon Rath and Tristen Winder for all the action.&nbsp;

Sandhills PostOGALLALA - The week 3 Sandhills Area Game of the Week features Cozad (1-1)&nbsp; taking on Ogallala (0-2). Ogallala is heading into their week 3 matchup looking for their first win of the season after falling in a close one last week to Broken Bow 28-22. Ogallala who started there season off as a balanced offense, has transitioned to a run heavy offense. Despite having injuries hit the team, upper and underclassmen student-athletes have stepped up. A few names to watch in tonight's football game is seniors Harry Caskey, Caden Rezac, and sophomores Edan Cain and Sawyer Smith.Cozad comes into the week 3 matchup off a big win over Central City when they defeated the Bison last week 26-22. The Haymakers would score 19 points in the 4th quarter to pull away for the victory. This years Cozad team is a good mixture of upper and under classmen playing on both sides of the ball. Cozad's balanced style offense is led by junior quarterback Noah Shoemaker. Shoemaker alongside seniors Drue White, Tyree Smith, junior Lane Wright, and sophomore Olliver Davis are a few names to watch for tonight.Tonight's Sandhills Area Game of the Week can be heard on Flatrock 100.7 or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">https://flatrock1007.com/</a>&nbsp;with the Kwik Stop pregame coverage being at 5:30 mountain/6:30 central with kickoff set for 6:00 mountain/7:00 central. Join along with Canon Rath and Tristen Winder for all the action.&nbsp;

Sandhills Area Game of the Week: Ogallala Vs Cozad

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Eleanor Dale and Sarah Weber combined for the Huskers’ four goals, as the No. 24 Nebraska soccer team remains undefeated with the 4-1 victory over UC Davis on Thursday at Hibner Stadium.

The Huskers, who improved to 6-0-1 on the season, held the Aggies to one goal as they fell to 3-4-0 on the year.

In the first half, Sarah Weber sparked the offense with a goal sent to the back right of the net off an assist from Haley Peterson in the eighth minute. Then Eleanor Dale continued her scoring streak, netting her ninth goal of the season, just 10 minutes later. The senior forward headed a cross from Sadie Waite to put the Big Red up, 2-0.

In the 20th minute, the Aggies tallied their lone goal of the match as Leslie Fregoso scored off the assist from Risa Yamada.

The Huskers went into the break with the 2-1 lead and wasted no time continuing their offensive attack in the second half. In the 47th minute, Weber notched her fourth goal of the season as Nicola Hauk sent a pass just outside the goal box to Weber who headed it for the score.

Dale then rounded out NU’s scoring for the night as she took advantage of a penalty kick opportunity and sent the ball past the diving Aggie goalie. This marks Dale’s fourth-straight game with a brace and 10th goal of the season.

The Huskers outshot the Aggies (20-13) and held the shots-on-goal advantage (13-7).&nbsp;

NU &nbsp;will return to action at 1:05 p.m. (CT) on Sunday, Sept. 10 at home against Saint Louis. Action will be streamed on B1G+.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Eleanor Dale and Sarah Weber combined for the Huskers’ four goals, as the No. 24 Nebraska soccer team remains undefeated with the 4-1 victory over UC Davis on Thursday at Hibner Stadium.The Huskers, who improved to 6-0-1 on the season, held the Aggies to one goal as they fell to 3-4-0 on the year.In the first half, Sarah Weber sparked the offense with a goal sent to the back right of the net off an assist from Haley Peterson in the eighth minute. Then Eleanor Dale continued her scoring streak, netting her ninth goal of the season, just 10 minutes later. The senior forward headed a cross from Sadie Waite to put the Big Red up, 2-0.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694181036202.jpeg" alt="Ella Guyott Soccer vs UC Davis" />
 <figcaption>Ella Guyott Soccer vs UC Davis</figcaption>
 </figure>In the 20th minute, the Aggies tallied their lone goal of the match as Leslie Fregoso scored off the assist from Risa Yamada.The Huskers went into the break with the 2-1 lead and wasted no time continuing their offensive attack in the second half. In the 47th minute, Weber notched her fourth goal of the season as Nicola Hauk sent a pass just outside the goal box to Weber who headed it for the score.Dale then rounded out NU’s scoring for the night as she took advantage of a penalty kick opportunity and sent the ball past the diving Aggie goalie. This marks Dale’s fourth-straight game with a brace and 10th goal of the season.The Huskers outshot the Aggies (20-13) and held the shots-on-goal advantage (13-7).&nbsp;NU &nbsp;will return to action at 1:05 p.m. (CT) on Sunday, Sept. 10 at home against Saint Louis. Action will be streamed on B1G+.

Dale, Weber score twice as Huskers take down Aggies

The Tri-City Storm is set for this afternoon’s opening game of the 2023-2024 preseason schedule at Liberty First Credit Union Arena against the Sioux Falls Stampede. Today’s matchup is the first contest of a three-game weekend for the Storm, and the opening game of the team’s five-game exhibition schedule. Tri-City will play three neutral-site games this weekend at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in the “Lancer Bowl” preseason showcase event. Following today’s matchup against the Stampede, the Storm will battle the Waterloo Black Hawks at 4:00pm CT on Saturday, before completing the event with a 12:00pm CT game on Sunday against the Fargo Force. Puck drop for today’s opening game of the preseason is scheduled for 1:30pm CT.

Tri-City (0-0-0-0) begins the preseason this afternoon following a conference semifinal exit in the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs. The Storm secured the 4th&nbsp;seed in the Western Conference side of the postseason bracket after compiling a regular season record of 34-20-4-4. Tri-City won three of five preseason games played last year. The Storm finished the 2022-2023 regular season with a 7-0-0-1 record in head-to-head matchups against the Stampede. Tri-City’s powerplay ranked 8th&nbsp;in the league last season with a conversion rate of 20.9%. The Storm’s penalty kill finished the regular season 9th&nbsp;in the USHL with a success rate of 78.4%.

Sioux Falls (0-0-0-0) opens preseason play this afternoon against the Storm after failing to qualify for the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs. The Stampede finished the 2022-2023 regular season with a final record of 23-31-5-3. Sioux Falls is 9-21-1-1 in head-to-head battles against Tri-City in the last five years. The powerplay for the Stampede was 4th&nbsp;in the USHL last year with a conversation rate of 24.1%. The Sioux Falls penalty kill ranked in the 8th&nbsp;USHL with a success rate of 78.7%. The Stampede will play the Des Moines Buccaneers tomorrow at noon CT in the team’s final game of the event.

Single game tickets for the 24th&nbsp;season in organizational history are on sale now. Season Tickets for the 2023-2024 regular season are currently available and may be purchased by contacting a member of the Storm Sales Team. Season Ticket Holders will receive free tickets for the Storm’s home preseason game against the Omaha Lancers on Saturday, September 16th. The tickets will be available for Season Ticket Holders on the night of the game. Ticket prices for the Storm’s preseason home game at the Viaero Center are $10 for Adults, and $8 for Kids in all areas of the venue except for glass. First Row Glass Seats will cost $15 for Adults, and $10 for Kids for the home preseason game.

Today’s exhibition game is set to begin at&nbsp;1:30pm&nbsp;CT and will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/tri-city-storm/" target="_blank">Storm Radio</a>. Tickets to home games at the Viaero Center may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office during Box Office hours at 308-338-8144.

Story by Tri-City CommunicationsThe Tri-City Storm is set for this afternoon’s opening game of the 2023-2024 preseason schedule at Liberty First Credit Union Arena against the Sioux Falls Stampede. Today’s matchup is the first contest of a three-game weekend for the Storm, and the opening game of the team’s five-game exhibition schedule. Tri-City will play three neutral-site games this weekend at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in the “Lancer Bowl” preseason showcase event. Following today’s matchup against the Stampede, the Storm will battle the Waterloo Black Hawks at 4:00pm CT on Saturday, before completing the event with a 12:00pm CT game on Sunday against the Fargo Force. Puck drop for today’s opening game of the preseason is scheduled for 1:30pm CT.Tri-City (0-0-0-0) begins the preseason this afternoon following a conference semifinal exit in the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs. The Storm secured the 4th&nbsp;seed in the Western Conference side of the postseason bracket after compiling a regular season record of 34-20-4-4. Tri-City won three of five preseason games played last year. The Storm finished the 2022-2023 regular season with a 7-0-0-1 record in head-to-head matchups against the Stampede. Tri-City’s powerplay ranked 8th&nbsp;in the league last season with a conversion rate of 20.9%. The Storm’s penalty kill finished the regular season 9th&nbsp;in the USHL with a success rate of 78.4%.Sioux Falls (0-0-0-0) opens preseason play this afternoon against the Storm after failing to qualify for the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs. The Stampede finished the 2022-2023 regular season with a final record of 23-31-5-3. Sioux Falls is 9-21-1-1 in head-to-head battles against Tri-City in the last five years. The powerplay for the Stampede was 4th&nbsp;in the USHL last year with a conversation rate of 24.1%. The Sioux Falls penalty kill ranked in the 8th&nbsp;USHL with a success rate of 78.7%. The Stampede will play the Des Moines Buccaneers tomorrow at noon CT in the team’s final game of the event.Single game tickets for the 24th&nbsp;season in organizational history are on sale now. Season Tickets for the 2023-2024 regular season are currently available and may be purchased by contacting a member of the Storm Sales Team. Season Ticket Holders will receive free tickets for the Storm’s home preseason game against the Omaha Lancers on Saturday, September 16th. The tickets will be available for Season Ticket Holders on the night of the game. Ticket prices for the Storm’s preseason home game at the Viaero Center are $10 for Adults, and $8 for Kids in all areas of the venue except for glass. First Row Glass Seats will cost $15 for Adults, and $10 for Kids for the home preseason game.Today’s exhibition game is set to begin at&nbsp;1:30pm&nbsp;CT and will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/tri-city-storm/" target="_blank">Storm Radio</a>. Tickets to home games at the Viaero Center may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office during Box Office hours at 308-338-8144.

Storm set for preseason opener

🏈🏐 Thursday Night Prep Scoreboard - September 7

Bayard def. Gordon-Rushville, 25-15, 25-20, 21-25, 25-18 (3-1)

Garden County def. Minatare, 25-2, 25-13 (2-0)

Gering def. Chadron, 23-25, 20-25, 28-26, 28-26, 15-7 (3-2)

Leyton def. Banner County, 25-10, 25-10 (2-0)

Leyton def. Hemingford, 25-19, 25-18 (2-0)

Mitchell def. Kimball, 25-14, 25-20 (2-0)

Mitchell def. Potter-Dix, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22 (2-1)

Mullen def. Sandhills Valley, 25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22 (3-1)

Paxton def. Garden County, 27-25, 25-18 (2-0)

Potter-Dix def. Kimball, 25-16, 25-23 (2-0)

&nbsp; Scottsbluff def. Cheyenne Central, WY, 25-15, 25-19, 25-17 (3-0)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694026679093.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports Director🏈🏐 Thursday Night Prep Scoreboard - September 7FootballMullen 40, Sandhills Valley 18Potter-Dix 46, Hay Springs 22VolleyballBayard def. Gordon-Rushville, 25-15, 25-20, 21-25, 25-18 (3-1)Garden County def. Minatare, 25-2, 25-13 (2-0)Gering def. Chadron, 23-25, 20-25, 28-26, 28-26, 15-7 (3-2)Leyton def. Banner County, 25-10, 25-10 (2-0)Leyton def. Hemingford, 25-19, 25-18 (2-0)Mitchell def. Kimball, 25-14, 25-20 (2-0)Mitchell def. Potter-Dix, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22 (2-1)Mullen def. Sandhills Valley, 25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22 (3-1)Paxton def. Garden County, 27-25, 25-18 (2-0)Paxton def. Minatare, 25-15, 25-15 (2-0)Potter-Dix def. Kimball, 25-16, 25-23 (2-0)&nbsp; Scottsbluff def. Cheyenne Central, WY, 25-15, 25-19, 25-17 (3-0)

🏈🏐 Thursday Night Prep Scoreboard - September 7

By: Dave Collins Sports Director Updated: Saturday: 7:17 AM

🏈 Week 3 - High School Football Scoreboard

Creek Valley at Crawford - No Score Reported

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694026679093.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports Director Updated: Saturday: 7:17 AM🏈 Week 3 - High School Football ScoreboardAlliance 58, Valentine 34Mitchell 42, Chadron 14Douglas, Wyo. 40, Gering 6Scottsbluff 51, Fredrick, CO 28Sidney 56, Gordon-Rushville 14Ogallala 28, Cozad 26Hyannis 34, Hemingford 28Sioux County 20, Wauneta-Palisade 12Creek Valley at Crawford - No Score ReportedBridgeport 70, Sutherland 20Perkins County 47, Bayard 8North Platte St. Patrick's 69, Kimball 0Leyton 60, Morrill 8Garden County 43, Wallace 42

UPDATE: 🏈 Week 3 - High School Football SCOREBOARD

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

The North Platte Community College volleyball team fell 3-1 in four sets to McCook Community College Wednesday night.

The Knights started out strong. MCC captured the initial point in set one, but North Platte took the lead immediately after that, gradually growing the deficit to 16-12. McCook fought back hard and tied the game 17-17.

Jaelyn Dicke put down a kill on the next rally bringing the Knights back into the lead. A serve by EmiLee Walnofer just skimmed the net, bumping the score to 22-17 in favor of NPCC. McCook came back within two points then hit the ball out of bounds twice. North Platte won 25-22.

The back-and-forth action in the second set kept fans on the edges of their seats. MCC took the lead before the Knights tied the game 3-3. McCook pulled ahead by a point, tied again then fell behind North Platte 4-5.

NPCC continued to inch its way forward. A kill by Emily Johnson and an ace by Aubrey Grant helped the effort, bringing the score to 11-6. McCook tied things up 12-12 then went on an unstoppable run, eventually winning the set 25-14.

Drawing on the momentum, MCC also ran away with the third set for a 25-9 final score.

The Knights attempted a comeback in the fourth set but were unable to completely muscle past McCook’s offense. MCC took the lead right out of the gate, but North Platte caught up 12-12. The Knights tied the game two more times but never fully gained control. MCC rounded out the frame 25-18.

Dicke led the offense for the Knights with 13 kills. Vanessa Wood was right behind her with 11, and Johnson had seven. Grant recorded 27 assists. Dicke also went for 10 digs while Walnofer and Grant each contributed nine.

“I thought we served really well in the first set and put them out of system, which helped us in all other aspects of our game,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “We showed some fight in set four but have to be able to respond and make better adjustments.”

The loss puts North Platte at 3-11 on the season.

The Knights will compete in the Lamar Triangular this weekend in Lamar, Colo. They will play Dallas College Mountain View Campus at 3 p.m. Saturday and follow that up with a match against Lamar Community College at 5 p.m.

The most up-to-date information about NPCC athletics can be found online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npccknights.com/" target="_blank">npccknights.com</a>.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsThe North Platte Community College volleyball team fell 3-1 in four sets to McCook Community College Wednesday night.The Knights started out strong. MCC captured the initial point in set one, but North Platte took the lead immediately after that, gradually growing the deficit to 16-12. McCook fought back hard and tied the game 17-17.Jaelyn Dicke put down a kill on the next rally bringing the Knights back into the lead. A serve by EmiLee Walnofer just skimmed the net, bumping the score to 22-17 in favor of NPCC. McCook came back within two points then hit the ball out of bounds twice. North Platte won 25-22.The back-and-forth action in the second set kept fans on the edges of their seats. MCC took the lead before the Knights tied the game 3-3. McCook pulled ahead by a point, tied again then fell behind North Platte 4-5.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694091968131.jpeg" alt="EmiLee Walnofer " />
 <figcaption>EmiLee Walnofer </figcaption>
 </figure>NPCC continued to inch its way forward. A kill by Emily Johnson and an ace by Aubrey Grant helped the effort, bringing the score to 11-6. McCook tied things up 12-12 then went on an unstoppable run, eventually winning the set 25-14.Drawing on the momentum, MCC also ran away with the third set for a 25-9 final score.The Knights attempted a comeback in the fourth set but were unable to completely muscle past McCook’s offense. MCC took the lead right out of the gate, but North Platte caught up 12-12. The Knights tied the game two more times but never fully gained control. MCC rounded out the frame 25-18.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694091991386.jpeg" alt="Kathryn Folkers" />
 <figcaption>Kathryn Folkers</figcaption>
 </figure>Dicke led the offense for the Knights with 13 kills. Vanessa Wood was right behind her with 11, and Johnson had seven. Grant recorded 27 assists. Dicke also went for 10 digs while Walnofer and Grant each contributed nine.“I thought we served really well in the first set and put them out of system, which helped us in all other aspects of our game,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “We showed some fight in set four but have to be able to respond and make better adjustments.”The loss puts North Platte at 3-11 on the season.The Knights will compete in the Lamar Triangular this weekend in Lamar, Colo. They will play Dallas College Mountain View Campus at 3 p.m. Saturday and follow that up with a match against Lamar Community College at 5 p.m.The most up-to-date information about NPCC athletics can be found online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npccknights.com/" target="_blank">npccknights.com</a>.

Knights drop match to McCook

The No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team claimed a 3-1 (25-9, 25-13, 23-25, 25-20) win over No. 16 Creighton on Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 8,656, a Bob Devaney Sports Center record crowd since the arena was reconfigured for volleyball in 2013.

Merritt Beason had a team-high 17 kills with seven digs and three blocks, and Lindsay Krause finished with 12 kills on .478 hitting with three blocks. The Huskers (6-0) hit .305 for the match and held the Bluejays (5-2) to .109 on the night.&nbsp;

NU had a 52-42 advantage in kills and 10-3 advantage in blocks. The Huskers also served four more aces (6-2) and made four fewer errors.&nbsp;

Harper Murray totaled 10 kills, and Bekka Allick had seven kills on .600 hitting. Andi Jackson chipped in five kills and six blocks.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly tallied 42 assists with 11 digs and a pair of aces. Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 14 digs, and Laney Choboy had 10 digs and three aces.&nbsp;

Creighton's Destiny Ndam-Simpson had 13 kills stepping in for 2022 Big East Player of the Year Norah Sis, who was out with an injury.&nbsp;

Set 1: Leading 6-5, the Huskers outscored the Bluejays 19-4 the rest of the way to win 25-9. Krause started the run with a kill, and three Creighton errors followed by a Choboy ace made it 12-5 NU. Beason added a kill before an ace by Maisie Boesiger, and a kill by Murray and ace by Reilly increased the Huskers' lead to 19-7. NU scored the final four points of the set with a kill by Krause and blocks by Jackson and Beason and Jackson and Krause. NU held CU to -.290 hitting in the opening frame.&nbsp;

Set 2: The Huskers scored the first four points if the second set with two kills by Beason. Creighton got within one, but Nebraska gained some separation with kills by Allick and Jackson to go up 8-5. Jackson tacked on two more kills, and Murray and Beason followed to make it 12-8 Huskers. Allick smacked three straight kills, and the Huskers took a 15-9 lead into the media timeout. Krause and Jackson posted three more kills as the Husker lead went to eight, 20-12. Choboy served her second ace, Murray had two kills and Jackson and Reilly posted NU's seventh block as the Huskers finished the set off, 25-13. Nebraska hit .429 in set two, while Creighton hit .121.&nbsp;

Set 3: Creighton came out fighting in set three and held a 15-14 lead at the media timeout. Krause terminated out of the break, but the Jays went up 17-15 after a kill and an out-of-rotation call on the Big Red. Murray put down a kill, but Creighton got a kill and a Husker hitting error to build the lead to three, 19-16. The Bluejays went up four, 22-18, but a service error and a block by Krause and Jackson cut the lead in half. Another pair of kills by Krause cut it to 23-22, but Kendra Wait dumped a ball to the floor for set point, 24-22. Krause came up big for the Huskers once again with her 10th kill to make it 24-23, but Ava Martin put the set away for the Jays, 25-23. It was the Huskers' first dropped set of the season. NU was the last NCAA Division I team to lose a set this season.&nbsp;

Set 4: Beason, Allick and Krause began the set with kills to help NU to a 4-1 lead. Creighton rallied to get even at 8-8, but the next three points went to the Huskers with Beason tallying a kill, and Murray and Allick combining for a block. Murray added another kill, and Reilly served an ace to put the Huskers up 14-10. After a timeout, Murray sent a free ball over that fell to the floor for a 15-10 lead. Two more kills by Beason pushed the lead to six, 17-11, and her 17th kill of the match made it 21-15. The Huskers closed out the match with a 25-20 victory.&nbsp;

Up Next: Nebraska hosts Long Beach State at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team claimed a 3-1 (25-9, 25-13, 23-25, 25-20) win over No. 16 Creighton on Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 8,656, a Bob Devaney Sports Center record crowd since the arena was reconfigured for volleyball in 2013.Merritt Beason had a team-high 17 kills with seven digs and three blocks, and Lindsay Krause finished with 12 kills on .478 hitting with three blocks. The Huskers (6-0) hit .305 for the match and held the Bluejays (5-2) to .109 on the night.&nbsp;NU had a 52-42 advantage in kills and 10-3 advantage in blocks. The Huskers also served four more aces (6-2) and made four fewer errors.&nbsp;Harper Murray totaled 10 kills, and Bekka Allick had seven kills on .600 hitting. Andi Jackson chipped in five kills and six blocks.&nbsp;Bergen Reilly tallied 42 assists with 11 digs and a pair of aces. Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 14 digs, and Laney Choboy had 10 digs and three aces.&nbsp;Creighton's Destiny Ndam-Simpson had 13 kills stepping in for 2022 Big East Player of the Year Norah Sis, who was out with an injury.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694091873647.jpeg" alt="Beason vs Creighton" />
 <figcaption>Beason vs Creighton</figcaption>
 </figure>Set 1: Leading 6-5, the Huskers outscored the Bluejays 19-4 the rest of the way to win 25-9. Krause started the run with a kill, and three Creighton errors followed by a Choboy ace made it 12-5 NU. Beason added a kill before an ace by Maisie Boesiger, and a kill by Murray and ace by Reilly increased the Huskers' lead to 19-7. NU scored the final four points of the set with a kill by Krause and blocks by Jackson and Beason and Jackson and Krause. NU held CU to -.290 hitting in the opening frame.&nbsp;Set 2: The Huskers scored the first four points if the second set with two kills by Beason. Creighton got within one, but Nebraska gained some separation with kills by Allick and Jackson to go up 8-5. Jackson tacked on two more kills, and Murray and Beason followed to make it 12-8 Huskers. Allick smacked three straight kills, and the Huskers took a 15-9 lead into the media timeout. Krause and Jackson posted three more kills as the Husker lead went to eight, 20-12. Choboy served her second ace, Murray had two kills and Jackson and Reilly posted NU's seventh block as the Huskers finished the set off, 25-13. Nebraska hit .429 in set two, while Creighton hit .121.&nbsp;Set 3: Creighton came out fighting in set three and held a 15-14 lead at the media timeout. Krause terminated out of the break, but the Jays went up 17-15 after a kill and an out-of-rotation call on the Big Red. Murray put down a kill, but Creighton got a kill and a Husker hitting error to build the lead to three, 19-16. The Bluejays went up four, 22-18, but a service error and a block by Krause and Jackson cut the lead in half. Another pair of kills by Krause cut it to 23-22, but Kendra Wait dumped a ball to the floor for set point, 24-22. Krause came up big for the Huskers once again with her 10th kill to make it 24-23, but Ava Martin put the set away for the Jays, 25-23. It was the Huskers' first dropped set of the season. NU was the last NCAA Division I team to lose a set this season.&nbsp;Set 4: Beason, Allick and Krause began the set with kills to help NU to a 4-1 lead. Creighton rallied to get even at 8-8, but the next three points went to the Huskers with Beason tallying a kill, and Murray and Allick combining for a block. Murray added another kill, and Reilly served an ace to put the Huskers up 14-10. After a timeout, Murray sent a free ball over that fell to the floor for a 15-10 lead. Two more kills by Beason pushed the lead to six, 17-11, and her 17th kill of the match made it 21-15. The Huskers closed out the match with a 25-20 victory.&nbsp;Up Next: Nebraska hosts Long Beach State at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Huskers win in-state battle with Bluejays, 3-1

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

A week after taking a part in a world record for attendance at a women's sporting event, the now 10th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team got back the Division II regular season match attendance record Wednesday night against Peru State.&nbsp;A crowd of 4,003 bests the 3,888 fans that watched Alaska-Anchorage sweep visiting Central Washington last November. That tally had beaten UNK's record of 3,520, set in 1996 vs. Nebraska-Omaha.&nbsp;"Sitting on the bench before the match with Coach (Samantha) Hammond, I said 'The last time I looked around and saw this you were playing," said head coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;and referring to the 2005 NCAA Elite Eight. "It was a lot like that…the lines going out the door. I normally stay in my office until about 10 or 15 minutes before game time but three or four times, I peeked through a side door to see what was happening.”&nbsp;This is the 35th all-time Loper crowd of at least 2,000 with UNK and the Health &amp; Sports Center now having the top four crowds in D2 history (regular season and postseason included; see below).&nbsp;"You never just never know. I was hopeful…when I saw the line and people were getting here a little bit early, I knew we had a chance," said Squiers. "Unbelievable and hats off to Loper Nation. They were competitive enough to want to be number one (again) and we are."&nbsp;For the first time since the 2007 NCAA Central Regional, action was played at center court instead of the usual horseshoe environment.&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/peru-state/boxscore/7533" target="_blank">An excited and boisterous crowd watched the Bobcats (5-5) battled the Lopers (5-0) in each set</a>. Both teams used its bench liberally, Peru sending 16 players onto the court and UNK using 17. Per NAIA rules, this was an exhibition match for the 'Cats.&nbsp;"A lot of our fans were in Lincoln (last Wednesday) and they just love volleyball. We called on them and they responded," said Squiers. "This was the first opportunity (to get the record back) and we wanted to take full advantage of this being the home opener."&nbsp;UNK out hit PSC by a .239-.000 margin while also serving up nine aces and recording six blocks. Peru did have three stuffs, three aces and took advantage of 16 unforced Loper attack errors.&nbsp;The Blue &amp; Gold needed veterans&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;(North Platte) and&nbsp;Lauren Taubeheim&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) to enter the match in the third set with the score 18-13 in favor of Peru. UNK promptly closed on a 12-3 run with a Taubenheim ace starting the big spurt.&nbsp;"Five matches into the season and it already feels like we've done some amazing things but we still got most of it left," said Squiers. "Some really interesting and lasting experiences that I think our student-athletes will remember forever."&nbsp;Nine Lopers were between three-nine seven kills with David City right side&nbsp;Lauren Vandenberg&nbsp;and Kansas sophomore&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;tied for the lead. Next, Neff (21) and Henderson junior&nbsp;Rhianna Wilhelm&nbsp;(13) combined for 34 aces with Minden redshirt junior&nbsp;Jensen Rowse&nbsp;having team-bests in aces (three) and digs (10). Finally, Vandenberg and Dannebrog middle&nbsp;Sydney Davis&nbsp;had two blocks apiece.&nbsp;Peru was paced by libero Chantal Paniagua (10 digs) and Papillion freshman Shealie Wiebers (seven kills).&nbsp;UNK heads to Colorado Springs tomorrow and has two matches both Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;Attendance Numbers

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsA week after taking a part in a world record for attendance at a women's sporting event, the now 10th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team got back the Division II regular season match attendance record Wednesday night against Peru State.&nbsp;A crowd of 4,003 bests the 3,888 fans that watched Alaska-Anchorage sweep visiting Central Washington last November. That tally had beaten UNK's record of 3,520, set in 1996 vs. Nebraska-Omaha.&nbsp;"Sitting on the bench before the match with Coach (Samantha) Hammond, I said 'The last time I looked around and saw this you were playing," said head coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;and referring to the 2005 NCAA Elite Eight. "It was a lot like that…the lines going out the door. I normally stay in my office until about 10 or 15 minutes before game time but three or four times, I peeked through a side door to see what was happening.”&nbsp;This is the 35th all-time Loper crowd of at least 2,000 with UNK and the Health &amp; Sports Center now having the top four crowds in D2 history (regular season and postseason included; see below).&nbsp;"You never just never know. I was hopeful…when I saw the line and people were getting here a little bit early, I knew we had a chance," said Squiers. "Unbelievable and hats off to Loper Nation. They were competitive enough to want to be number one (again) and we are."&nbsp;For the first time since the 2007 NCAA Central Regional, action was played at center court instead of the usual horseshoe environment.&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/peru-state/boxscore/7533" target="_blank">An excited and boisterous crowd watched the Bobcats (5-5) battled the Lopers (5-0) in each set</a>. Both teams used its bench liberally, Peru sending 16 players onto the court and UNK using 17. Per NAIA rules, this was an exhibition match for the 'Cats.&nbsp;"A lot of our fans were in Lincoln (last Wednesday) and they just love volleyball. We called on them and they responded," said Squiers. "This was the first opportunity (to get the record back) and we wanted to take full advantage of this being the home opener."&nbsp;UNK out hit PSC by a .239-.000 margin while also serving up nine aces and recording six blocks. Peru did have three stuffs, three aces and took advantage of 16 unforced Loper attack errors.&nbsp;The Blue &amp; Gold needed veterans&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;(North Platte) and&nbsp;Lauren Taubeheim&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) to enter the match in the third set with the score 18-13 in favor of Peru. UNK promptly closed on a 12-3 run with a Taubenheim ace starting the big spurt.&nbsp;"Five matches into the season and it already feels like we've done some amazing things but we still got most of it left," said Squiers. "Some really interesting and lasting experiences that I think our student-athletes will remember forever."&nbsp;Nine Lopers were between three-nine seven kills with David City right side&nbsp;Lauren Vandenberg&nbsp;and Kansas sophomore&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;tied for the lead. Next, Neff (21) and Henderson junior&nbsp;Rhianna Wilhelm&nbsp;(13) combined for 34 aces with Minden redshirt junior&nbsp;Jensen Rowse&nbsp;having team-bests in aces (three) and digs (10). Finally, Vandenberg and Dannebrog middle&nbsp;Sydney Davis&nbsp;had two blocks apiece.&nbsp;Peru was paced by libero Chantal Paniagua (10 digs) and Papillion freshman Shealie Wiebers (seven kills).&nbsp;UNK heads to Colorado Springs tomorrow and has two matches both Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;Attendance Numbers<ol>
 <li>Grand Valley State (12/3/05) ... 5,025 - NCAA National Championship&nbsp;(Overall Division II record)</li><li>Truman State (12/1/05) ... 4,412 – NCAA National Quarterfinal</li><li>Cal State Los Angeles (12/2/05) ...&nbsp;4,331 – NCAA National Semifinal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Peru State (9/6/23) ...&nbsp;4,033&nbsp;(New Division II regular season record)</li><li>Central Washington @ Alaska-Anchorage (11/5/22) ...&nbsp;3,888&nbsp;(Old Division II regular season record)</li><li>Nebraska-Omaha (10/15/96) ... 3,520&nbsp;(Division II record regular season record from 1996-2022)</li>
 </ol>

Lopers make history

The North Platte Community College softball team pocketed over $2,100 from its glow ball golf tournament Saturday.

A total of 23 teams attended the fundraiser at the Oregon Trail Golf Course south of Sutherland. Proceeds were split with Sutherland athletics.

Activities included a dinner, silent auction, costume contests and the tournament. The costume winners were:

The tournament winners were: Hallei and Molly Morales and Scott and Josh Furrow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694031878527.jpeg" alt="Lane Swedberg, Erika Schmidt and Amy Sabatka participate in the Glow Ball fundraiser for North Platte Community College Softball and Sutherland athletics Saturday at the Oregon Trail Golf Course. " />
 <figcaption>Lane Swedberg, Erika Schmidt and Amy Sabatka participate in the Glow Ball fundraiser for North Platte Community College Softball and Sutherland athletics Saturday at the Oregon Trail Golf Course. </figcaption>
 </figure>Heather Johnson MPCCThe North Platte Community College softball team pocketed over $2,100 from its glow ball golf tournament Saturday.A total of 23 teams attended the fundraiser at the Oregon Trail Golf Course south of Sutherland. Proceeds were split with Sutherland athletics.Activities included a dinner, silent auction, costume contests and the tournament. The costume winners were:<ul>
 <li>Best Dressed Team: Lane Swedberg and Amy Sabatka</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Best Decorated Cart: Brandi Janecek and Logan Ceballos</li>
 </ul>The tournament winners were: Hallei and Molly Morales and Scott and Josh Furrow.

Glow ball tourney yields over $2,100 for NPCC Softball

Arthur County def. Creek Valley, 25-11, 25-20 (2-0)

Bertrand def. Medicine Valley, 25-21, 25-16, 26-24 (3-0)

Bridgeport def. Garden County, 25-15, 21-25, 25-12 (2-1)

Cambridge def. Dundy County Stratton, 25-12, 25-9 (2-0)

Cambridge def. North Platte St. Patrick's, 25-11, 25-11 (2-0)

Chase County def. Yuma, CO, 25-17, 25-15, 25-12 (3-0)

Gering def. North Platte, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20 (3-0)

Hershey def. Cozad, 25-17, 25-11, 25-11 (3-0)

Hitchcock County def. Perkins County, 24-26, 25-23, 25-16 (2-1)

Maywood-Hayes Center def. Arapahoe, 25-23, 29-27 (2-0)

North Platte St. Patrick's def. Dundy County Stratton, 25-8, 25-12 (2-0)

Ogallala def. McCook, 25-12, 25-13, 25-16 (3-0)

Paxton def. Brady, 25-20, 25-22, 26-24 (3-0)

Wallace def. Hitchcock County, 25-19, 25-12 (2-0)

Wallace def. Perkins County, 25-22, 25-17 (2-0)

<h2>Softball</h2>Aurora 7, Cozad 3Central City 10, Gothenburg 1GICC 13, Hershey 2Gering 5, Chadron 2Gothenburg 6, NEN 3HWY 6 12, Hershey 4Hastings St. Cecilia 4, North Platte 2Wray, CO 12, Chase County 1Wray, CO 13, Chase County 2&nbsp;<h2>Volleyball</h2>Arthur County def. Creek Valley, 25-11, 25-20 (2-0)Bertrand def. Medicine Valley, 25-21, 25-16, 26-24 (3-0)Bridgeport def. Garden County, 25-15, 21-25, 25-12 (2-1)Cambridge def. Dundy County Stratton, 25-12, 25-9 (2-0)Cambridge def. North Platte St. Patrick's, 25-11, 25-11 (2-0)Chase County def. Yuma, CO, 25-17, 25-15, 25-12 (3-0)Gering def. North Platte, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20 (3-0)Hershey def. Cozad, 25-17, 25-11, 25-11 (3-0)Hitchcock County def. Perkins County, 24-26, 25-23, 25-16 (2-1)Maywood-Hayes Center def. Arapahoe, 25-23, 29-27 (2-0)North Platte St. Patrick's def. Dundy County Stratton, 25-8, 25-12 (2-0)Ogallala def. McCook, 25-12, 25-13, 25-16 (3-0)Paxton def. Brady, 25-20, 25-22, 26-24 (3-0)Wallace def. Hitchcock County, 25-19, 25-12 (2-0)Wallace def. Perkins County, 25-22, 25-17 (2-0)

Area sports scores for September 5th

The Nebraska women’s soccer team is ranked No. 24 in the United Soccer Coaches and the Top Drawer Soccer polls, as this week’s rankings were announced Tuesday.

The Huskers are off to their best start since 2000, as the Huskers are undefeated through the first six games of the season. NU has outscored its opponents 22-4 with three shoutouts.

Senior Eleanor Dale, this week’s Big Ten Offensive and Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Week, leads the conference in goals (8), game-winning finishes (4), points (18), shots (32) and shots on goal (16). Additionally, Dale is currently tied for first in the country in game-winners, third in goals and fourth in shots per game (5.33).

As a team, the Huskers are fifth in the nation in shots per game, as they are averaging 22.33, and the team is tied for ninth in the country in total goals, which is also the most to start the season since 2011.

This is the first time NU has been ranked since the 2018 season where they were No. 22. That team finished 9-7-5 and 5-3-3 in conference play, falling in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.

United Soccer Coaches Top 25 (Sept. 5)

1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BYU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stanford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UCLA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida State

6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Penn State&nbsp;

7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas&nbsp;&nbsp;

8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Clara&nbsp;&nbsp;

9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clemson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Notre Dame&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgetown

14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memphis&nbsp;&nbsp;

17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Southern California&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Northwestern&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xavier&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburgh

23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gonzaga&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska&nbsp;

25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TCU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida State

2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stanford

3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BYU

4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Penn State

5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina

6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UCLA

7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia

8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Notre Dame

9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina

10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas

11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburgh

12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke

13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Clara

14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgetown

15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama

16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; USC

17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memphis

18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texas

19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xavier

20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TCU

21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saint Louis

22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Providence

23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brown

24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska

25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington State

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women’s soccer team is ranked No. 24 in the United Soccer Coaches and the Top Drawer Soccer polls, as this week’s rankings were announced Tuesday.The Huskers are off to their best start since 2000, as the Huskers are undefeated through the first six games of the season. NU has outscored its opponents 22-4 with three shoutouts.Senior Eleanor Dale, this week’s Big Ten Offensive and Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Week, leads the conference in goals (8), game-winning finishes (4), points (18), shots (32) and shots on goal (16). Additionally, Dale is currently tied for first in the country in game-winners, third in goals and fourth in shots per game (5.33).As a team, the Huskers are fifth in the nation in shots per game, as they are averaging 22.33, and the team is tied for ninth in the country in total goals, which is also the most to start the season since 2011.This is the first time NU has been ranked since the 2018 season where they were No. 22. That team finished 9-7-5 and 5-3-3 in conference play, falling in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.United Soccer Coaches Top 25 (Sept. 5)1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BYU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stanford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UCLA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida State6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Penn State&nbsp;7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas&nbsp;&nbsp;8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Clara&nbsp;&nbsp;9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clemson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Notre Dame&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgetown14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memphis&nbsp;&nbsp;17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Southern California&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Northwestern&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xavier&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburgh23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gonzaga&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska&nbsp;25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TCU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Top Drawer Soccer Poll1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida State2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stanford3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BYU4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Penn State5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UCLA7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Notre Dame9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburgh12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Clara14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgetown15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; USC17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memphis18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texas19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xavier20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TCU21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saint Louis22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Providence23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brown24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington State

Huskers break into top 25

Senior Eleanor Dale earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week recognition, announced by the conference on Tuesday.

Dale scored four goals this past week, including two game-winners, in the Huskers’ shutouts over Missouri (5-0) and Kansas State (4-0). Dale netted two goals in the first half against both the Tigers and the Wildcats.

Overall, she currently leads the Big Ten in goals (8), game-winning goals (4), points (18), shots (32) and shots on goal (16). Additionally, Dale is currently tied for first in the country in game-winners, third in goals and fourth in shots per game (5.33).

This week’s conference honor marks the first Husker to earn Offensive Player of the Week since Faith Carter received the nod on Sept. 25, 2018. This recognition is the first overall weekly award of the season, and first since Sami Hauk (Goalkeeper of the Week) and forward Abbey Schwarz (Freshman of the Week) won their respective awards in 2021.

The Huskers, who are 5-0-1, enter this week’s home matches against UC Davis and Saint Louis on a six-match unbeaten streak.

NU battles the Aggies on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. (CT) before Sunday's tilt against the Billikens at 1:50 p.m. (CT). Both matches will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

2023 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players of the Week&nbsp;&nbsp;

Aug. 22O: Megan Nemec, MinnesotaD: Cori Dyke, Penn StateCo-GK: Katheine Asman, Penn StateCo-GK: Erin McKinney, WisconsinF: Ella Ottey, Wisconsin

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior Eleanor Dale earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week recognition, announced by the conference on Tuesday.Dale scored four goals this past week, including two game-winners, in the Huskers’ shutouts over Missouri (5-0) and Kansas State (4-0). Dale netted two goals in the first half against both the Tigers and the Wildcats.Overall, she currently leads the Big Ten in goals (8), game-winning goals (4), points (18), shots (32) and shots on goal (16). Additionally, Dale is currently tied for first in the country in game-winners, third in goals and fourth in shots per game (5.33).This week’s conference honor marks the first Husker to earn Offensive Player of the Week since Faith Carter received the nod on Sept. 25, 2018. This recognition is the first overall weekly award of the season, and first since Sami Hauk (Goalkeeper of the Week) and forward Abbey Schwarz (Freshman of the Week) won their respective awards in 2021.The Huskers, who are 5-0-1, enter this week’s home matches against UC Davis and Saint Louis on a six-match unbeaten streak.NU battles the Aggies on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. (CT) before Sunday's tilt against the Billikens at 1:50 p.m. (CT). Both matches will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.2023 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players of the Week&nbsp;&nbsp;Aug. 22O: Megan Nemec, MinnesotaD: Cori Dyke, Penn StateCo-GK: Katheine Asman, Penn StateCo-GK: Erin McKinney, WisconsinF: Ella Ottey, WisconsinAug. 29O: Josie Aulicino, NorthwesternD: Lauren Costello, IndianaGK: Erin McKinney, WisconsinF: Piper Coffield, IndianaSept. 5O: Eleanor Dale, NebraskaD: Samantha Cary, IowaGK: Megan Plaschko, MinnesotaF: Kennedy Bell, Maryland

Dale named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

Basketball and music come together to start the 2023-24 season as the Husker programs will celebrate Opening Night with Husker Hoops on Friday, Sept. 29.

The free event gives Husker fans their first opportunity to see the 2023-24 Nebraska men’s and women’s basketball programs while Epic Records recording artist DGG will perform to close the event’s festivities.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. with PBA doors opening at 6 p.m. that evening. The event will feature introductions of both the Husker men and women’s squads, remarks from Head Coaches Fred Hoiberg and Amy Williams, practices from both programs, contests with members of both programs and more.

Fans can start registering for tickets on Huskers.com/Tickets beginning on&nbsp;Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a limit of four tickets per person. In addition, a limited number of premium student seats will be held for 2023-24 RedZone season-ticket holders, and information on how to reserve tickets for the event will be communicated directly to student season-ticket holders.

DDG is a rapper, singer and YouTuber who also founded his own record label, Zooted Music, in 2020. Since his rise, he's gained 1 billion streams and has worked with G-Eazy and Lil Yachty. His single “Moonwalking in Calabasas" went double platinum and has gained over 200 million streams. In 2022, DDG was recognized by Forbes on its 30 Under 30 List, honoring young entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and entertainers making a difference in their chosen field.

“Opening Night is something that our players and staff look forward to every year,” Nebraska Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “It’s a chance to get our guys under the lights at PBA and practice in front of our fans and allows our players to showcase their personalities. This group has worked extremely hard all summer, and I know they are anxious to be in front of our fans.”

“We are so excited to get back into Pinnacle Bank Arena for Opening Night with Huskers fans,” Nebraska Women’s Basketball Coach Amy Williams said. “We are looking forward to a competitive season and it all starts on the 29th."

The Husker men welcome back five of its top eight scorers from a team that went 16-16 and won six of its final eight Big Ten contests in 2022-23. The group is headlined by senior All-Big Ten guard Keisei Tominaga, who represented his native Japan in the FIBA World Cup. NU also welcomes back three other players who made at least 12 starts in 2022-23 in Juwan Gary, C.J. Wilcher and Jamarques Lawrence. Nebraska adds seven recruits (five transfers and two freshmen) including one of the nation’s top transfer classes. NU’s transfer class is a five-player group which includes all-conference performers Jarron Coleman (Ball State), Rienk Mast (Bradley) and Brice Williams (Charlotte).

All-Big Ten guard Jaz Shelley and All-Big Ten center Alexis Markowski lead the Nebraska women’s basketball team into the 2023-24 season. The Big Red also welcome the return of starters Allison Weidner and Maddie Krull, along with veterans Annika Stewart, Kendall Moriarty, Kendall Coley and Callin Hake. Coach Amy Williams’ Huskers will be bolstered in their pursuit of a fourth consecutive postseason tournament appearance by graduate transfer guard Darian White along with freshmen Logan Nissley, Jessica Petrie and Natalie Potts.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsBasketball and music come together to start the 2023-24 season as the Husker programs will celebrate Opening Night with Husker Hoops on Friday, Sept. 29.The free event gives Husker fans their first opportunity to see the 2023-24 Nebraska men’s and women’s basketball programs while Epic Records recording artist DGG will perform to close the event’s festivities.The event will begin at 7 p.m. with PBA doors opening at 6 p.m. that evening. The event will feature introductions of both the Husker men and women’s squads, remarks from Head Coaches Fred Hoiberg and Amy Williams, practices from both programs, contests with members of both programs and more.Fans can start registering for tickets on Huskers.com/Tickets beginning on&nbsp;Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a limit of four tickets per person. In addition, a limited number of premium student seats will be held for 2023-24 RedZone season-ticket holders, and information on how to reserve tickets for the event will be communicated directly to student season-ticket holders.DDG is a rapper, singer and YouTuber who also founded his own record label, Zooted Music, in 2020. Since his rise, he's gained 1 billion streams and has worked with G-Eazy and Lil Yachty. His single “Moonwalking in Calabasas" went double platinum and has gained over 200 million streams. In 2022, DDG was recognized by Forbes on its 30 Under 30 List, honoring young entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and entertainers making a difference in their chosen field.“Opening Night is something that our players and staff look forward to every year,” Nebraska Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “It’s a chance to get our guys under the lights at PBA and practice in front of our fans and allows our players to showcase their personalities. This group has worked extremely hard all summer, and I know they are anxious to be in front of our fans.”“We are so excited to get back into Pinnacle Bank Arena for Opening Night with Huskers fans,” Nebraska Women’s Basketball Coach Amy Williams said. “We are looking forward to a competitive season and it all starts on the 29th."The Husker men welcome back five of its top eight scorers from a team that went 16-16 and won six of its final eight Big Ten contests in 2022-23. The group is headlined by senior All-Big Ten guard Keisei Tominaga, who represented his native Japan in the FIBA World Cup. NU also welcomes back three other players who made at least 12 starts in 2022-23 in Juwan Gary, C.J. Wilcher and Jamarques Lawrence. Nebraska adds seven recruits (five transfers and two freshmen) including one of the nation’s top transfer classes. NU’s transfer class is a five-player group which includes all-conference performers Jarron Coleman (Ball State), Rienk Mast (Bradley) and Brice Williams (Charlotte).All-Big Ten guard Jaz Shelley and All-Big Ten center Alexis Markowski lead the Nebraska women’s basketball team into the 2023-24 season. The Big Red also welcome the return of starters Allison Weidner and Maddie Krull, along with veterans Annika Stewart, Kendall Moriarty, Kendall Coley and Callin Hake. Coach Amy Williams’ Huskers will be bolstered in their pursuit of a fourth consecutive postseason tournament appearance by graduate transfer guard Darian White along with freshmen Logan Nissley, Jessica Petrie and Natalie Potts.

Opening night with Husker hoops set for Sept. 29

Coach Rhule sat with the media to discuss the upcoming opponent Colorado

The 16th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team got past St. Martin's College (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/saint-martins-wa-/boxscore/7537" target="_blank">-20, 24-26, -15, -16</a>) and Westminster College (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/saint-martins-wa-/boxscore/7538" target="_blank">-18, -18, -12</a>) Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah.The Lopers finished the weekend 4-0 at the Westminster Invitational presented by UFirst Credit Union.Against the Saints from Lacey, Wash. (2-2), UNK got 18 kills from Alliance outside&nbsp;Emersen Cyza&nbsp;and 11 more from Lincoln graduate&nbsp;Jaden Ferguson.&nbsp;The Lopers had advantages in blocks (13.5-9), digs (66-54) and hitting percentage (.269-.106) while the Saints served up eight aces.They finished the second set on a 5-3 run that featured an ace and a UNK service error. The Lopers righted the ship by getting out to 15-5 lead in the third set. Finally, Georgia senior libero&nbsp;Celeste Friesen&nbsp;had 23 digs, one assist and posted a .909 serve receive percentage.Against the host Griffins (1-3), UNK hit .345 and had seven different players record a kill. Kansas outside&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;(13) and Ferguson (10) led the way with Minden senior DS&nbsp;Jensen Rowse&nbsp;at 13 digs and going 11 for 11 in serve receive. Finally, Colorado sophomore middle&nbsp;Trista Marx&nbsp;had seven kills, and hit .385.UNK hosts Peru State on Wednesday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsThe 16th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team got past St. Martin's College (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/saint-martins-wa-/boxscore/7537" target="_blank">-20, 24-26, -15, -16</a>) and Westminster College (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/saint-martins-wa-/boxscore/7538" target="_blank">-18, -18, -12</a>) Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah.The Lopers finished the weekend 4-0 at the Westminster Invitational presented by UFirst Credit Union.Against the Saints from Lacey, Wash. (2-2), UNK got 18 kills from Alliance outside&nbsp;Emersen Cyza&nbsp;and 11 more from Lincoln graduate&nbsp;Jaden Ferguson.&nbsp;The Lopers had advantages in blocks (13.5-9), digs (66-54) and hitting percentage (.269-.106) while the Saints served up eight aces.They finished the second set on a 5-3 run that featured an ace and a UNK service error. The Lopers righted the ship by getting out to 15-5 lead in the third set. Finally, Georgia senior libero&nbsp;Celeste Friesen&nbsp;had 23 digs, one assist and posted a .909 serve receive percentage.Against the host Griffins (1-3), UNK hit .345 and had seven different players record a kill. Kansas outside&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;(13) and Ferguson (10) led the way with Minden senior DS&nbsp;Jensen Rowse&nbsp;at 13 digs and going 11 for 11 in serve receive. Finally, Colorado sophomore middle&nbsp;Trista Marx&nbsp;had seven kills, and hit .385.UNK hosts Peru State on Wednesday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UNK hosts Peru State on Wednesday night

The No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team rolled on with its fifth straight sweep to start the season after a 25-21, 25-15, 25-19 win over Kansas State in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,044 at the new Morgan Family Arena.&nbsp;

The Huskers (5-0) hit .277 and held Kansas State to .056 hitting for the match. Merritt Beason had 10 kills and six blocks to lead the Big Red. Eight of her kills came in the first set. Andi Jackson also had 10 kills and hit .750 to go with five blocks.&nbsp;

Lindsay Krause added nine kills and four blocks, and Harper Murray had nine kills.&nbsp;

The Huskers finished with 12 blocks in the match. Bekka Allick had a team-high seven.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly had 29 assists and 12 digs, and Lexi Rodriguez added 11 digs.&nbsp;

Nebraska had 42 kills to 31 for Kansas State. The Huskers also had advantages in digs (46-36) and blocks (12-7).&nbsp;

Aliyah Carter led Kansas State (4-1) with nine kills.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;Kansas State took an 11-9 lead, but a kill by Krause and back-to-back blocks by Krause and Jackson put the Huskers up 12-11. Jackson and Beason then made it three blocks in a row for a 13-11 Husker lead. Jackson terminated and Beason served an ace to put NU up 15-12 at the media timeout. The Huskers led 17-14, but two kills by Carter and an ace by Izzi Szulczewski tied the score at 17-17. Beason recorded two kills in a row to put NU back up 19-17. A pair of kills by Murray kept NU in front, 21-18, and the Huskers won a lengthy rally with a kill by Krause to take their biggest lead of the set, 22-18. Beason added two more kills - giving her eight for the set - to make it 24-20, and Krause finished it off at 25-21 with her fourth kill.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team rolled on with its fifth straight sweep to start the season after a 25-21, 25-15, 25-19 win over Kansas State in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,044 at the new Morgan Family Arena.&nbsp;The Huskers (5-0) hit .277 and held Kansas State to .056 hitting for the match. Merritt Beason had 10 kills and six blocks to lead the Big Red. Eight of her kills came in the first set. Andi Jackson also had 10 kills and hit .750 to go with five blocks.&nbsp;Lindsay Krause added nine kills and four blocks, and Harper Murray had nine kills.&nbsp;The Huskers finished with 12 blocks in the match. Bekka Allick had a team-high seven.&nbsp;Bergen Reilly had 29 assists and 12 digs, and Lexi Rodriguez added 11 digs.&nbsp;Nebraska had 42 kills to 31 for Kansas State. The Huskers also had advantages in digs (46-36) and blocks (12-7).&nbsp;Aliyah Carter led Kansas State (4-1) with nine kills.&nbsp;Set 1:&nbsp;Kansas State took an 11-9 lead, but a kill by Krause and back-to-back blocks by Krause and Jackson put the Huskers up 12-11. Jackson and Beason then made it three blocks in a row for a 13-11 Husker lead. Jackson terminated and Beason served an ace to put NU up 15-12 at the media timeout. The Huskers led 17-14, but two kills by Carter and an ace by Izzi Szulczewski tied the score at 17-17. Beason recorded two kills in a row to put NU back up 19-17. A pair of kills by Murray kept NU in front, 21-18, and the Huskers won a lengthy rally with a kill by Krause to take their biggest lead of the set, 22-18. Beason added two more kills - giving her eight for the set - to make it 24-20, and Krause finished it off at 25-21 with her fourth kill.Set 2:&nbsp;A dump by Reilly and two kills by Murray sparked the Big Red to a 5-0 start. NU led 7-1, but K-State scored a 4-0 run to pull within 7-5. Beason and Allick ended the run with a block, and Krause hit off the block and down to make it 9-5 Huskers. Jackson had a solo block and a kill as the Huskers went up 13-9. Murray posted another kill, and Beason and Allick combined on a block that had NU back up by five, 15-10. Beason tacked on her 10th kill and teamed with Allick for another block, and the Huskers were back up by six, 17-11. Kansas State cut the lead in half with a 3-0 spurt, but Krause answered for the Big Red to start a 5-0 run that made it 22-14 Huskers. With Rodriguez serving, Jackson and Krause had kills during that stretch. The Huskers held on to win 25-15, holding K-State to -.121 hitting in the second set.Set 3:&nbsp;Kansas State led throughout the early part of the set, going up 9-5 after back-to-back kills. Murray and Allick answered with kills to cut it to 9-7, but the Wildcats answered with a 3-0 run to build the lead to five, 12-7. Allick earned sideout with a kill, and Reilly served an ace before a block by Allick and Beason quickly trimmed the deficit to 12-10. The Wildcats then hit wide and called a timeout as the Huskers were suddenly within one, 12-11. NU evened the score at 13-13 after a pair of Wildcat errors and then took its first lead, 14-13, on a block by Allick and Krause. But K-State came right back with a 3-0 run to reclaim a 16-14 advantage. After a K-State service error, Krause killed a ball and Jackson sent an overpass down to the floor for a 17-16 Husker lead. A free ball led to another Krause kill and an 18-16 lead, and a K-State hitting error gave the Huskers a three-point edge, 19-16. The teams traded service errors before a kill by Murray made it 21-17 Huskers. Jackson put down back-to-back kills for a 23-18 Husker lead. Reilly and Jackson combined for a block for match point, and NU finished the job at 25-19 on Jackson's 10th kill.&nbsp;Up Next:&nbsp;The Huskers return home to face Creighton on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on BTN.&nbsp;