Amid Upcoming NCAA Championships, Lexi Rodriguez Reveals Nebraska Volleyball’s Secret Behind Recent Success: “Can Fire Anyone Up”
Nebraska Huskers look unstoppable in the NCAA right now. The team has bulldozed its way through the competition, racking up 25 consecutive victories that have firmly positioned them as the most in-form side in college volleyball. Whether it’s powerhouses or dark horses, the Huskers are conquering them all with confidence. This incredible winning spree also includes a staggering home streak, where Nebraska has emerged victorious in 41 straight matches at the Devaney Center—a feat that speaks to their remarkable dominance. The achievement marks their longest home winning streak since an astonishing 88-game run that lasted from 2004 to 2009. Given their current form, it’s not far-fetched to think they could break that record again soon.
While last year saw the Huskers reach the NCAA final, they fell short against the Texas Longhorns in a 3-0 defeat. This year, however, they seem different—more resilient, more determined, and clearly hungrier for the title. So, what’s the secret behind this incredible success? According to libero Lexi Rodriguez, it’s all about mindset. During a conversation with the NCAA Championships, Rodriguez unveiled how the devastating defeat last season led to a shift in attitude for the entire team. The players, she explained, have embraced the challenge of improving themselves, channeling the pain of their loss into renewed determination.
“I think the competitive edge that this group has—I mean, I said it last year—and we pretty much have the same core team. And then having a loss in the national championship, I think, can fire anyone up,” Rodriguez revealed. “So, I think coming into this year, a year of experience under our belt, we really just have so much drive and so much of an edge to get back to where we were and hopefully finish the job off.”
Despite these changes in mindset, Lexi insisted that the team’s ultimate goal and passion remain unchanged since last year. What has transformed, though, is the level of expectation—both internally and from their fans. The Huskers’ near-miss last season has created an appetite among their supporters to see the team not only reach the final but go all the way to clinch the title. The players, too, feel this pressure, but they’re using it to fuel their efforts rather than be overwhelmed by it.
“I feel like when we come into games with that mentality of just facing what’s ahead of us at that moment, I think we’re pretty close to unstoppable,” Rodriguez emphasized. This laser focus on one opponent at a time has been pivotal in the Huskers’ incredible 28-1 record this season. It’s not about looking too far ahead; it’s about dealing with what’s right in front of them, moment by moment.
This coming Friday, Nebraska will put that mentality to the test when they face the Penn State Nittany Lions in what promises to be a blockbuster matchup. Nebraska’s objective is clear: extend their unbeaten streak to 26 games and secure their second consecutive Big Ten title. But the task will be far from easy. Penn State, with their efficient passing and stellar defensive statistics, is no pushover. They’re the only team left in the conference who could potentially disrupt Nebraska’s relentless march to victory.
While the Huskers enter as favorites, especially after their double sweep of the Wisconsin Badgers, volleyball has a way of upending even the most confident predictions. For all their past successes, Nebraska must avoid underestimating the Nittany Lions, as their upcoming opponents have proven to be a formidable force. In a contest where anything can happen, the Huskers will need to maintain their intense focus and draw on their collective resilience if they are to continue their winning streak and inch closer to NCAA glory.
Get ready for a fantastic clash, because when two teams like Nebraska and Penn State go head-to-head, there’s only one guarantee—volleyball at its finest.
