Who Are Nebraska Volleyball’s Biggest Rivals in NCAA Volleyball Women’s D1 Championships?
“You know, it’s hard to put into words what this senior group means and what they’ve done.” Those were the heartfelt words of Coach John Cook as he reflected on the impact of the senior class leaving Nebraska volleyball after the 2024 season. Seniors like Lexi Rodriguez, Merritt Beason, and Lindsey Kraus have all been pivotal in establishing the Huskers’ dominance in the BIG10 conference. Now, as they prepare to end their college volleyball careers, the Huskers are hoping to add another prestigious NCAA title to their collection, standing tall atop the competition.
Speaking of competition, the Cornhuskers have faced some intense rivals throughout their journey. Coach Cook commented after a recent win, “If you look at their legacy, what they’ve done, I mean, they’ve literally done everything but win a national championship, and you know, we still got an opportunity to do that.” That victory came against one of their biggest rivals, the Wisconsin Badgers, highlighting just how fierce Nebraska’s journey has been. With the NCAA Tournament just around the corner, here’s an in-depth look at the key rivals who could disrupt Nebraska’s championship dreams.
The Nebraska Volleyball Team’s High-Stakes Rivalry with the Texas Longhorns
First up, we have the Texas Longhorns, the team that has crushed Nebraska’s championship aspirations once before. The rivalry may be relatively new, but it has been intense, with emotions running high. The Texas Longhorns, a powerhouse from the Southeastern Conference, faced off against Nebraska in the NCAA final in 2023, and it was a tough day for the Huskers. The Longhorns, putting on an absolute masterclass, demolished Nebraska with a score of 25-22, 25-14, and 25-11 in straight sets.
Although the Huskers came into that 2023 final as BIG10 champions, the Longhorns proved to be too much to handle. And now, as the 2024 NCAA Tournament kicks off, both teams find themselves on a collision course yet again. The Longhorns are eyeing a third consecutive national title, while Nebraska is determined to take their revenge. With both teams in the tournament, the stage is set for a possible rematch that could settle the score once and for all. But whether the Huskers get their chance to face Texas again will depend on their initial performances, as they navigate the treacherous tournament rounds.
An Ongoing Rivalry that Started in the 80s: Nebraska vs. Penn State
The Huskers’ rivalry with Penn State dates all the way back to 1981, when they first met on the volleyball court. While Penn State drew first blood, Nebraska soon turned the tide, and they’ve been dominant in this matchup ever since. To date, Nebraska has won 28 of the 40 matches between the two sides, cementing themselves as a powerhouse against their rivals. But just recently, Penn State turned the tables in a significant way.
On November 29th, Penn State defeated Nebraska in the most crucial match of the regular season, the BIG10 title clash. The Nittany Lions’ emphatic 3-1 victory was a massive upset, snapping Nebraska’s 25-match win streak and ultimately sharing the BIG10 conference title. It was a statement win that showcased the fighting spirit of Penn State, with MVP Caroline Jurevicius putting in a stunning performance. This win was particularly sweet for Penn State, as it demonstrated that they are still very much a title contender.
“We know we can do it. It’s just about capitalizing on that and not resting on our laurels,” said Caroline, reflecting on their hard-earned victory. With the NCAA Tournament approaching, there is a possibility that the two teams could meet again in the quarterfinals or even semifinals, depending on how the bracket unfolds. Historically, Penn State has won two out of three times when they’ve clashed in the NCAA semifinals, making this a highly unpredictable rivalry that could once again create fireworks on the court.
A Third Meeting Between Nebraska Volleyball and Their Toughest Rival? The Wisconsin Badgers
Nebraska’s rivalry with the Wisconsin Badgers is perhaps the most bitter in the BIG10 conference, and for good reason. Since 2011, these two teams have faced off in some of the most intense and memorable matches in college volleyball. In the beginning, Nebraska took the lead, winning six consecutive matches. But the tide began to turn in 2017. From October 2017 to November 2022, the Badgers handed the Huskers a whopping ten straight losses, becoming a thorn in their side at every encounter.
However, Nebraska finally turned things around in 2024. On November 1st, they swept the Badgers in their first meeting of the season. It wasn’t a fluke either—they repeated the feat in their second clash on November 30th. Nebraska had cracked the Wisconsin code, and even Coach Cook couldn’t help but acknowledge the significance of the victory. “Nate pointed out, you know, we’ve lost three of the last four of the last Black Fridays. We’ve lost three of them have been on the road, so we got to get that fixed,” said Cook, referring to the team’s struggles against the Badgers in the past.
Now, as the NCAA Tournament progresses, a third meeting between Nebraska and Wisconsin is a distinct possibility—a round-three clash that could either solidify Nebraska’s newfound dominance or see the Badgers regain their edge. Coach Cook hinted at the possibility during an interview: “We knew there was a chance we could get Wisconsin in our bracket. We knew there was a chance we could get Texas in our bracket.” So, if these matchups do materialize, fans are in for some electrifying action.
Conclusion
The Nebraska volleyball team has had its share of tough rivalries over the years, and this year is no different. From the Texas Longhorns, who shattered their dreams last season, to the Penn State Nittany Lions, who are determined to make their mark, to the Wisconsin Badgers, Nebraska’s most tenacious conference rival—each of these teams poses a serious threat. With the NCAA Tournament underway, anything is possible. Which of these rivals do you think will have the final say in Nebraska’s journey this season? Regardless of who they face, one thing is for sure: Nebraska is ready to fight until the very end.
