Nebraska Volleyball News – August 23, 2025

LINCOLN, NE - The top-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers kicked off their 2025 season with a tough win over No. 3 Pittsburgh on Friday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena. This victory set the stage for a weekend full of exciting matchups in the AVCA First Serve Showcase.

Nebraska started strong, winning the first two sets 25–22 and 25–11. Senior outside hitter Harper Murray led with eight kills. Pittsburgh rallied to win the third set 25–23. Yet, the Huskers dominated the fourth set 25–14, securing a 3–1 victory. Middle blocker Rebekah Allick had 12 kills and four blocks. Setter Bergen Reilly provided 41 assists and added nine digs in the season opener.

Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly praised her team’s composure after dropping the third set. ““We knew Pittsburgh would fight back,” she said. ““Our focus in that fourth set showed the resilience and depth we’ve built this offseason.”

With Friday’s win, Nebraska improves to 1–0. On Saturday, the roster will rest as Saturday’s AVCA First Serve slate features Kansas vs. Vanderbilt at 3:00 p.m. CT and Creighton vs. Penn State at 5:00 p.m. CT, both broadcast on FS1. The Huskers return to action Sunday when they host No. 6 Stanford at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN, in a rematch of last year’s national semifinalists and the final contest of the Lincoln portion of the showcase.

Fans have until Sunday afternoon to grab any leftover tickets. Nebraska leads the nation in home attendance and has sold out all sessions for this weekend’s event. Nebraska seeks to build on its opening win and keep its spot at the top of the AVCA Coaches Poll. The team is also chasing its sixth national championship.