Nebraska 0 vs Wisconsin 3- 24-26, 19-25, 23-25
Wisconsin is the best offense in the Big Ten, and it was on full display tonight. Wisconsin’s hitters did everything they wanted to against the Nebraska block. Coach Cook said it right, “they have good players at every position”. Nebraska was able to limit Julia Orzol and Grace Loberg on the outside but Ann Smrek (12 kills, .647) and Dana Rettke (11 kills, .308) did damage in the middle and right side.
Nebraska also missed key opportunities. There were missed serves to start the match and Stivrins slides that were hit into the net. Odd errors that at first seemed like nerves but they never worked themselves out. The whole match was defined by missed opportunities in key moments.
There were some great rallies, and some impressive defense. Nicklin Hames played aggressive defense and Keonilei Akana had some super digs, a good night for Nebraska there. Wisconsin libero Lauren Barnes, though, played next level defense. She was in the correct position against each hitter and finished with 20 digs.
Coach Cook wants this team to get better every day. They have to take this hard learned lesson on a big stage and get better. They have to get better; right now they are not in that top tier of teams but they have shown, at times, that is in the realm of the possible. Nebraska plays at Wisconsin on November 26th, days before the NCAA tournament. So, until then.
Nebraska visits #11 Minnesota on Saturday, October 30th at Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn. First serve is set for 7 pm, and the match will be televised on Big Ten Network and streamed via its digital extension on the FOX Sports app, with Larry Punteney and Audrey Flaugh on the call. John Baylor and Lauren Cook West will also have the radio call on Huskers Radio Network.