Nebraska volleyball sweeps Michigan in Big Ten opener
No. 1 Nebraska volleyball (11-0, 1-0) continued its undefeated start by sweeping Michigan (10-2, 0-1) in the Huskers’ first game of the 2025-26 conference slate (25-22, 25-10, 25-13). Although the Wolverines came into Lincoln in the midst of their best start under third-year head coach Erin Virtue, Nebraska came away with its 17th straight victory over the Maize and Blue.
Dani Busboom Kelly’s squad had a balanced attack. The Huskers recorded a .380 hitting percentage and enjoyed an efficient offensive night. Ann Arbor, Mich. native Harper Murray led the team with 11 kills. Virginia Adriano added 10 kills of her own on .444 hitting.
Nebraska also showed out on defense. After putting together a middling block in the first set, the Huskers forced the Wolverines to hit -.019 in the final two sets. Nebraska held Michigan to a .108 hitting percentage in the match.
The Wolverines were led by Allison Jacobs, who finished with eight kills on .143 hitting. Serena Nyambio, who led the nation in hitting percentage before the match, only had two kills on .000 hitting.
Set 1: Huskers survive stout Michigan attack
Although Nebraska pulled out the first set, Michigan’s attack gave the Huskers a scare. The Wolverines hit .323 in the set against the conference leader in opponent hitting percentage. However, Nebraska still came away with a 25-22 win.
Michigan opened up the match by jumping out to a quick 3-1 lead, behind a few long rallies. However, it didn’t take long for the top-ranked Huskers to assert themselves.
Nebraska went on a 5-0 run in the middle of the set to take a 14-9 lead and force the Wolverines to use their first timeout. Murray and Andi Jackson both had two kills apiece during the run and used their high-flying athleticism to torch Michigan.
Out of the timeout, the Wolverines began to claw back behind their efficient attack. Michigan managed to do most of its damage offensively in the latter half of the set. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the middle blocker duo of Jackson and Rebekah Allick, who both had five kills in the set and were a big part in the Huskers’ .302 hitting percentage in the opening set.
Set 2: Defense stifles Michigan
Unlike the first set, Nebraska gave the Wolverines no chance to steal the second. The Huskers jumped out to a quick 12-2 lead behind a much-improved serve and defense and didn’t look back. Nebraska shut out Michigan to win the set 25-10.
The Huskers’ block tightened up in the second after a rough first set. The Wolverines only mustered up a .000 clip, as Nebraska had four blocks in the set that flustered them.
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The Huskers’ attack also turned up, as they recorded a .565 clip in the second set. Adriano was the driving force behind the onslaught. The opposite hitter had six kills on seven swings for an absurd .857 hitting percentage in the set.
Set 3: Nebraska finishes strong
The Huskers carried their momentum into the final set. After a dominant second set, Nebraska kept its foot on the gas, closing out the match with a 25-13 win.
The third set started closer than the second with Michigan hanging around for a bit longer. However, Nebraska still maintained control. The Scarlet and Cream continued to stifle the Wolverines, forcing them to record a -.033 hitting percentage in the third set.
Nebraska also maintained its balanced offensive attack, hitting .346 in the set. Murray had four kills in the set to put away her hometown team. The Huskers hit .448 as a team during the second and third sets.
The raucous crowd in John Cook Arena made it difficult for Michigan to find any openings. Anytime the Huskers made a big play, the Sea of Red erupted.
The Huskers will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 3:00 p.m. C.T. against Maryland on Nebraska Public Media.
