Dylan Austin Sharp, 28, North Platte and Lydia Ann Barnes, 27, North Platte

Marriage Licenses For Lincoln County (Week of December 16th)

North Platte, Neb. - When most folks here 4-H, they instantly think it's animal showing, which there is plenty of that. There are different areas of activities for 4-H'rs to get involved in and one of those areas is the music contest where the kids can participate in by using just vocals, playing an instrument, or even both.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jayden Tillman is a senior at Brady High School and has been involved in the music contest since he was in 8th or 9th grade. Around that same time is when he started to develop an interest in music. When participating he likes to use his vocal cords and play his guitar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The music contest. It's a really an overly glorified talent show. It is a phenomenal thing," said Tillman. &nbsp;"You can take it. You can have time to showcase your talents, whether it be poetry or singing or just playing an instrument and stuff, you know, gives you a way to express yourself and kind of show your skills to people that you may not otherwise be able to show them to and stuff. It is a really, like I said, really good deal and stuff to do.&nbsp;

While not participating in the music contest, Tillman likes to enter bake goodies during the fair season and more He is also the recipient of the 4 H council scholarship and plans to go a tech school in Kansas following his graduation from Brady.&nbsp;

To learn more Indepth about the music contest and Tillman's journey into 4-H, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Brady senior talks about the 4-H music contest

Grandels Roofing and Construction in North Platte will be giving away toys this Sunday from 1:00pm - 3:00pm to the first 500 kids (kids must be present). Santa Claus will also be making an appearance at the event. This event is a way for Grandels to give back to their community. It is asked to park in a safe area and to arrive pretty early to get lined up down E street. Grandels Roofing and Construction is located at 421 S. Dewey Street.&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Amanada Purvis about Sunday's event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Grandels Roofing and Construction LLC hosting toy giveaway this Sunday

The Mid-Plains United Way will be hosting a cookie platter fundraiser tonight at Ladies Night Out in North Platte. The event is set to begin around 5:30pm and the cookie platter can be bid on at the Mockingbird. This year has been a slower year in donation for the Mid-Plains United Way. Also an update on the giving tree at FNBO and all tags have been claimed.

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Haven Smith from the Mid-Plains United Way and to learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Mid-Plains United Way: Ladies Night Out is Tonight, end of year campaign and more!

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte city council held a regular meeting on December 17th and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. Topics this session included approve the recommendation of the Quality Growth Committee for a $360,000, approve a bid for the Cody Pool Park Lot Paving and more.

On Wednesday, Post Derek Beck chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher about the different topics from the council meeting. If you would like to learn more in-depth of what went on during the December 17thNorth Platte City Council meeting check out the podcast below or check out the video below the podcast.

(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting, December 17th recap

Kearney, Neb. - The University of Nebraska at Kearney sports communication majors received news that the group has been nominated in three categories for this year's IBS awards in New York City. &nbsp;

Amongst the students is North Platte native Kade Mohr who has been nominated for the second year and this year is a finalist with seniors Jon Willis and Ethan McCormick for "Best Sports Talk Show". All sporting events and talk show aired on 91.1 KLPR the student run radio station during the 2024 year. This marks another year where UNK students have been nominated for the IBS awards in New York City.&nbsp;

Ethan McCormick and Jon Willis - Best Sports Play by Play (Football)&nbsp;

Jon Willis and Traeton Harimon - Best Sports Play By Play (Womens Basketball)&nbsp;

Jon Willis, Kade Mohr and Ethan McCormick - Best Sports Talk Show (Throwin Lopes)&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with UNK Senior Jon Willis about the nominations and more. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) UNK Broadcasting students are heading back to New York City for national award ceremony

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with the Head Coach of North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team Jacob Brandl to discuss the first half of the season. As well as reflect upon the team's 7-1 record in the last 8 games. All that and so much more!

Knight's Weekly #4 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

The holiday season is underway, and the Mid-Plains United Way reminds listeners that the giving tree is at FNBO at the downtown location. The tree started off with around 45 gift ideas but around 15 remain. Also, the united way will be at this year's Ladies Night Out on December 19th.&nbsp;

Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Haven Smith from the Mid-Plains United Way about everything that is going on. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Mid-Plains United Way: Giving Tree, year end giving campaign, and more

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte city council held a regular meeting on December 3rd and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. Topics this session welcoming new council members, Beveridge Inc's donation to the North Platte Rec Center and so much more.

On Wednesday, Post News Director Canon Rath chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher about the different topics from the council meeting. If you would like to learn more in-depth of what went on during the December 3rd North Platte City Council meeting check out the podcast below or check out the video below the podcast.

(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting, December 3rd recap

The Prairie Arts Center in North Platte is hosting Christmas at the Pac this Saturday with tons of different activities for everyone to enjoy. The event kicks off at 11:00am and runs until 4:00pm however brunch with Santa starts at 10:00am. Tickets for brunch with Santa are limited but are $10 and <a href="https://www.prairieartscenter.org/event-details/christmas-at-the-pac">can be purchased here</a>.&nbsp;

Saturday is shaping to be a beautiful day in North Platte and enjoy it at the PAC for holiday fun. Live artist demos from around the state, a chainsaw demo, face painting and so much more going on. During the week, POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Holly Carlini from the Prairie Arts Center to talk about all the fun coming on Saturday. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Prairie Arts Center preparing for Christmas at the Pac this Saturday

North Platte, Neb. - The Salvation Army is gearing up for the next few weeks as the group heads into their busy time of the month with Christmas quickly approaching. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to ring at different locations throughout North Platte and if you have time this week, it is supposed to be a very nice week to get out and ring. If you would like to sign up and ring, <a href="https://www.registertoring.com/">click here.&nbsp;</a>

Last week was the Thanksgiving box distribution for families who signed up and this year the group doubled the number of boxes compared to last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We were able to give out almost 300 boxes of food. Each food box had a turkey, and it was like a full bird turkey, they had stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, you know, some cranberries, whatever, whatever you can really think of that would go on. You would see on the Thanksgiving table.  We were able to help out almost 300 families this year," said Camon Landry. "I think last year we were around 160,170ish. So yeah, pretty close to doubling what we were able to do last year."&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Camon Landry for their weekly conversation. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Salvation Army: Thanksgiving box distribution recap, volunteers needed to ring and more

The Hot Sheets: December 22nd, 2024

The Hot Sheets: December 21st, 2024

Custer County - Officials say a grass fire sparked mid-afternoon on Thursday with multiple agencies responding.&nbsp;

According to a press release from the Custer County Emergency Management, around 3:38 pm on Thursday, the Broken Bow Fire Department was paged for a grass fire that was at the intersection of Gates and Round Valley Road. &nbsp;

With a high wind warning, wind gusts up to 40 mph which the fire was spreading quickly to the southeast. Mutual aid was requested and well over 30 departments responded to the call.&nbsp;

Custer County Grass fire 25% contained according to officials 

The Hot Sheets: December 20th, 2024

Dianne Morales will be coordinating SHARE-A-MEAL again for Christmas for those who will not be receiving a meal from Meals on Wheels or are alone &amp; homebound. Please call Dianne Morales at 308-532-5085 if you can share a plate, or two from your table to theirs so they may enjoy a Christmas dinner. 

It is suggested meals be delivered between 12-4pm and no special diets are required. Please help warm someone's heart &amp; make their Christmas a little brighter by showing how much you care. Get your kids and grandkids involved to show them the true meaning of giving.

Donate a Christmas Dinner to Share-A-Meal

<i>Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful</i>

Thirty-six nominations were received this season for the Beauty of the Holidays lighting competition, organized by Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful and the North Platte Bulletin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is no shortage of Christmas spirit this year, with many spectacular, heartwarming displays in yards and homes around the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We love this time of year. Getting out and seeing all of the effort people put into spreading joy, gives us all the Christmas spirit,” KNPLCB Executive Director Mona Anderson said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This year’s prizes are generously sponsored by Brothers Tavern, Menard’s, Schaben Sanitation, and Cody Keno.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eighteen community judges traveled over 35 miles driving the streets of North Platte and beyond to rank each nominated display on curb appeal, balance, theme, and maintenance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The rankings were very close.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The purpose of the competition is to spread the Christmas spirit and recognize those who continue to make North Platte and Lincoln County a beautiful place to live.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some of the judges comments include: “Fun and colorful,” “Classy, simple, and serene.”&nbsp; “Reminds me of Martha Stewart.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bulletin Publisher George Lauby thanks everyone who puts up Christmas lights and goes to the extra effort to make the holidays extra beautiful.&nbsp;

“It gives us a lot of cheer,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The sponsors have provided cash prizes for the first-place winners in each ward, to encourage the continuation of community spirit and beautification through the holiday seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And, color photographs of the top yards are published in the Bulletin on Thursday, December 19th and 26th.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1.&nbsp;&nbsp; 1001 East 12th Street&nbsp;

2.&nbsp;&nbsp; 2300 East Phillip, 47B -&nbsp; Jeremy and Susan Brunette&nbsp;

3.&nbsp;&nbsp; 821 East 5th Street – Pamela Pishna&nbsp;

1.&nbsp;&nbsp; 3413 West 16th Street – Aaron and Tasha Schroeder&nbsp;

2.&nbsp;&nbsp; 321 East 12th Street – Leandra Chapman&nbsp;

3.&nbsp;&nbsp; 821 North Curtis – Martin and Sharon Sellers&nbsp;

1. 1459 East Fairway – Mark, Lori and Dalton Kripal&nbsp;

2. 7537 North Highway 83 – Todd and Heather Jensen&nbsp;

3. 9095 South Highland Drive – Kyle Brandyberry&nbsp;

Thank you to the competition judges from Community Connections Mentoring, RSVP Volunteers, and KNPLCB Board Members.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jill, Kevin, Angela, Kendyll, Larissa, Emily, Rebekah, Camilla, TinaMaria, Adi, Micah, Beatriz, Jenny, Carol, Sandy, Judy, DiAnn, and Brenda&nbsp;

Beauty of the Holidays Lighting competition winners announced

<a>December</a>&nbsp;19, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp; —&nbsp; The recruits of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 70th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class will graduate during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol this Friday, December 20, 2024. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Capitol, 1445 K. Street, in Lincoln.

Remarks will be provided by&nbsp;<a>Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Colonel John Bolduc</a>, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The recruits will receive their badges and take the oath of office, which will be administered by Secretary of State Robert Evnen.

Following graduation, the recruits will begin their careers at Nebraska State Troopers, serving in a variety of communities across the state.

The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">NSP Facebook Page.</a>

Nebraska State Patrol 70th Basic Recruit Camp to Graduate Friday

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– Three 2024 draftees of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1X7RYcG_aeMA959ciXNxDq-zKCDch1_-D5L7qqGsDChvIhogGdqUG4cFXyORFjyp5YOOi0j53bWGra4t9fFuyBmor55wlaRVQg4JzcusMuuDKBjGo_4-K-objWslgDMpru9rOu9YASdS&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and inaugural Pro Volleyball Champions, earned AVCA All-America honors on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Creighton setter&nbsp;Kendra Wait&nbsp;was named a First Team All-American after repeating as BIG EAST Player and Setter of the Year. Wait is the first player in Creighton history to be a four-time All-American, making the Third Team in 2023 along with a pair of Honorable Mentions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wait finished her last college season leading the BIG EAST in assists per set (10.97) for the fourth-straight season with that mark also being 12th nationally. She finished her college career with 4,945 assists (10.75 A/S), 1,454 digs (3.16 D/S), 784 points, 507 kills (1.10 K/S) on a .362 hitting percentage, 360 total blocks and 85 aces. Wait could end up being the steal of the PVF Draft with the Supernovas selecting the Gardner, Kan. product with the fourth-to-last pick at No. 37 overall in the fifth round.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fellow Supernovas draftees&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst&nbsp;and&nbsp;Toyosi Onabanjo&nbsp;were selected as Honorable Mentions for their final college seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Batenhorst spent her last season at USC after being at Nebraska for her first three years of college volleyball. The 6-foot-5 outside hitter was the leading force for the Trojans, who reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Batenhorst was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team after leading USC with 563.5 points and 3.94 kills per set. She played six rotations all season, compiling 2.11 digs per set, 96 blocks and 30 aces – all marks being second on the team. Batenhorst was the Supernovas third pick in the draft at No. 15 overall in the second round.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Onabanjo secured her first All-America honor after forming into one of the best offensive middle blockers in the country during her last two seasons at Kansas. The Houston, Texas native was named to the All-Big 12 First Team after recording 2.58 kills per set on a staggering .409 hitting percentage – which was a top 15 clip in the country and second in the conference. Onabanjo’s 123 blocks on the season led the team and was fourth overall in the Big 12. She was the franchise’s first round pick at No. 8 overall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supernovas second full draft class also includes Omaha native and outside hitter&nbsp;Lindsay Krause&nbsp;from Nebraska, outside hitter&nbsp;Valeria Vazquez Gomez&nbsp;from Pittsburgh and Ohio State opposite&nbsp;Emily Londot.&nbsp;Krause and Valeria Gomez will play on college volleyball’s biggest stage with Thursday’s NCAA National Semifinal in Louisville, Kentucky.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on each draft pick, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1bLoZp7irUudjMry_EJwbOr6qQJnDoKPYYx5fqOSEiIFtHnjcjNY0Eipe9svFPCj6hr6tXplwB--kFakhSeZz_PNnq5pEISgB9oheyfcARrhecQk2oXN208PaEdbNQP3hurXKj3jSmbP&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">Supernovas Draft Tracker.</a>&nbsp;

With another star-loaded roster full of local talent and more opportunities to see the Supernovas, fans can buy the world’s hottest ticket in professional volleyball. Buy your 2025 season tickets today by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1d2ZZvFORZYjlbWlatqc0UHPEBvlMDvDO8hxv80iGDp65JLI1Dlka2TrwuUdAed0aDJltZ5z5FPzMo2OdZtcn1P1hQBMeV2r3GByYX_yLjyFN7FmxQWp454XMI8H5jSVcXT_MX4fmM1O&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>&nbsp;or purchase&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1Xf_RZSDtVGz6IRSEtF3-hexPowW4Pg0X9kRhHXM3qmKPN_NrQbX8qvq4G4sGi3CLfLDu6Rnl3vJR4PCb4Hw9oi1rUlsdJzMh-Aew5tTwTR1acjaf-AUGjYPms7R_ZwmyCkN7H1OWIlY&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">single-match tickets here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1W3qAo01s1Ni6nZ9bxCxw4qt7zN2fRw_HFcRR0elSVEpLtx_3QRG6zGj1zRTAEfKYEBc46_UvngmZ5cM6l5_eOoRtiJWGc7aucztwqf7doYQ97t4OcriOkG6rnpJx3un_nZrQsebX6NsgY_A5qdwhhM=&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1TtkN_mD9Nb51dZ_a4WLlBuEQZWvztnsmsC4TA7kTUfZqBFcZX_LBIY2Lat7514Ap2SPpO6WVCrl_ePxEKj3E5kK9dXXg5sGFR3yG3Z1KRoGJRweuRRZjLlOzUPAat1D3IqkqD7xJO-m0scgE6tQe4c=&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;

To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1bcR5Laxsnaw7RE3LieFQuedNRtK1xzPMwd1hfRKxOaPA3kHdusBn6sWe535KMo02362_l5uRLTft1Bx6D8yNZj1qXeSBJ2I3MiWR7HUMDOtxGXSlZTIgCBTP5yOQrqk3g==&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>.&nbsp;

To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1ZdtEt7dPfI4TiRXHW_KGr47Ggjp1Ax7htRBZKQRsR2e__EFMVoX87UE2ATkaijScz-wquvHHd0QZ1A2Nup-HNkO7BE7gQeW29cX-GykYd16bEK5A0zmTbrmYMGb-2lozDsztFIxudSd&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;

ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas are the premier home of professional volleyball, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world. The Supernovas 2025 season will begin in January. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White, Co-Founder of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.&nbsp;

Omaha Supernovas Draftee Kendra Wait Earns AVCA First Team All-American Honors; Batenhorst and Onabanjo Recognized as Honorable Mentions

Dundy County Stratton 41 vs Wauneta-Palisade 34

North Platte St. Patrick's 19 @ Ogallala 62

Sumner-Eddyville-Miller 58 @ South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 15

Dundy County Stratton 70 vs Wauneta-Palisade 23

North Platte St. Patrick's 50 @ Ogallala 85

Area Sports scores from 12-18

<i>Story by NU Athletic Communications</i>

• The third-ranked Nebraska volleyball team will face No. 2 Penn State in the NCAA Semifinals on Thursday night at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.&nbsp;

• The match will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the other semifinal match between No. 1 Pittsburgh and No. 4 Louisville, which begins at 5:30 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

• Thursday’s match will be televised on ESPN. Courtney Lyle, Holly McPeak, Katie George and Madison Fitzpatrick will be on the call. The match can also be streamed on WatchESPN.&nbsp;

• Huskers Radio Network with John Baylor and Lauren (Cook) West will broadcast the Nebraska matches on their volleyball affiliate stations, on Huskers.com and on the Huskers App.&nbsp;

• Nebraska (33-2) advanced to the NCAA Semifinals for the second year in a row and seventh time in the last 10 years with a 3-0 sweep of No. 7 Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.&nbsp;

• The Huskers will be playing at the KFC Yum! Center for the third time this season. Nebraska beat No. 9 Kentucky, 3-1, in the AVCA Showcase on Aug. 27 and No. 4 Louisville, 3-0, on Sept. 22.

• Nebraska won its 36th all-time conference title and fifth Big Ten title with a 19-1 record in Big Ten play this season. The Huskers went back-to-back as Big Ten champions for the second time, also accomplishing that feat in 2016 and 2017.&nbsp;

• The Huskers’ 29 regular-season wins tied the 1983 school record for most wins in a regular season in the NCAA era.&nbsp;

• The Huskers’ 33 wins this season are tied for the most victories by a Husker team since the 2000 national championship team went 34-0.&nbsp;

• Nebraska won 25 matches in a row after a Sept. 3 loss at SMU. Of those 25 wins, 20 were sweeps. NU’s win streak ended on Nov. 29 in a 3-1 loss at No. 4 Penn State.&nbsp;

• Nebraska is 13-1 against ranked foes this season and 8-1 against top-10 teams. The Huskers’ eight wins against top-10 teams ties the school record, as the 1995 national championship team also had eight victories against top-10 opponents.

• After the Sept. 3 loss at SMU, Nebraska won 27 straight sets on the road until the Nov. 29 loss at No. 4 Penn State.

• The Huskers rank 12th nationally with a team hitting percentage of .285.

• The Huskers rank fourth nationally and first in the Big Ten in opponent hitting percentage at .139. NU led the nation in opponent hitting percentage in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;

• Nebraska ranks 11th nationally in kills per set (14.15).

• Nebraska enters Thursday’s match with 1,499 all-time victories and is looking to become the first Division I volleyball program to reach 1,500 all-time wins.&nbsp;

• Nebraska advanced to an NCAA Semifinal for the 18th time in program history and for the seventh time in the past 10 seasons. The Huskers’ 18 NCAA Semifinals rank second in NCAA history, and Nebraska’s seven semifinal appearances in the last 10 seasons lead the nation.

• Nebraska has made 13 NCAA Semifinals since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1998. The Huskers’ 13 trips to the semifinals in the 64-team NCAA Tournament era lead the nation.

• John Cook has led Nebraska to an NCAA Semifinal for the 12th time in his 25 seasons. He is one of only two coaches two make 12 NCAA Semifinals with one school.

• Cook is 101-25 in his NCAA Tournament career, including a 93-20 record at Nebraska. He ranks second all-time in career NCAA Tournament victories and NCAA Tournament wins at one school.

• Nebraska is 134-37 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. The Huskers rank second in NCAA history in postseason wins and winning percentage (.784).

• NU has held its four NCAA Tournament opponents to a combined .066 hitting percentage, which leads the field.&nbsp;

• Outside hitter Harper Murray is the team leader in kills at 3.37 per set, and also in aces with 36. One of the top six-rotation players in the country, Murray adds 2.41 digs per set.&nbsp;

• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason is second on the team in kills at 2.83 per set, and the two-year captain also contributes 1.25 digs per set and 29 aces.

• Middle blocker Andi Jackson is averaging 2.57 kills per set with a .428 hitting percentage, which ranks ninth in the nation.

• Middle blocker Rebekah Allick adds 1.83 kills per set on .357 hitting with 1.40 blocks per set. Allick has moved into the top 10 in school history in career blocks at No. 6 with 405.

• Setter Bergen Reilly is averaging 11.09 assists per set, which ranks 10th in the nation. She also adds 2.85 digs per set and has 21 aces. Reilly has 16 double-doubles and was named Big Ten Setter of the Year for the second straight year.&nbsp;

• The 2024 Big Ten Libero of the Year, Lexi Rodriguez leads the Husker back row with 3.91 digs per set. Rodriguez ranks No. 2 in school history in career digs with 1,882, needing nine more to break the school record of 1,890 set by Justine Wong-Orantes (2013-16).&nbsp;

• No. 2 Penn State is 33-2 overall and shared the Big Ten title with Nebraska with a 19-1 conference record.&nbsp;

• The Nittany Lions won their regional final against Creighton, 3-2, on Sunday night to advance to the NCAA Semifinals for the first time since 2017.&nbsp;

• Under third-year head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, the Nittany Lions have won their most matches in a season since going 33-2 in 2017. Schumacher-Cawley was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year.&nbsp;

• Penn State has won 10 matches in a row since being swept at Wisconsin on Nov. 9.

•&nbsp; Jess Mruzik leads Penn State with 4.21 kills per set with 2.37 digs per set.&nbsp;

• Camryn Hannah adds 3.59 kills per set.

• Freshman setter Izzy Starck is averaging 10.89 assists per set in guiding Penn State to a .285 hitting percentage. Starck was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.&nbsp;

• Nebraska is 28-12 all-time against Penn State and has won&nbsp; 14 of the last 16 meetings.&nbsp;

• Penn State snapped a seven-match losing streak to Nebraska with a 3-1 win on Nov. 29, 2024. In that match, the Huskers hit a season-low .154 and were out-killed 57-46.&nbsp;

• The teams have met 11 times in the NCAA Tournament with NU holding an 8-3 record against PSU in the postseason.&nbsp;

• The last NCAA Tournament meeting was Dec. 14, 2017 when the Huskers won 3-2 against the top-ranked Nittany Lions in an NCAA Semifinal. Nebraska went on to win the national title that season.&nbsp;

• Nebraska has allowed just 74 service aces this season, which leads the nation.

• NU allowed 77 aces in the 2022 season and 80 aces in 2017. Last season, the Huskers were aced 104 times.&nbsp;

• The Huskers have served 146 aces and committed 183 errors so far this season. The ace-to-error ratio of 0.80 is NU’s best in a full season since 2010 (0.86).&nbsp;

• Nebraska is on pace to record its fewest service errors in a season since 2011 (161).&nbsp;

• Nebraska has seven different players averaging between 1.83 and 3.37 kills per set.

• Six different players have led the Huskers in kills in a match this season.

• Setter Bergen Reilly ranks 10th nationally averaging 11.09 assists per set.&nbsp;

• Nebraska’s attack has been one of the best in the nation this season. The Huskers rank 12th in hitting percentage (.285) and 11th in kills per set (14.15).&nbsp;

• Nebraska has won 45 home matches in a row dating back to Dec. 1, 2022, which is the longest active streak in the nation.&nbsp;

• The Huskers’ home win streak is its longest since moving into the Devaney Center in 2013.&nbsp;

• Nebraska’s longest all-time home win streak was 88 matches from 2004-09.&nbsp;

• The Huskers went 22-0 at home in 2024, a school record for home wins in a season.&nbsp;

• Nebraska has won 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament matches played in the Devaney Center, a school record.&nbsp;

• Lexi Rodriguez is in her final year of a stellar career as the Huskers’ libero. A four-year starter and a three-year team captain, Rodriguez will go down in Nebraska volleyball history as one of the all-time greats.&nbsp;

• Rodriguez has 1,882 career digs, which ranks No. 2 in school history. U.S. Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes is the career leader in digs at NU with 1,890.&nbsp;

• Rodriguez has 265 career digs in the NCAA Tournament. She ranks first on Nebraska’s all-time postseason digs chart.&nbsp;

• Rodriguez was named Big Ten Libero of the Year this season, the third conference defensive player of the year award in her career, making her the second player in Big Ten history to accomplish that feat (Paula Gentil, Minnesota, 2002-04).&nbsp;

• An All-Big Ten First Team selection each year of her career, Rodriguez is the fifth Husker in school history to be named first-team all-conference four times in a career, joining Greichaly Cepero (1999-2002), Sarah Pavan (2004-07), Kadie Rolfzen (2013-16) and Lauren Stivrins (2018-21).

• Rodriguez earned her fourth AVCA All-Region honor and became the first libero to win a Region Player of the Year honor since the award’s inception in 2017.&nbsp;

• Rodriguez is a three-time AVCA All-American, earning first-team honors in 2021 and 2023, and second-team honors in 2022. She will look to join Kadie Rolfzen (2013-16) and Sarah Pavan (2004-07) as the only four-time All-Americans in program history.&nbsp;

• This season, Rodriguez leads the Huskers with 3.91 digs per set and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week twice, giving her seven career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.

BEASON LEADING HUSKERS ON AND OFF THE COURT

• For the second straight year since coming to Nebraska, Merritt Beason was an All-Big Ten First Team and AVCA All-Region selection. The opposite hitter is second on the team in kills at 2.83 per set, and she also contributes 1.25 digs per set and 29 aces.

• Beason posted 22 kills, eight digs and three blocks in a 3-2 win over No. 10 Purdue on Oct. 11.&nbsp;

• She also had 19 kills and hit .471 with a career-high 10 blocks in a Big Ten title-clinching win at Maryland on Nov. 30.&nbsp;

• A two-year team captain, Beason put together a sensational season in 2023 - her first as a Husker after transferring from Florida - earning AVCA All-America First Team honors and AVCA North Region Player of the Year.

• Harper Murray earned All-Big Ten First Team and AVCA All-Region accolades for the second straight year. Murray is the team leader in kills with 3.37 per set and adds 2.41 digs per set and 36 aces, the most on the team.

• In this year’s NCAA Tournament, Murray is putting up 4.08 kills per set on .322 hitting with 3.46 digs per set, 11 blocks and six aces.&nbsp;

• The sophomore outside hitter had a career-high 22 kills with season highs of 16 digs, four aces and four blocks in a 3-1 regional semifinal win over No. 23 Dayton. She added 10 kills, 12 digs and four blocks in the regional final sweep of No. 7 Wisconsin and was named the Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player.&nbsp;

• Murray was also clutch this season with 17 kills in a 3-2 win against No. 10 Purdue on Oct. 11, and 16 kills and 14 digs in a 3-2 win against No. 9 Creighton on Sept. 10.

• Murray finished her 2023 freshman campaign with 3.23 kills per set, the highest kills per set average by a Husker freshman since Kadie Rolfzen (3.46) in 2013. She earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year, AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team and AVCA All-America Third Team honors.

• Bergen Reilly is the only player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year in both her freshman and sophomore seasons after winning the award again this year. She was also on the All-Big Ten First Team both years and was an AVCA second-team All-American in 2023. Reilly received AVCA All-Region honors again this season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The sophomore collected five Big Ten Setter of the Week honors this season, which set a school record, and she was also named Best Setter at the season-opening AVCA First Serve Showcase in Louisville, Ky.&nbsp;

• Reilly ranks 10th nationally in assists per set with 11.09, and she adds 2.85 digs per set and has 21 aces. She has 16 double-doubles on the season.&nbsp;

• Reilly set the Huskers to a .285 season hitting percentage, which ranks 12th nationally.&nbsp;

• She had a career-high 60 assists to go with 17 digs in a 3-2 win against No. 10 Purdue on Oct. 11.

• Andi Jackson was unanimously named to the All-Big Ten First Team for the first time in her career after an outstanding sophomore campaign for the Huskers. She was also an AVCA All-Region selection for the second straight year.&nbsp;

• The middle blocker has elevated her game to new heights in 2024, averaging 2.57 kills per set with a .428 hitting percentage, which ranks ninth in the nation. Her hitting percentage also ranks third in school history.

• Jackson was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 28 after 11 kills and six blocks against Illinois and 10 kills and five blocks against Michigan.&nbsp;

• In the final two matches of the regular season, Jackson tied her career high with eight blocks in each match.

• Jackson showed enormous athleticism and potential the first time she stepped on the floor as a Husker, and she followed through with a strong debut season that included AVCA All-Region, All-Big Ten Second Team, and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors.&nbsp;

• Junior middle blocker Rebekah Allick is putting up 1.40 blocks per set so far this season. Offensively, she has provided 1.83 kills per set on .357 hitting.&nbsp;

• Allick’s career 1.31 blocks per set ranks No. 3 in school history in the rally scoring era.&nbsp;

• Allick has 405 career blocks, which ranks sixth in school history in the rally scoring era.&nbsp;

• In the season-opening victory over Kentucky, Allick had 11 kills and hit .667 while tying her career high with 12 blocks. Her performance earned her Best Middle Blocker and Most Valuable Player honors at the AVCA First Serve Showcase. She averaged 1.90 blocks per set in the first three matches of the season, which earned her Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

• Allick was again named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 7 after 2.00 blocks per set in sweeps at Illinois and vs. Iowa.&nbsp;

• Allick is a two-time AVCA All-Region and All-Big Ten Second Team pick. Last season, she averaged 1.76 kills per set with a team-high 1.50 blocks per set, which ranked second among Big Ten players and seven in the nation. Her 1.50 blocks per set was also the No. 2 mark in school history in the rally scoring era.&nbsp;

Huskers meet Penn State in NCAA Semifinal on Thursday

Nebraska senior libero Lexi Rodriguez has been named one of four finalists for the AVCA National Player of the Year Award, which will be presented on Friday at the AVCA All-America awards banquet.&nbsp;

Last week, Rodriguez became the first ever libero to be named AVCA Region Player of the Year. She is a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player and Libero of the Year and will look to become the third player in program history to be selected as a four-time All-American when the postseason honors come out on Wednesday.&nbsp;

A four-year starter and three-year team captain, Rodriguez has climbed to No. 2 in school history in career digs with 1,882, needing just nine more to break Justine Wong-Orantes' school record of 1,890.

Rodriguez is one of five Huskers in school history to earn first-team all-conference honors four times in a career, and she is only the second player in Big Ten history to earn three Big Ten Defensive Player/Libero of the Year honors (Paula Gentil, Minnesota, 2002-04).

This season, Rodriguez leads the Huskers with 3.91 digs per set as the team has climbed to No. 4 nationally in opponent hitting percentage on the season (.139). NU led the nation in opponent hitting percentage in both 2022 and 2023. Rodriguez was named to the NCAA Lincoln Regional All-Tournament Team on Sunday after leading the Huskers to two more dominant defensive outings. Nebraska is holding its opponents in the NCAA Tournament to a combined .066 hitting percentage, the best mark of any team.&nbsp;

Rodriguez and the Huskers will face No. 2 Penn State on Thursday night in the NCAA Semifinals on ESPN. The match will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first semifinal between No. 1 Pittsburgh and No. 4 Louisville at 5:30 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

Rodriguez named finalist for AVCA National Player of the Year

FRISCO, Texas, December 17, 2024&nbsp;–&nbsp;Student athletes from the Memphis Tigers and West Virginia Mountaineers football teams took a timeout from their bowl game preparations to pack lunches for K-12 students facing food insecurity in the Frisco, Texas area.

Nearly 50 college students from both teams competing in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl joined representatives from Scooter’s Coffee and the Frisco Bowl to give back to the Frisco community. The teamwork was in support of Frisco Fastpacs, an area non-profit whose mission is to ensure that no child in Frisco has to endure hunger when school is not in session.

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