Nashville, TN, September 1, 2025
News Summary
In an exhilarating NCAA volleyball match, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, ranked No. 1, overturned an initial 0-2 deficit to secure a 3-2 victory against the No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats at Bridgestone Arena. The match highlighted Nebraska’s resilience and strategic adjustments, especially in the second half where standout performances led to a significant comeback. This thrilling encounter marked the first time an NCAA volleyball match was aired on ABC, drawing a crowd of 11,200 fans.
Nashville, TN
The Nebraska Cornhuskers, ranked No. 1 in NCAA volleyball, achieved a thrilling 3-2 victory over the No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats during the Broadway Block Party at Bridgestone Arena on September 2, 2025. The Huskers managed a dramatic comeback after trailing two sets to none, marking their twelfth consecutive win against Kentucky.
Kentucky initially secured control of the match, winning the first two sets with scores of 26-24 and 25-20. However, Nebraska adjusted their strategy after the second set, making key changes to their lineup. Olivia Mauch was brought in as the libero to replace Laney Choboy, and freshman Virginia Adriano made her entrance into the match.
These adjustments turned the tide for Nebraska, who came out strong in the third set, winning 25-19. The fourth set proved to be a closely contested battle, yet Nebraska emerged victorious again with a score of 25-23, pushing the match to a decisive fifth set. The final set saw Nebraska dominate, clinching a 15-8 victory without ever trailing.
Harper Murray was instrumental in the team’s success, recording a career-high of 23 kills along with 15 digs, achieving an impressive hitting percentage of .340. Other key contributors included Rebekah Allick and Andi Jackson, who both notched double-digit kills. Adriano also made her mark with three critical blocks, showcasing her valuable presence at the net.
Kentucky’s offense saw significant contributions from Brooklyn DeLeye and Eva Hudson, who combined for 42 kills. However, after dominating early in the match, both players struggled in the latter sets, finishing with hitting percentages below .200. Nebraska’s defense showed remarkable improvement in the final three sets, which played a crucial role in their comeback.
This match was particularly notable as it marked the first NCAA volleyball match ever aired on ABC, bringing the excitement of collegiate volleyball to a broader audience. The event attracted a crowd of 11,200, with a notably strong presence of Nebraska supporters in attendance.
The win boosted Nebraska’s record to 4-0 for the season, while Kentucky recorded their first defeat of the year. Looking ahead, Nebraska is set to face Wright State at home on September 5, 2025, in their first match of the season at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
Context and Significance
This match underscores Nebraska’s resilience and depth as a team. Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly expressed pride in the adjustments made during the match, emphasizing the importance of the team’s depth and flexible strategies. Their victory not only enhances their season record but also reinforces their historical dominance over Kentucky.
Key Match Statistics
| Team | Sets Won | Kills | Hitting Percentage | Digs | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 3 | 60 | .340 | 55 | 8 |
| Kentucky | 2 | 51 | .197 | 50 | 5 |
FAQ
What was the final score of the Nebraska vs. Kentucky match?
Nebraska defeated Kentucky with a final score of 3-2 after losing the first two sets.
Who was the standout player for Nebraska?
Harper Murray had a remarkable performance, recording a career-high 23 kills and 15 digs.
Where did the match take place?
The match was held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, as part of the Broadway Block Party.
What was significant about the match regarding television?
This match was notable for being the first NCAA volleyball match aired on ABC.
Who will Nebraska face next?
Nebraska’s next match is against Wright State on September 5, 2025, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nashville to Host Inaugural Broadway Block Party Women’s Volleyball Tournament
Additional Resources
- NCAA Live Updates
- Wikipedia: Nebraska Cornhuskers Volleyball
- Daily Nebraskan
- Google Search: Nebraska volleyball 2025
- KLKN TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nebraska volleyball
- Sports Illustrated
- Google News: Nebraska Kentucky volleyball
- Corn Nation
- Google Search: NCAA volleyball
Author: HERE Nashville
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