Husker Volleyball returning home instead of Final Four

The Nebraska women’s volleyball team’s road to the Final Four ended late Saturday evening with a disappointing loss to unseeded Brigham Young University. The press has dubbed BYU the Cinderella team and magic was certainly on their side Saturday evening when the Huskers were defeated in just 3 sets. If the Huskers had made it back to the Final Four, it would have been like a reunion with the same teams from 2008. ….But it wasn’t meant to be.

BYU took the first set 25-21, outhitting the Huskers .333 to .214. BYU actually leads the nation in blocks and had 5 blocks in the first set. BYU took the second set 25-20 and had 5 blocks on the Huskers again. Through two games BYU out hit Nebraska .212 to .160. And if you like defense, then this matchup was complete with stellar defensive play by both teams. BYU took the sweep, defeating the Huskers 25 to 21 with the Cougars hitting .259 for the match while the Huskers hit .178. BYU ended the night with 12 blocks while the Huskers had 8 blocks of their own.

Devaney Center (Photo Credit Elaine Menzel)

Amber Rolfzen led the Huskers in kills with 11, followed by her sister, Kadie with 10.  Kelsey Fien ended the night with 9 kills of her own. On a night when the Huskers could have used some middle slides against the tall blocking front of BYU, the Husker Middle Blockers combined for only 8 kills. And for her last match as a Husker, Mary Pollmiller ended the evening with 3 kills, 38 assists, and 12 digs.

Nebraska’s final match record at 23-10 is their worst  since 1981.  However, on the bright side the Husker volleyball team is young as they graduate only one senior, setter Mary Pollmiller.  It has been called the toughest schedule ever gave but it gave  the girls valuable experience going into next season. As much as the loss hurts, the Huskers have no reason to hang their heads. They went further in the tournament than what was ever expected and their Husker fans are very proud. I, personally, can’t wait until next season and am so proud of what they accomplished, so thank you very much ladies!! 

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The Final Four starts December 18 when #2 Texas takes on Cinderella BYU, and in a rematch of last seasons final four play, #1 Stanford is seeking to avenge last seasons final four loss against the 2013 National Champion and #5 seed Penn State.  The Championship game will be played December 20.

Will BYU’s Cinderella season be magic in Oklahoma City, or will their clock chime midnight and their ball be over as well? I think I’ll cheer for them. It might hurt a little less if they win the whole thing. Regardless, it was a tough season and I’m bummed it’s over.  Great job HUSKERS and GO BIG RED!!!