CHICAGO — The Nebraska Cornhuskers showcased their resilience on Friday, sweeping DePaul in a commanding performance that ended with set scores of 25-19, 25-13, and 25-15. The match took place at WinTrust Arena, where a record crowd of 8,786 fans witnessed the top-ranked team demonstrate their depth and skill despite missing key players.
The Huskers entered the match without All-American middle blocker Andi Jackson, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during a previous match against South Dakota State. Although Jackson participated in the team’s serve-and-pass practice earlier in the day, the coaching staff opted to hold her out of the contest to ensure her recovery. In her absence, sophomore Kenna Cogill stepped up, contributing four kills and an impressive six blocks.
Another notable performance came from Teraya Sigler, who played only the first set but made a significant impact with eight kills on just ten attempts, along with two blocks. After the first set, Sigler was replaced by Skyler Pierce, who continued the momentum by serving an ace on her first point. Nebraska's offense was firing on all cylinders, hitting a season-high .434 with only seven hitting errors throughout the match.
DePaul (4-1) initially took a 2-0 lead in the opening set, but once Sigler found her rhythm, the Huskers quickly turned the tide. The team recorded a staggering .607 hitting percentage in the first set, accumulating 18 kills on 28 attacks with just one error. Sigler's performance included a decisive shot from the left pin that landed well in front of the ten-foot line, showcasing her versatility as she scored from various positions on the court.
As the match progressed, Nebraska's defense began to shine, particularly in the second set, where they recorded four blocks. The Huskers maintained a strong offensive presence, and Campbell Flynn, who made her season debut late in the first set, played a crucial role in orchestrating the offense. Flynn finished the match with 16 assists, two kills, two aces, and eight digs, while Bergen Reilly added 13 assists in her limited action.
The third set saw the Huskers pull ahead 8-5, thanks to Flynn's serving prowess, which included two aces that extended Nebraska's lead to 21-13. Cogill continued to excel, both offensively and defensively, helping the Huskers maintain their dominance over the Blue Demons.
Harper Murray led the charge for Nebraska with 11 kills, while Ryan Hunter contributed five kills. Overall, the match saw contributions from 14 different Huskers, with every player dressed for the match seeing court time except for freshman Jayden Robinson. This depth will be crucial as Nebraska (4-0) continues its season, demonstrating that they can adapt and thrive even when faced with challenges.
Leave a Comment