The Huskers' 25-14, 27-25, 25-14 victory over Maryland in their first match of the season was a testament to their resilience and strategic brilliance. After analyzing Maryland's scouting report, Rebekah Allick and Andi Jackson were eager to dive into the court, where the Terrapins’ second-best blocking team and 11th-ranked defense faced off against the Huskers’ top-ranked middles. Maryland’s strategy focused on slowing pin hitters, leaving the middle blockers vulnerable in one-on-one matchups at the net. The Huskers’ middle blockers thrived, as Allick tallied 13 kills on 17 swings and Jackson added nine kills with an .800 hitting percentage, securing a dominant performance. The Huskers’ middles powered through the set, finishing with a 25-14, 27-25, 25-14 sweep, with 8,477 fans in attendance. Allick emphasized the excitement of running the offense, calling it 'fun' to play games like this, while Jackson highlighted their goal to isolate Maryland’s block and exploit defensive gaps. The Huskers’ 360-hit performance and 11 blocks (with six from Allick) underscored their dominance, as setter Bergen Reilly contributed 29 assists and four kills. Allick praised teammates like Sarah Pavan, a four-time All-American, and expressed pride in being part of a team filled with giants. In the first set, NU took the lead 8-5 after five straight points, while Maryland’s five kills fell short of seven errors. Junior outside hitter Harper Murray’s 10 kills and 10 digs propelled the Huskers to a 14-6 lead. In the second set, NU experimented with a two-setter system, substituting setters and players, while coach Dani Busboom Kelly stressed the importance of double substitutions. Despite a shaky serve receive, the Huskers maintained control, scoring the first five points of the third set and never being threatened. Allick continued her strong play, securing four consecutive points with three kills and a block, while Taylor Landfair added a kill to extend the lead. Maryland’s Ajack Malual led the attack with nine kills, three aces, and three blocks, though the Terps hit .090 for the match, their lowest since last season. All 14 non-redshirting Huskers participated, with 10 players recording kills. Jackson noted the challenge of defending back row, acknowledging the difficulty of switching from offense to defense but emphasizing the importance of readiness. She added, ‘Your moment is going to come, and you want to be ready for it—whether it’s a dig, a kill, or a block.’ Meanwhile, 2027 prospect Decelise Champión, a Puerto Rican opposite, joined the Huskers during warm-ups, showcasing her potential as a senior national team star. Her visit to Wisconsin and the Badgers’ straight-set win over Rutgers highlighted her rising prominence. Rylee, a Make-A-Wish participant, attended practice and tennis with upperclassmen, bonding with the Huskers during a weekend visit. Coach Busboom Kelly praised Flynn and Sczech for their contributions, noting the team’s complacency despite a 6-2 record. The Huskers’ success in the third set relied on improved passing, with Busboom Kelly reflecting on the team’s adaptability. Fans and analysts alike debated the impact of substitutions and the balance between offense and defense, with many questioning whether the team’s success stemmed from luck or skill. What do you think about the Huskers’ approach to the game? #HuskerMax
