Football - Lincoln East @ NPHS Bulldogs

North Platte Post&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte city council held a special and a regular meeting on September 3rd and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. Topics included approve the collective bargaining agreement between the city of NP and firefighters, first reading on ordinance No. 4182, approve the East Golden Road improvements, second reading of ordinance No. 4165 and so much more.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 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 September 3rd, North Platte City Council meeting check out the podcast below or check out the video below the podcast.&nbsp;

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

North Platte Post&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Connection Homeless Shelter has created a new sponsorship program with many levels for selection. The HUD contract that began a few months ago is off to a good start. Earlier in the week, POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Ashley Lewis about these topics. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Connection Homeless Shelter August conversation

North Platte, Neb. - The village of Hershey has officially kicked off the Hershey Fall Festival with the golf tournament today and family fun events running all day tomorrow leading up to the Colin Stough Concert. Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. You can purchase tickets at both Hershey State Bank or <a href="https://www.outhousetickets.com/Event/24030-Hershey_Fall_Festival_with_Colin_Stough_w__special_guests_BJ_Jamison_and_Drew_Phillips/">click here to purchase online.&nbsp;</a>

Post news director Canon Rath met up with Justin Petska to chat about the event. To learn more, check out the podcast below or for events going on, check out the graphic below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Hershey Fall Festival kicks off today, runs through Saturday

North Platte, Neb. - Monster trucks are heading to the Lincoln County Raceway for the Monster Truck Mania event this Saturday. Saturday will feature two shows, the first one beginning at 1:00 and last until 3:00pm and the second show begins at 7:00pm and will go until 9:00pm. Drivers will compete in different events and will finish the night off in the freestyle.&nbsp;

Tickets are available for both shows but the first show is selling quickly. The second show on Saturday features a family package deal for $50, but tickets are selling quickly.&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Paul Slimick, the driver of the Outlaw truck to talk about the show, different events and more. To learn more, check out the podcast below. To purchase tickets, <a href="https://event.attendstar.com/event/show/monster-truck-mania-north-platte-ne">click here.&nbsp;</a>

(Audio) Monster Truck Mania is crushing North Platte this Saturday

North Platte, Neb. - The West Central District Health Department is hosting an Overdose Awareness Walk and Narcan training/education this Saturday at the Centennial Park Gazebo. Registration begins at 7:45am with the Narcan training session at 8:15am and the walk set for 8:30am. During the training, folks will learn how to use a Narcan.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Meghan Trevino about the upcoming event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Overdose Awareness Walk set for this Saturday

North Platte, Neb. - The Prairie Arts Center is gearing up for a fun-filled event this Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm with plenty of activities for everyone to come out and enjoy. The morning session is filled with free classes for all skill levels to come out and enjoy. &nbsp;

Vendors and food trucks will also be on scene during the day. The Children's Museum will have chalk ready for the kids to enjoy. Starting around 1:00pm, amateur artists will take the stage and will have over an hour to paint a portrait.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier in the week POST News Director Canon Rath chatted with Holly Carlini about the upcoming event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Prairie Art Center gearing up for the Art Affair Event taking place this Saturday!

The Mid-Plains United Way will be hosting the Blue Sky Invitational on August 26th at Dismal River Club in Mullen. The United Way is kicking off their work place campaign on Monday.

POST News Director Canon Rath chatted with Mid-Plains United Way Executive Director Haven Smith about the upcoming event. To learn more about the golf tournament,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.midplainsunitedway.com/bluesky">click here</a>&nbsp;and check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Mid-Plains United Way: golf tournament, work place campaign and more

POST News Director Canon Rath chatted with Jeff Smeltzer from MPCC on Thursday about the MPCC Business and Community Education department and touched on CDL course and more. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) MPCC's Upcoming Classes: CDL and more!

North Platte, Neb. - The National Avocado Launching National Championships return to North Platte on September 14 at Pals Brewing Company. Registration is still open until August 29th. To register for the event, <a href="https://avocadolaunching.com/">click here</a>. During the championships, the Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival will be taking place at Pals. Top teams will be awarded with prize money.

Earlier in the week, POST News Director Canon Rath chatted with Amanda Connick and Taylor Salas about the upcoming event. To learn, check out the podcast below or <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/63d70bfa-c3fe-4c82-a4a4-7439f440d5ee">click here.</a>

(Audio) Avocado Launching National Championships coming back to North Platte in September

The Mid-Plains United Way will be hosting the Blue Sky Invitational on August 26th at Dismal River Club in Mullen. The United Way is also seeking new board members to join the team. 

POST News Director Canon Rath chatted with Mid-Plains United Way Executive Director Haven Smith about the upcoming event. To learn more about the golf tournament, <a href="https://www.midplainsunitedway.com/bluesky">click here</a>&nbsp;and check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Mid-Plains United Way: Golf tournament, board members & more

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Ms. Wheelchair America&nbsp;Tamara Blackwell.

🎤Forward Ever: Ms. Wheelchair America Tamara Blackwell

Pawsitive Partners Humane Society is launching the second of two Lower Income Love My Cat spay and neuter programs of 2024 - but with&nbsp;a big change.&nbsp; Love My Cat is for lower income cat owners and people helping to spay and neuter stray/unowned cats.&nbsp; 

Love My Cat addresses the cat overpopulation&nbsp;crisis affecting the cats, of course, as well as city resources&nbsp;and non-profit organizations. Paws-itive Partners' goal is to improve lives and save as many animals as possible by reducing their reproduction cycle.

Since 2011, Paws-itive Partners' Lower Income Love My Cat has completed 7,800 cat spays and cat neuters with veterinary clinics in North Platte and Sutherland.&nbsp; "As impressive as that number is," said Jo Mayber, Paws-itive Partners president, "There has been a decrease in people using Love My Cat.&nbsp; With new changes&nbsp;to LMC, we hope to increase numbers again and make it work for more cat owners."

Instead of the usual one-month-long&nbsp;programs, Paws-iive Partners' Lower Income Love My Cat is running from September&nbsp;3 to December 31, 2024.&nbsp; Advantages of the additional time are two-fold.&nbsp; One, this allows veterinary clinics to complete more surgeries without the hectic schedule as in the past and, two the&nbsp;longer time gives cat owners time to save money for the $45 per cat fee.&nbsp; Costs for groceries, clothing, eating out and all, have&nbsp;risen as has pet care.&nbsp;

 If a cat owner cuts back on a few non-essential items briefly they will save the $45 investment in their pet's health in no time.&nbsp;&nbsp;For those without transportation, Paws-itive Partners is offering to take the cat owner and cat to LMC veterinary appointments.&nbsp; For persons willing to trap unowned&nbsp;neighborhood cats, Paws-itive Partners has humane traps to loan.&nbsp; "With our low-cost LMC program and additional options, there shouldn't be any reason why cats are going unaltered," Mayber reminds everyone.

To register for Lower Income&nbsp;Love My Cat go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.pawsitivepartnersnp.com/">www.pawsitivepartnersnp.com</a>or call Marcia Eaton at 308-520-1095 or Tami Smith at 308-660-5561.&nbsp; They will collect information and give a Pet ID Number so the cat owner can&nbsp;schedule&nbsp;with&nbsp;a participating veterinary clinic.

Lower Income Love My Cat month is Paws-itive Partners' largest annual expense of $25,000. This four-month-long program is expected to be even higher but with more results.&nbsp; In addition to Love My Cat, Paws-itive Partners spays and neuters&nbsp;dogs and cats year-round.&nbsp; The non-profit organization provides emergency veterinary care for sick and injured animals.&nbsp; Paws-itive Partners relies on fundraising, donations and volunteers to care for animals.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Paws-itive Partners launching second spay and neuter program

The Hot Sheets: September 6th, 2024

<a>September 5, 2024 (North Platte, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have conducted alcohol compliance checks in Lincoln County.

During the evening hours of Wednesday, September 4, investigators conducted alcohol compliance checks in Lincoln County.

In total, 10 businesses were checked. One of those businesses sold alcohol to a minor for a compliance rate of 90%. The business that failed the compliance check was Avid &amp; Candlewood Suites.

Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to minors are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.&nbsp;This project is funded 100% by the Region II Human Services SUPTBG ($427,899.00, 6B08TIO85820-01M002) through SAMHSA, contracted through the NDHHS, Division of Behavioral Health.

Alcohol-serving businesses and employees have access to training resources through the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Responsible Beverage Server Training is a comprehensive training designed to equip staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve alcohol responsibly in a bar, convenience store, grocery store, or at a special even, manage difficult situations, and uphold legal and ethical standards. 

To enroll in this free training program or to learn more about its benefits, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration" target="_blank">https://rbst.lincoln.ne.gov/index.php?page=registration</a>.. A full list of certified alcohol training programs recommended by the Commission can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lcc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Certified%20Alcohol%20Training%20Courses.pdf" target="_blank">Certified Alcohol Training Courses.pdf (nebraska.gov)</a>.

Alcohol Compliance Checks Held in Lincoln County

The North Platte Canteen-A Musical Miracle

September 27, 28, 29, and October 4, 5, 6, 2024

The extraordinary true story of Rae Wilson and the women of the North Platte Canteen.&nbsp; Their selfless act inspired thousands and benefited millions. They welcomed soldiers with open arms, food, and gifts during WWII, in a phenomenon that lasted four-and-a-half years.

Tickets are on sale at the North Platte Community Playhouse or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://northplattecommunityplayhouse.com/" target="_blank">northplattecommunityplayhouse.com</a>.

For more information, please call 532-8559 between 1-5 p.m. (M-F)

Students ($10 in advance/$12 at the door)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tickets on sale for the North Platte Canteen - A Musical Miracle

The Hot Sheets: September 5th, 2024

Lexington, Neb. - The Lexington Police Department is investigating a Missing/Runaway Juvenile. 15-year-old Morionna Anderson is described as 5'7" tall and weighing 150 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Unknown clothing description. &nbsp;

Morianna left her home on August 21st and was located on August 25th and returned home. Morionna Anderson ran away again the following day, August 26th, and her whereabouts are unknown.&nbsp;

 If anyone has any knowledge as to her whereabouts you are urged to contact the Lexington Police Department at #308-324-2317 or on Facebook. As always everyone's cooperation is greatly appreciated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lexington Police Department searching for 15-year-old missing/runaway juvenile

North Platte, Neb. - North Platte's newest sandwich shop, Jersey Mike's, is now open. Jersey Mike's now operates eight locations in Nebraska with the North Platte store being the only location outside of the Lincoln/Omaha area.&nbsp;

The opening date was originally set for June 1st but was delayed. Jersey Mike's originally began as a mom-and-pop shop in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The chain operates almost 3,000 locations across the United States with more on the way.&nbsp;

Jersey Mikes is located at 201 Platte Oasis Parkway and shares the same building with Dunkin' Donuts.&nbsp;

Jersey Mike's now open in North Platte

North Platte, Neb. -The Lincoln County Nebraska Republican Party to host a Candidate Meet &amp; Greet on Sunday, September 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Memorial Park, 1200 East 4th Street, in North Platte. All Republican candidates on the November ballot have been invited to attend.&nbsp; 

This event will allow members of the community to get to know the candidates, ask them questions, and provide feedback directly.&nbsp;

The Lincoln County Nebraska Republican Party will have Trump/Vance yard signs available for a minimum $5 donation.&nbsp;

Meet the Lincoln County Republican Candidates on September 15th

Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;(Sep. 5, 2024)&nbsp;—Nebraska NetFest is set to deliver a thrilling weekend of pickleball and volleyball action on October 12-13, 2024.&nbsp;This event brings together athletes from across the state to compete in both sports, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition.

The Buffalo County Fairgrounds will host NetFest Volleyball for 3rd-8th Grade teams, with 3rd-6th graders playing Saturday, Oct. 12 and 7th-8th grade divisions playing Sunday, Oct. 13.&nbsp;Teams are encouraged to register early before the price increases on Sep. 10. The final registration deadline is Oct. 4.

NetFest Pickleball for ages 16 and up will be held at Horizon and Sunrise Middle Schools.&nbsp;Registration closes at the end of the day Friday, Sep. 27 for NetFest Pickleball, and officials expect more than 100 players will participate.

Those interested, can register and find information under the events tab at&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wA9zbAzvEOikTdn_xnlZg2WZqiSR9eV6IYp9cYMgC-_FXmc1C7gcdJhonXjaojgJB_AgkzYhrZRUkL9IcpUH11XTxfARhaDdu7gY9AJZK_gZB80C8s_Zemp72Ok_Kgl__1gL5kTtNNsT_KiStD0YLook1Ux33-pdwBSZELmzck4=&amp;c=YoB8NWz9G_AhArDPNa9cxuvGSMT3TvEiFNgNkh0v1q_kipBnqTLRPg==&amp;ch=uyYFyPHtQBvaojvUG60pGYJAiv6cJeW-3os9p_L2BPUEkSZYM1TwlQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Presenting Partner for Nebraska NetFest is&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wA9zbAzvEOikTdn_xnlZg2WZqiSR9eV6IYp9cYMgC-_FXmc1C7gcdNWKpyiR9vuO0NzfDtpSgbKa8qeruNNUDo5Hptme0cbH6QhcRshbSMS9J_dAi0eEXq1PVpg8gbDGngkm5fdQ7uCEeYHujJXvBg==&amp;c=YoB8NWz9G_AhArDPNa9cxuvGSMT3TvEiFNgNkh0v1q_kipBnqTLRPg==&amp;ch=uyYFyPHtQBvaojvUG60pGYJAiv6cJeW-3os9p_L2BPUEkSZYM1TwlQ==" target="_blank">Visit Kearney</a>.&nbsp;Community partners assisting in the events include Nebraska Volleyball Academy, USA Volleyball, Kearney Parks &amp; Recreation, Buffalo County Fairgrounds, Kearney Public Schools, Younes Hospitality, AKRS Equipment, Angus Burgers &amp; Shakes, Black Hills Energy,&nbsp;Edgewater Insurance, NDOT Highway Safety Office, &amp; MCL Construction.

Nebraska NetFest is conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council, a 501 c 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide quality sports competition and promote healthy-lifestyles for Nebraskans of all ages and abilities.&nbsp;Platinum partners include Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, the Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.

Nebraska NetFest Set For October 12-13 In Kearney

• The Nebraska volleyball team will look to rebound from its first loss of the season when it hosts The Citadel and Montana State as part of the Husker Invitational this week. Nebraska will play The Citadel on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The Huskers will end the week against Montana State on Saturday at 2 p.m.

• Thursday’s match will be streamed on B1G+. Saturday’s match will be televised on Nebraska Public Media and also streamed on B1G+. &nbsp;

• Huskers Radio Network will broadcast all the action on their volleyball affiliate stations, on Huskers.com and on the Huskers app.&nbsp;

2 p.m. - Nebraska vs. Montana State (NPM/B1G+)

• Nebraska is coming off a 3-0 loss at SMU on Tuesday night. The Huskers fell to an unranked team for the first time since a 3-1 loss to Northern Iowa in Omaha on Sept. 16, 2017.

• Nebraska has won 25 home matches in a row dating back to Nov. 26, 2022.&nbsp;

• The Huskers rank 12th nationally with 3.32 blocks per set.&nbsp;

• Outside hitter Harper Murray is leading the Huskers with 3.00 kills per set.&nbsp;

• Outside hitter Lindsay Krause adds 2.43 kills per set and has served a team-high six aces.&nbsp;

• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason is averaging 2.43 kills per set for the Big Red.&nbsp;

• Middle blocker Andi Jackson is averaging 2.36 kills and 1.21 per set with a team-best .519 hitting percentage, which ranks 11th nationally.&nbsp;

• Middle blocker Rebekah Allick adds 2.23 kills per set on .345 hitting and has put up 22 blocks for an average of 1.69 blocks per set, which ranks 22nd nationally.&nbsp;

• Setter Bergen Reilly is averaging 10.64 assists per set and 3.29 digs per set and is tied for the team lead in aces with six.

• Three-time All-American Lexi Rodriguez guides the Husker back row with 3.79 digs per set .

• The Citadel is 2-1 with wins over UT Martin and Grambling State and a loss at Alabama. The Bulldogs were picked to win the Southern Conference this season.&nbsp;

• The Citadel and Nebraska were the last two remaining unbeaten Division I teams last season. The Citadel suffered its first loss on Oct. 28, 2023, and Nebraska on Nov. 24, 2023.&nbsp;

• Mackenzie Martin, a graduate transfer from Tulane, leads the Bulldogs with 4.00 kills per set. Ali Ruffin adds 3.17 kills per set.&nbsp;

• Belle Hogan has served 11 aces, which ranks fifth in the nation.&nbsp;

• Montana State is 1-1 after a loss to Washington and win over Middle Tennesse State.&nbsp;

• The Bobcats finished 24-9 last season and advanced to the National Invitational Volleyball Championship Fab Four.&nbsp;

• Camryn Greenwald leads a balanced attack with 2.75 kills per set on .444 hitting with 1.63 blocks per set.&nbsp;

• Nebraska will be playing The Citadel for the first time.&nbsp;

• Nebraska is 1-0 against Montana State after a 3-0 sweep on Sept. 16, 2016 at the Devaney Center.&nbsp;

ALLICK, REILLY EARN BIG TEN WEEKLY AWARDS &nbsp; &nbsp;

• Nebraska junior middle blocker Rebekah Allick was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, and sophomore setter Bergen Reilly was named Big Ten Setter of the Week on Monday by the conference office.&nbsp;

• Allick earned her first career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award. Allick was named Best Middle Blocker and Most Valuable Player at the season-opening AVCA First Serve Showcase in Louisville, Ky. Allick had 11 kills and 12 blocks to lead the Huskers to a 3-1 win over No. 9 Kentucky. She also hit .667 in the match. Allick averaged 2.40 kills and 1.90 blocks per set with a .415 hitting percentage in the Huskers’ three wins against Kentucky, A&amp;M-Corpus Christi and TCU.&nbsp;

• Reilly earned her fifth career Big Ten Setter of the Week honor. She led the Huskers to three victories with 10.73 assists per set and 3.18 digs per set. Reilly was named Best Setter at the AVCA First Serve Showcase in Louisville, Ky., as she led the Huskers to a 3-1 win over No. 9 Kentucky with 39 assists and 11 digs. Reilly had three double-doubles on the week, including 43 assists and 14 digs in a 3-1 win over TCU. Reilly also set a career high with five service aces in a sweep of A&amp;M-Corpus Christi, as she opened the match on a 10-0 run at the service line. Overall, Reilly set the Huskers to a .286 hitting percentage in the three wins.

HALL OF FAME COACH COOK IN YEAR 25 AT NU &nbsp; &nbsp;

• Nebraska head coach John Cook is in his 25th season as the Nebraska volleyball head coach in 2024. He has led the Huskers to four national championships, 11 final fours, 13 conference championships and 22 top-10 final rankings since 2000.&nbsp;

• Cook has 853 career wins and is one of the all-time winningest coaches in NCAA history. Since taking over the program in 2000, Cook has led the Huskers to a nation-leading .873 win percentage (692-101).&nbsp;

• Under Cook, the Huskers have achieved 68 AVCA All-Americans and 20 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, both among the best in the nation. He is a three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year, earning the prestigious honor in 2000, 2005 and 2023, and an eight-time conference coach of the year, including Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2023.

• In 2023, Cook was voted AVCA National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading a young Nebraska team with no seniors to its first Big Ten title since 2017. The Huskers finished the regular season 28-1 overall, their best regular season record since going 28-1 in 2005. After going 26-6 last year and missing the NCAA regional finals for the first time since 2011, the Huskers started over with a starting lineup featuring four true freshmen and a junior transfer (Beason). Cook’s Huskers won their first 27 matches of the season and held the No. 1 ranking from Oct. 23 through the end of the regular season. Despite having no seniors on the roster for just the second time in Cook’s time at Nebraska - as well as starting a true freshman at setter for only the second time in Cook’s tenure - the Huskers earned the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 and the sixth time overall under Cook.

• Cook was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2017, joining former Husker volleyball coach Terry Pettit in the hall.&nbsp;

RODRIGUEZ AMONG ALL-TIME GREAT NU LIBEROS

• 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 history as one of the all-time greats in Nebraska volleyball history.&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;

• Rodriguez made her mark instantly as a freshman in 2021, earning AVCA National Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Over the last two seasons, Rodriguez has guided the Huskers to the No. 1 defense in the country, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year again in 2023 to become the fifth player in Big Ten history to receive the honor twice in a career.&nbsp;

• Rodriguez has 1,477 career digs, which ranks fifth in school history. U.S. Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes is the career leader in assists at NU with 1,890.&nbsp;

• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason made an instant impact on the Nebraska volleyball program after transferring from Florida in 2023, and she will look to take the next step in her senior season as a second-year captain.&nbsp;

• Last year, Beason put together a sensational season, earning AVCA first-team All-America honors and AVCA North Region Player of the Year, becoming just the second Husker (Kelly Hunter) to earn that honor.&nbsp;

• Beason averaged a team-leading 3.76 kills per set on .282 hitting with 2.05 digs per set. She was named Big Ten Player of the Week four times and was the AVCA National Player of the Week on Oct. 23 after averaging 4.25 kills per set and 1.75 digs per set in wins against Northwestern and top-ranked Wisconsin.&nbsp;

• Beason was the MVP of the NCAA Lincoln Regional after 19 kills, 11 digs and a career-high eight blocks in a regional final win over Arkansas.&nbsp;

KRAUSE LOOKING TO PICK UP WHERE SHE LEFT OFF

• Outside hitter Lindsay Krause was having the best year of her Husker career in 2023 before it ended in mid-October with an ankle injury. At the time of her injury, Krause was averaging 2.50 kills per set and was hitting .285 for the season.&nbsp;

• Not only that, Krause was putting up 2.82 kills per set on .366 hitting through six Big Ten matches, which led all Big Ten outside hitters in conference action at the time.&nbsp;

• Krause was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Oct. 9 following a season-high 15 kills on .519 hitting at Michigan and nine kills on .381 hitting at Michigan State. &nbsp;

• Nebraska relied on four true freshmen in the 2023 season and all four are back as sophomores ready to elevate their games to new levels.&nbsp;

• Setter Bergen Reilly was the Big Ten Setter of the Year in 2023, becoming the first freshman to win the award since it originated in 2012. Reilly was also an AVCA second-team All-American and an All-Big Ten first-team selection. Reilly led all Big Ten setters with 10.51 assists per set and received four Big Ten Setter of the Week honors and two Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolades.&nbsp;

• Outside hitter Harper Murray is coming off a freshman season that included being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team, AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year and AVCA All-America Third Team. Murray finished second on the team with 3.23 kills per set, the highest kills per set average by a Husker freshman since Kadie Rolfzen (3.46) in 2013. One of the Big Ten’s best six-rotation players, Murray also added 2.07 digs per set with a team-high 36 aces. She was a three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week.&nbsp;

• Middle blocker Andi Jackson showed enormous athleticisim 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. Jackson averaged 2.01 kills per set and 1.09 blocks per set with a .399 hitting percentage, which ranked third in the Big Ten and 19th in the nation. Her hitting percentage was the best ever by a Husker freshman and ranked seventh all-time in the rally scoring era. Along with Reilly, Jackson helped the U.S. U21 National Team win the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto this summer, hitting .654 throughout the tournament with 39 kills and 10 blocks.&nbsp;

• Laney Choboy played in 34 matches rotating in for the Big Red in 2023, averaging 1.82 digs per set with 37 assists and 14 aces. Known for her high-energy play, the 5-3 defensive specialist unofficially led the team in highlight-reel saves.&nbsp;

• Junior middle blocker Rebekah Allick is a two-time AVCA All-Region and All-Big Ten second-team selection. 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;

• Allick was at her best at the end of the 2023 season, registering a career-high 12 blocks in the NCAA regional final win over Arkansas and 10 blocks in the NCAA semifinal sweep of Pittsburgh.&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.

REILLY, JACKSON LEAD U.S. U21 TEAM TO GOLD

• Nebraska sophomores Bergen Reilly and Andi Jackson led the U.S. U21 National Team to the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto, Canada in June. Nebraska assistant coach Jaylen Reyes served as an assistant coach for the U21 National Team.

• The U.S. swept Puerto Rico 25-12, 25-16, 25-16 in the final to finish the tournament without dropping a set in five matches. Jackson finished with nine kills, three blocks and one ace, while Reilly set the U.S. to a .464 hitting percentage.&nbsp;

• In other international competition, Nebraska seniors Merritt Beason, Taylor Landfair and Lexi Rodriguez took the silver medal at the NORCECA Final Six as the U.S. National Team fell to Dominican Republic in five sets. The U.S. National Team - comprising only college players for this tournament - went toe-to-toe with the senior national team of the Dominican Republic. Beason had a team-high 14 kills in the final, while Rodriguez had 10 digs.

THREE HUSKERS EARN SILVER AT PARIS OLYMPICS

• The U.S. Women’s Volleyball National Team earned the silver medal at the Paris Olympics in August as they fell to Italy, 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-17) in the final.&nbsp;

• Three players on the U.S. National Team - Jordan Larson, Kelsey Robinson Cook and Justine Wong-Orantes - represented Nebraska throughout the competition. In the final, Wong-Orantes put up 15 digs for Team USA, and Larson had five kills.&nbsp;

• Larson earned her fourth career Olympic medal, tied for the most all-time by a women’s volleyball player. Robinson Cook collected her third Olympics medal, and Wong-Orantes now has a gold and a silver medal.&nbsp;

• The U.S. women have won one Olympic gold medal (2020), four silver medals (1984, 2008, 2012, 2024) and two bronze medals (1992 and 2016).

• Larson, who was a three-time All-American at Nebraska while lettering from 2005-08, competed in her fourth straight Olympics. She is in her second season as an assistant coach for the Huskers in 2024.&nbsp;

• Robinson Cook, an All-American at NU in 2013, was also a member of the bronze-medal winning team in 2016 and gold-medal winning team in 2020, while two-time All-American Wong-Orantes (2013-16) made her Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2020.&nbsp;

• Nebraska signed two freshmen in its 2024 class, libero Olivia Mauch and outside hitter Skyler Pierce.&nbsp;

• Mauch, a 5-6 libero from Bennington, Neb., was the starting libero for the U.S. Girls U19 Team that won gold at the 2023 FIVB U19 World Championships in Croatia. She had 13 digs in the championship match, a 3-2 comeback win over Turkey. Mauch averaged 7.1 digs per set and had 49 service aces in her senior season at Bennington, leading the Badgers to the Class B state semifinals twice. She was the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year. Mauch also trained with the U.S. U21 National Team in June 2024 in Anaheim, Calif.&nbsp;

• Pierce, a 6-2 outside hitter from Lenexa, Kan., also has major international experience with the U.S. National Team program, having competed at the 2023 FIVB U21 World Championships. Pierce starred at Olathe Northwest, where she averaged 4.6 kills per set with a .402 hitting percentage to go along with 230 digs, 67 aces and 43 blocks in her senior season in which the Ravens finished third at the Kansas 6A state tournament. Pierce was an AVCA first-team High School All-American and th MetroKC Volleyball Player of the Year.&nbsp;

• Nebraska brought in two new additions via the transfer portal in the offseason in Minnesota outside hitter Taylor Landfair and San Diego middle blocker Leyla Blackwell.&nbsp;

• Landfair, a 6-5 outside hitter from Plainfield, Ill., is a senior for the Huskers but has two years of eligibility remaining after receiving a medical hardship for the 2021 season. Landfair was the Big Ten Player of the Year and an AVCA first-team All-American in 2022 at Minnesota after 4.36 kills per set on .257 hitting with 1.63 digs per set. She had a career-high 28 kills in a win over Oregon and was a four-time Big Ten Player of the Week, as well as the AVCA North Region Player of the Year. Last season, Landfair earned first-team All-Big Ten honors for the third time and averaged 3.19 kills and 2.03 digs per set.&nbsp;

• Blackwell, a 6-4 middle blocker &nbsp;from San Diego, Calif., was a three-time All-WCC selection at San Diego and averaged 2.25 kills and 1.24 blocks per set with a .329 hitting percentage last season. Blackwell guided the Toreros to the NCAA Semifinals in 2022 by shattering the school record for single-season block assists (152), and she finished sixth nationally at 1.50 blocks per set. Blackwell has Big Ten experience as she began her career at Indiana in 2020-21 and led the team in blocking and hitting percentage.&nbsp;

• Five student-athletes from the Nebraska volleyball team were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team.

• Merritt Beason and Lexi Rodriguez were unanimous selections to the 18-player Preseason All-Big Ten Team. They were joined by Taylor Landfair, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly on the team. All five players were All-Big Ten selections in 2023. Seventeen of the 18 players on the team were either All-Big Ten or All-Pac 12 First Team selections last season. NU’s five selections were the most for any team in the conference; no one else had more than three.&nbsp;

• The coaches picked Nebraska as the top team in the preseason poll. The Huskers won their fourth Big Ten title in 2023 with a 19-1 conference record. Nebraska finished the season at 33-2 and reached the NCAA Championship match, falling 3-0 to Texas in Tampa, Fla. Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and Minnesota rounded out the top five, followed by three of the conference’s newcomers in Oregon, USC and UCLA.

NU set to host Husker Invitational

@ Dundy County Stratton: Arapahoe VS Dundy County Stratton

@ Dundy County Stratton: Arapahoe VS Hitchcock County

@ Dundy County Stratton: Hitchcock County VS Dundy County Stratton

@ Grand Island: North Platte VS Grand Island

@ Maywood-Hayes Center: Atwood - Rawlins County, KS VS Maywood-Hayes Center

@ Maywood-Hayes Center: Atwood - Rawlins County, KS VS Southwest

@ Maywood-Hayes Center: Southwest VS Maywood-Hayes Center

@ Medicine Valley: Arthur County VS Medicine Valley

@ Perkins County: North Platte St. Patrick's VS Perkins County

@ Sandhills Valley: Hyannis VS Sandhills Valley

@ Sandhills Valley: Wallace VS Sandhills Valley

@ Southern Valley: Cozad VS Southern Valley

Area High School games for 9-5

LINCOLN, Neb. (September 3, 2024) –&nbsp;The Nebraska Sports Council has announced that registration is open for the 2024 Heartland Havoc&nbsp;wrestling&nbsp;tournament, set to take place November 9-10, 2024, at Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln. For more information and to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DBIJlSt617vO5hA_JCvIbBOyrJ8UPLFcRLNA3lWLuNIJhtmuUkMQLlucOWDyc330u0aNpGb7OEsAnFJQNWXaNb81U3rPoVahEw_CkDuXNPPe315IfULwypjCAvlJgkdw7QKUIlXLi6G1nu3zb6qGzl9z8lt6leXxyC693Z5j2xn25ssKoRgW7Th0UYjiYHA7IpFZLIenW6pD5UugqMlah5CiJldTsw0cLX7UnTGaf6mx-rPUBHNi7IPer5K36D4hJKTf4Pr6Sq3A2dvn08-sSeVbGChH2faXuBwKcibJpQi_t6VPUMmF6QAk0ve5xOSInsRvIV30PPwGL4fIhhLyR5sL0KL9JJKV_Bwz5KSLaPUTtDNUbmKl7nDDZJBW9IKJfqDpqUqHedMMmBQtJNEDm6Bz_4URhc40kHwrLRbxp3NiGPKxxc3I-45EIP3jSUVoVIxVOSy7R5I=&amp;c=abjp4_c4HmbZ3vVwafzqLWnVbzMnLJ8YddHQrwen9Rec-Es7GeF-rA==&amp;ch=be8tn8lo8FRQ6eGbGVSMJt3FiDJ5RF98TaJ2XXD86PT7JEntDOZaQw==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

The&nbsp;event&nbsp;offers&nbsp;competition in&nbsp;individual&nbsp;events on Saturday, Nov. 9 and a&nbsp;dual competition&nbsp;on Sunday, Nov. 10, for pre-K through 12th&nbsp;grade wrestlers.

Early registration is encouraged as spots are expected to fill quickly, with the tournament limited to the first 600 wrestlers. The&nbsp;individual&nbsp;registration deadline is Thursday, Nov.&nbsp;7. Duals teams must be registered by&nbsp;Nov. 1.

"We are thrilled to bring together wrestlers from across the region for the Heartland Havoc," said Dave Mlnarik, President of the Nebraska Sports Council. "The Havoc&nbsp;is a great&nbsp;pre-winter&nbsp;tune-up and&nbsp;showcase&nbsp;for high schoolers as well as junior wrestlers."

Questions pertaining to&nbsp;satellite weigh-ins and registration&nbsp;may be emailed to&nbsp;Tournament&nbsp;Director David Charroin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:csgwrestling@gmail.com" target="_blank">csgwrestling@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;Those needing&nbsp;to speak with David,&nbsp;are asked to&nbsp;include&nbsp;their&nbsp;phone number in the email.

For updates on the event, LIKE&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DBIJlSt617vO5hA_JCvIbBOyrJ8UPLFcRLNA3lWLuNIJhtmuUkMQLrnaZJs2mO-ITqhkF2HK9MbEYmVFlTe41Ssf4YeAp1GgjUfPSD6sqfxLDWg5fksMBaGmLrSgQi0Yn5fMJj1D1Qg_bo7v5TMIurWtlzifVra-a4WV13wNxi1dDXnJ-ah4CA==&amp;c=abjp4_c4HmbZ3vVwafzqLWnVbzMnLJ8YddHQrwen9Rec-Es7GeF-rA==&amp;ch=be8tn8lo8FRQ6eGbGVSMJt3FiDJ5RF98TaJ2XXD86PT7JEntDOZaQw==" target="_blank">Heartland Havoc Wrestling</a>&nbsp;on Facebook, follow&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DBIJlSt617vO5hA_JCvIbBOyrJ8UPLFcRLNA3lWLuNIJhtmuUkMQLlucOWDyc330NR0iM5udkqci1ySpZ7kbTlQrkQeqrlD64BtEmtI7lcofcleTzJeEV772IZswTDuyZMdjMd3JURnLfjot13zDqOhEbOK-M33s&amp;c=abjp4_c4HmbZ3vVwafzqLWnVbzMnLJ8YddHQrwen9Rec-Es7GeF-rA==&amp;ch=be8tn8lo8FRQ6eGbGVSMJt3FiDJ5RF98TaJ2XXD86PT7JEntDOZaQw==" target="_blank">@NESportsCouncil</a>&nbsp;on X, and&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DBIJlSt617vO5hA_JCvIbBOyrJ8UPLFcRLNA3lWLuNIJhtmuUkMQLozlO7X6P_GHNbh5jIW7YBqupA1FDuKaWyoUXuHs9VIIXnhxY3b4x90CPo51OpfuhFYAVzJAdD51CvmU5bt8oKTjJyGRatjT_fEuTcL-9QXXlD1u3l4uJd1wYOd7my3yTg==&amp;c=abjp4_c4HmbZ3vVwafzqLWnVbzMnLJ8YddHQrwen9Rec-Es7GeF-rA==&amp;ch=be8tn8lo8FRQ6eGbGVSMJt3FiDJ5RF98TaJ2XXD86PT7JEntDOZaQw==" target="_blank">@nesportscouncil</a>&nbsp;on Instagram.

Heartland Havoc, presented by&nbsp;IMT Insurance,&nbsp;is an event of the Nebraska Sports Council.&nbsp;Contributing&nbsp;sponsors&nbsp;include:&nbsp;Sandhills Global Event Center, Trophies Plus, and DigitalSky.

Registration Now Open for Heartland Havoc Wrestling Tournament

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

DALLAS - The No. 2 Nebraska volleyball team fell 25-23, 25-21, 25-18 at SMU on Tuesday night in front of a crowd of 6,773 at Moody Coliseum.&nbsp;

The Huskers (3-1) committed 11 service errors and had just one ace, while SMU (2-1) aced Nebraska seven times and committed 10 service errors.&nbsp;

SMU outhit the Big Red .242 to .171, and had the edge in kills (39-36), blocks (10-9) and digs (43-36).&nbsp;

Merritt Beason had nine kills for NU. Andi Jackson had eight kills and hit .667 with six blocks. Harper Murray had six kills, and Rebekah Allick and Lindsay Krause each had five.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly had 31 assists and 11 digs.&nbsp;

Naya Shime and Maya Tabron led the Mustangs with nine kills each.&nbsp;

The loss was Nebraska's first to an unranked team since 2017.&nbsp;

Set 1: The Huskers had seven kills in their first 13 attacks, but three service errors allowed the score to be tied at 9-9. The Mustangs went up 11-10, but kills by Beason and Murray put NU on top, 12-11. A block by Jackson and Murray and an SMU hitting error made it 15-12, and Beason terminated from the back row for a 16-12 Husker lead after a 4-0 run. Jackson added another kill and a block with Landfair for an 18-13 lead. Jackson then put down her fifth kill before serving her first career ace to make it 20-15. Nebraska led 21-16, but SMU went on a 6-0 run to go up 22-21. Lindsay Krause subbed in and immediatley terminated to tie the score at 22-22, but NU's fourth service error put SMU back on top. Allick and Beason then combined for a block to tie it again, 23-23, but back-to-back SMU kills gave the Mustangs a 25-23 win.&nbsp;

Set 2: SMU jumped in front to a 7-4 lead, but a Krause kill sparked a 3-0 Husker run. But SMU responded with a 4-0 run - including two aces - to go up 13-8. NU cut it to one at 19-18, but two more service errors helped the Mustangs go up 22-19, and SMU won 25-21 to take a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

Set 3: NU separated from an 8-8 tie with kills by Allick and Murray and a block by Murray and Jackson for an 11-8 lead, but SMU came right back to tie it 11-11. Nebraska led 14-13 when SMU ripped off five points in a row to go ahead 18-14. SMU increased the lead to 23-15 after a 5-0 run and won the set and match, 25-18.

Up Next: The Husker Invitational will be held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center this Thursday-Saturday. The schedule is as follows:

Huskers fall at SMU

Anselmo-Merna def. Mullen, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19 (2-1)

Anselmo-Merna def. South Loup (Callaway/Arnold), 25-11, 25-12 (2-0)

Brady def. Perkins County, 25-18, 11-25, 25-21 (2-1)

Brady def. South Platte, 25-15, 25-9 (2-0)

Broken Bow def. North Platte, 25-23, 25-16, 25-12 (3-0)

Cambridge def. Paxton, 25-21, 25-21 (2-0)

Cambridge def. Sutherland, 25-10, 25-17 (2-0)

Garden County def. Hay Springs, 25-19, 25-12 (2-0)

Gothenburg def. Southern Valley, 25-18, 25-13, 25-22 (3-0)

Hi-Line def. Medicine Valley, 25-5, 25-20, 25-18 (3-0)

Lexington def. Cozad, 27-25, 25-22, 25-14 (3-0)

Minden def. Chase County, 25-7, 25-12 (2-0)

Mullen def. South Loup (Callaway/Arnold), 25-18, 25-17 (2-0)

Sutherland def. Paxton, 25-15, 25-19 (2-0)

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