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Nebraska 3 vs Arizona State 0 - 25-20, 25-12, 25-22
Before the match, Coach Cook felt like tough serving was key to the win. Secondarily was converting roll shots from ASU into points for NU. This evening we saw yet another new starting line up for this match with Ally Batenhorst and Lexi Sun on the left side and Whitney Lauenstein on the right side. Callie Schwarzenbach and Kayla Caffey in the middle with Nicklin Hames setting and Lexi Rodriquez as libero.
Seemed like a good group; everything was working tonight as Nebraska swept and moved to a 5-0 start, with three wins this weekend. Lauenstein was very impressive this match as she hit over blockers in a variety of shots. She hit .529 for the match. That is amazing!
Hames setting was also great tonight. She got the ball to both Caffey and Schwarzenbach in tough set situations. Caffey had 16 attempts tonight and Schwarzenbach had 8. Getting the ball to the middles makes the whole offense better, and that these two strong offensive players are in the mix is a good sign going forward.
In the back court we could feel the difference that Rodriquez, Kenzie Knuckles and Keonilei Akana make in the match. Sometimes we talk about it, but tonight, we could feel it. They made a difference in passing, serving and setting when needed.
Nebraska out dug ASU 51 to 41 digs, this has a great deal to do with Rodriquez, Knuckles and Keonilei. Coach Cook talked about these three as players as ones that he is working on getting on the court as much as he can. He sees the impact they make!
This match was certainly the best Nebraska looked all weekend, if not all season. A great way to end the tournament, and we move on to the next match with confidence.
Nebraska plays its first road match of the season, visiting Creighton on Wednesday, Sept. 8. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m. at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, and the game will be televised on FS1. John Baylor and Lauren Cook West will have the radio call on Huskers Radio Network.
Creighton beat last years national champions University of Kentucky in three sets tonight. Kentucky lost four of last years seven starters but this is still an impressive win.