Nebraska Volleyball Hosts the Ameritas Players Challenge

#4 Nebraska volleyball (2-0) plays host to the Ameritas Players Challenge this weekend, Sept. 3-4, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The Huskers open Friday with Omaha (1-1) at 11 a.m., followed by Georgia (2-1) that evening at 6 p.m.

The tournament concludes Saturday with Arizona State (2-1) in a 6 p.m. finale. Nebraska’s matches vs. Omaha and Arizona State will be streamed on Big Ten Network+. The match vs. Georgia will be televised on BTN and available through its digital extension on the FOX Sports app

This weekend’s action will be carried on Huskers Radio Network with John Baylor and Lauren Cook West on the call. Huskers Radio Network will carry the matches on HRN radio affiliates, including 107.3 FM in Lincoln and AM 590 in Omaha. A live audio stream will be available at Huskers.com and on the Huskers app.

Big Ten Volleyball Rankings

You probably noticed that the Big Ten leads all conferences with seven teams in the top 25 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) preseason poll, released Monday. Big Ten schools make up half of the AVCA top 10 this week, paced by #2 Wisconsin, with #4 Nebraska, #6 Ohio State, #8 Purdue and #10 Minnesota to follow. Penn State is next at #17, while Michigan makes its season debut in the top 25 at #23. Illinois is receiving votes in the coaches’ poll for the second consecutive week.

Nebraska moved up one spot in the coaches poll after University of Washington fell to the 11 spot because they lost to Ohio State last weekend. Ohio State moved from #11 to #6 after their win.

Nebraska Volleyball

This weekend we expect to see variety in the Nebraska line up. Coach Cook reports that Nicklin Hames has practiced this week, to some extent. We will see her some, but Coach will be careful to not overextend her. The opponents this weekend provide an opportunity to grow and get better. You don’t risk the health of your starting setter during these matches.

We should also see Ally Batenhorst on the court. She had some minor injuries last weekend, but Coach will want to give her some game experience before the conference schedule starts.

Lauren Stivrins won’t be on the court in uniform but her sister, Amber Stivrins, will. Amber plays for The University of Georgia as a 6’2’’ outside hitter.

Nebraska will work on playing together as a team, no matter who is on the court. The line up changes and different players to the left or right of you can challenge a team to be smooth and seamless through the rotation. They will do this by talking more, and going after every ball. Critically, stick to the game plan and remain disciplined.