Under Pressure, Nebraska’s Sweep of Washington Delivered Three Instant Takeaways

Nebraska found its rhythm

The teams traded points early in each set, with Washington’s high-tempo play testing Nebraska’s control. The Huskers were close at the media timeouts, including a 15-14 score in the opening set and 14-15 in the third.

Nebraska pulled away after the first two timeouts, using runs of 10-5 and 10-4 to take those sets. The team hit at least .400 in every set and finished with a season-best .477 hitting percentage.

A tense finish in the third

Washington led by three early in the final set, and the teams later exchanged points through 10 ties and six lead changes. The Huskies briefly went ahead 21-20 after Nebraska reached 20 first.

A triple block by Manaia Ogbechie, Bergen Reilly and Harper Murray helped Nebraska regain control. Olivia Mauch made a pancake save that set up Murray’s match-point kill, and Murray then served her third ace.

Serve pressure tested the passers

Washington entered the match averaging 1.89 aces per set and had recorded 149, the most in the Big Ten. Its tough serving troubled Nebraska’s serve receive early, with Laney Choboy and Mauch among those targeted.