Story by NU Athletic Communications

Rudy Sautron broke another school record with an 18-under-par 198 over three rounds to share his third individual title of the season and lead the Nebraska men's golf team to a 10th-place finish at The Johnnie-O at Sea Island on Tuesday.

The victory, which followed a shared title at the Hal Williams Collegiate (Feb. 16-17), gave Sautron his second straight individual championship and his third shared title of the season, including a  win at Nebraska's Git-R-Done Invitational (Sept. 22-23).

Sautron, a junior from Reunion Island, France, opened the tournament on Monday with a remarkable round of 64 (-8), before adding a second-round 68 (-4) to close the first 36 holes at 132 (-12). 

He continued his championship-caliber play with a final-round 66 (-6) to break his own Nebraska record for best 54-hole score relative to par at -18, which he previously set with his a 195 (-15) at the Hal Williams Collegiate in Semmes, Ala. (Feb. 16-17).

Sautron shared medalist honors with Minnesota's Chun-Ta Wu, who also opened with a 64 (-8) in Monday's first round before taking a one-stroke lead over Sautron with a second-round 67 (-5) heading to Tuesday's final round. Wu closed with another 67 (-5) to finish at 198 (-18) on the 7,060-yard, par-72 layout of the Plantation Course at Sea Island Resort in St. Simons Island, Ga.

Sautron and Wu finished with a four-shot advantage over Georgia Southern's Morgan Blythe, who closed at 202 (-14) after entering the tournament ranked No. 139 nationally.

Sautron's final round on Tuesday featured a pair of eagles, beginning with his opening hole of the day on the 327-yard, par-4 No. 10. He added birdies on No. 14, No. 17 and No. 18, before getting another eagle on the 623-yard, par-5 4th hole. His only blemish of the day came with a bogey on No. 7. 

On Monday, Sautron's opening round featured birdies on seven of his first nine holes before his lone blemish with a bogey on No. 7. He responded with birdies on No. 8 and No. 13 to close out the round with a 64 (-8). His second round started with two more birdies on No. 14 and 15, before a bogey on No. 16. He notched his first of three eagles in the tournament on the 560-yard, par-5 No. 18, before finding another birdie on No. 2 to move to 12-under through 29 holes. However, he settled for bogeys on three of his final seven holes while managing a pair of birdies to finish the round at 68 (-4).

Sautron, who opened the tournament ranked No. 119 in the country, is likely to move up significantly in the national rankings by defeating 82 other golfers in the field, including 11 in the top 150. The highest ranked golfer in the field entering the tournament was Notre Dame's Jacob Modleski (49th), who finished ninth at 205 (-11), seven strokes behind Sautron. No. 58 Calen Sanderson from Notre Dame was the second-highest ranked player in the tournament, and he finished in a tie for 58th in the field, 19 strokes behind Sautron at 217 (+1).

Sautron helped the Huskers to a 10th-place finish in a strong 15-team field at The Johnnie-O. The Huskers posted a three-round total of 845 (-19). 

Florida Gulf Coast and Georgia Southern shared the team title at 822 (-42), while Minnesota and Kansas tied for third at 825 (-39). 

Evan McDermott helped fuel Nebraska's climb up the team leader board in the final round with his career-best 67 (-5). The redshirt junior from Spring Lake, Mich., got off to a hot start with a 31 (-5) on the back nine to open his day, including an eagle on the par-5, 550-yard 14th hole. He added birdies on No. 2 and 3 to move to seven-under through 13 before a pair of bogeys over the final five holes.

McDermott closed the tournament as Nebraska's No. 2 finisher in a tie for 33rd at 211 (-5).

Jackson Benge added to Nebraska's final-round team score with a 71 (-1), to finish with a three-round total of 220 (+4) in a tie for 66th.

Freshman Caden Mickelson completed the Husker contingent with a 54-hole total of 227 (+7) in a tie for 75th, including a final-round 74 (+2).

Sophomore Brodie Cunningham opened the tournament with back-to-back rounds of 72 on Monday, but did not post a score on Tuesday.

The Huskers return to action next week at the All-American Intercollegiate at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, Texas.

Sea Island Resort (Plantation Course - Par 72, 7,060 Yards)

T1. Georgia Southern - 265-282-275=822 (-42)

T1. Florida Gulf Coast - 276-268-278=822 (-42)

T13. Kennesaw State - 284-290-281=855 (-9)

T1. #119 Rudy Sautron, Nebraska - 64-68-66=198 (-18)

T1. Chun-Ta Wu, Minnesota - 64-67-67=198 (-18)

3. Pearce Lewin, NC State - 68-68-65=201 (-15)

4. #139 Morgan Blythe, Georgia Southern - 64-72-66=202 (-14)

5. William Baker, Kansas - 67-69-67=203 (-13)

T6. #138 Hartej Grewal, Kansas - 67-66-71=204 (-12)

T6. Arthur Carlier, Kansas - 66-74-64=204 (-12)

T6. #82 Nate Stevens, Notre Dame - 67-71-66=204 (-12)

9. #49 Jacob Modleski, Notre Dame - 67-65-73=205 (-11)

T10. Christian Figueredo, Florida Gulf Coast - 69-66-71=206 (-10)

T10. #89 Riccardo Fantinelli, Princeton - 67-71-68=206 (-10)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsRudy Sautron broke another school record with an 18-under-par 198 over three rounds to share his third individual title of the season and lead the Nebraska men's golf team to a 10th-place finish at The Johnnie-O at Sea Island on Tuesday.The victory, which followed a shared title at the Hal Williams Collegiate (Feb. 16-17), gave Sautron his second straight individual championship and his third shared title of the season, including a win at Nebraska's Git-R-Done Invitational (Sept. 22-23).Sautron, a junior from Reunion Island, France, opened the tournament on Monday with a remarkable round of 64 (-8), before adding a second-round 68 (-4) to close the first 36 holes at 132 (-12). He continued his championship-caliber play with a final-round 66 (-6) to break his own Nebraska record for best 54-hole score relative to par at -18, which he previously set with his a 195 (-15) at the Hal Williams Collegiate in Semmes, Ala. (Feb. 16-17).Sautron shared medalist honors with Minnesota's Chun-Ta Wu, who also opened with a 64 (-8) in Monday's first round before taking a one-stroke lead over Sautron with a second-round 67 (-5) heading to Tuesday's final round. Wu closed with another 67 (-5) to finish at 198 (-18) on the 7,060-yard, par-72 layout of the Plantation Course at Sea Island Resort in St. Simons Island, Ga.Sautron and Wu finished with a four-shot advantage over Georgia Southern's Morgan Blythe, who closed at 202 (-14) after entering the tournament ranked No. 139 nationally.Sautron's final round on Tuesday featured a pair of eagles, beginning with his opening hole of the day on the 327-yard, par-4 No. 10. He added birdies on No. 14, No. 17 and No. 18, before getting another eagle on the 623-yard, par-5 4th hole. His only blemish of the day came with a bogey on No. 7. On Monday, Sautron's opening round featured birdies on seven of his first nine holes before his lone blemish with a bogey on No. 7. He responded with birdies on No. 8 and No. 13 to close out the round with a 64 (-8). His second round started with two more birdies on No. 14 and 15, before a bogey on No. 16. He notched his first of three eagles in the tournament on the 560-yard, par-5 No. 18, before finding another birdie on No. 2 to move to 12-under through 29 holes. However, he settled for bogeys on three of his final seven holes while managing a pair of birdies to finish the round at 68 (-4).Sautron, who opened the tournament ranked No. 119 in the country, is likely to move up significantly in the national rankings by defeating 82 other golfers in the field, including 11 in the top 150. The highest ranked golfer in the field entering the tournament was Notre Dame's Jacob Modleski (49th), who finished ninth at 205 (-11), seven strokes behind Sautron. No. 58 Calen Sanderson from Notre Dame was the second-highest ranked player in the tournament, and he finished in a tie for 58th in the field, 19 strokes behind Sautron at 217 (+1).Sautron helped the Huskers to a 10th-place finish in a strong 15-team field at The Johnnie-O. The Huskers posted a three-round total of 845 (-19). Florida Gulf Coast and Georgia Southern shared the team title at 822 (-42), while Minnesota and Kansas tied for third at 825 (-39). Evan McDermott helped fuel Nebraska's climb up the team leader board in the final round with his career-best 67 (-5). The redshirt junior from Spring Lake, Mich., got off to a hot start with a 31 (-5) on the back nine to open his day, including an eagle on the par-5, 550-yard 14th hole. He added birdies on No. 2 and 3 to move to seven-under through 13 before a pair of bogeys over the final five holes.McDermott closed the tournament as Nebraska's No. 2 finisher in a tie for 33rd at 211 (-5).Jackson Benge added to Nebraska's final-round team score with a 71 (-1), to finish with a three-round total of 220 (+4) in a tie for 66th.Freshman Caden Mickelson completed the Husker contingent with a 54-hole total of 227 (+7) in a tie for 75th, including a final-round 74 (+2).Sophomore Brodie Cunningham opened the tournament with back-to-back rounds of 72 on Monday, but did not post a score on Tuesday.The Huskers return to action next week at the All-American Intercollegiate at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, Texas.The Johnnie-O at Sea IslandMarch 9-10, 2026St. Simons Island, GeorgiaSea Island Resort (Plantation Course - Par 72, 7,060 Yards)Final Team ResultsT1. Georgia Southern - 265-282-275=822 (-42)T1. Florida Gulf Coast - 276-268-278=822 (-42)T3. Minnesota - 276-274-275=825 (-39)T3. Kansas - 269-279-272=825 (-39)5. NC State - 275-280-272-827 (-37)6. Notre Dame - 273-277-279=829 (-35)T7. Cincinnati - 272-282-287=841 (-23)T7. Rutgers - 280-286-275=841 (-23)9. Memphis - 278-285-281=844 (-20) 10. Nebraska - 286-281-278=845 (-19)T11. UNCG - 278-287-289=854 (-10)T11. Princeton - 282-281-291=854 (-10)T13. Penn State - 280-288-287=855 (-9)T13. Kennesaw State - 284-290-281=855 (-9)15. West Virginia - 290-289-277=856 (-8)Final Individual ResultsT1. #119 Rudy Sautron, Nebraska - 64-68-66=198 (-18)T1. Chun-Ta Wu, Minnesota - 64-67-67=198 (-18)3. Pearce Lewin, NC State - 68-68-65=201 (-15)4. #139 Morgan Blythe, Georgia Southern - 64-72-66=202 (-14)5. William Baker, Kansas - 67-69-67=203 (-13)T6. #138 Hartej Grewal, Kansas - 67-66-71=204 (-12)T6. Arthur Carlier, Kansas - 66-74-64=204 (-12)T6. #82 Nate Stevens, Notre Dame - 67-71-66=204 (-12)9. #49 Jacob Modleski, Notre Dame - 67-65-73=205 (-11)T10. Christian Figueredo, Florida Gulf Coast - 69-66-71=206 (-10)T10. #89 Riccardo Fantinelli, Princeton - 67-71-68=206 (-10)Nebraska IndividualsT1. Rudy Sautron - 64-68-66=198 (-18)T33. Evan McDermott - 75-69-67=211 (-5)T66. Jackson Benge - 77-72-71=220 (+4)T75. Caden Mickelson - 75-74-74=223 (+7)84. Brodie Cunningham - 72-72-N/A

Sautron shares another Title to lead Huskers at Johnnie-O

Lauren Thiele and Hannah Kono earned top-five finishes to lead six Huskers among the top-16 individuals and power the Nebraska women's golf team to the MSU SoCal Spring Invitational championship in Camarillo, Calif., Tuesday.

The victory, which gave the Huskers their third consecutive top-five tournament finish of the spring, marked Nebraska's first team title since capturing the Westbrook Spring Invitational championship, Feb. 26-27, 2023.

Thiele, a redshirt junior from Wahoo, Neb., produced the best tournament of her career with an even-par 213 over 54 holes to bring home runner-up honors on the 5,900-yard, par-71 layout at the Sterling Hills Golf Club. Thiele's tournament featured a career-best 67 (-4) in Monday's second round, including an eagle on the 436-yard, par-5 16th hole. She opened the tournament with a 75 (+4) on Sunday.

Kono, a junior from Enkoping, Sweden, put together a stellar round of 68 (-3) that included an eagle of her own on the par-4, 329-yard 6th hole Tuesday. She added birdies on No. 15 and 18 to go along with 15 pars and a bogey to cap a three-round total of 216 (+3) for a fourth-place finish.

With Thiele and Kono leading the charge, the Huskers totaled 862 (+10) to run away with the team title by 13 strokes ahead of runner-up Notre Dame at 875 (+23). Cal State Northridge took third at 880 (+28), while Cal State Bakersfield finished fourth at 895 (+43).

Lincoln native Olivia Lovegrove added a top-10 finish while playing as an individual outside the Husker lineup. The Lincoln Christian graduate fired a final-round 70 (-1) to close with a three-round total of 218 (+5) in a tie for seventh place.

Redshirt junior Symran Shah added the best tournament performance of her college career with a tie for 10th at 219 (+6). Shah's effort was highlighted by an even-par 71 in Monday's second round, after carding Nebraska's best score of the opening round on Sunday with a 72 (+1).

Freshmen Ailis Tribolet and Kaleigh Babineaux also continued their solid play early in the spring. Tribolet notched her fourth consecutive top-25 finish by tying for 13th at 220 (+7) with solid rounds of 73, 73 and 74.

Babineaux, who produced her sixth consecutive top-25 showing, added a tie for 16th at 221 (+8), including back-to-back rounds of 72 (+1) to close the tournament.

The Huskers will be back in action at the Mountain View Collegiate in Tucson, Ariz., March 20-22.

*T7. Olivia Lovegrove - 75-73-70=218 (+5)

T16. Kaleigh Babineaux - 77-72-72=221 (+8)

* competed as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup

Camarillo, California (Sterling Hills GC)

3. CSU Northridge - 305-276-299=880 (+28)

4. CSU Bakersfield - 300-300-295=895 (+43)

T5. North Dakota State - 305-298-293=896 (+44)

8. Western Michigan - 304-306-288=898 (+46)

9. Morehead State - 309-300-292=901 (+49)

13. Eastern Washington - 308-319-305=932 (+80)

1. Alexsandra Lapple, Notre Dame - 72-67-71=210 (-3)

2. Lauren Thiele, Nebraska - 75-67-70=212 (-1)

3. Kim Turgut, CSU Northridge - 78-65-72=215 (+2)

4. Hannah Kono, Nebraska - 75-73-68=216 (+3)

T5. Nicole Tanoue, CSU Northridge - 73-71-73=217 (+4)

T5. Gracie Piar, CSU Northridge - 78-65-74=217 (+4)

T7. Berkley Ledesma, Eastern Washington - 74-72-72=218 (+5)

*T7. Olivia Lovegrove, Nebraska - 75-73-70=218 (+5)

T7. Avery Bartels, North Dakota State - 72-75-71=218 (+5)

T10. Sarah Mutai, CSU Bakersfield - 74-72-73=219 (+6)

T10. Iris Han, CSU Bakersfield - 73-75-71=219 (+6)

T10. Symran Shah, Nebraska - 72-71-76=219 (+6)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLauren Thiele and Hannah Kono earned top-five finishes to lead six Huskers among the top-16 individuals and power the Nebraska women's golf team to the MSU SoCal Spring Invitational championship in Camarillo, Calif., Tuesday.The victory, which gave the Huskers their third consecutive top-five tournament finish of the spring, marked Nebraska's first team title since capturing the Westbrook Spring Invitational championship, Feb. 26-27, 2023.Thiele, a redshirt junior from Wahoo, Neb., produced the best tournament of her career with an even-par 213 over 54 holes to bring home runner-up honors on the 5,900-yard, par-71 layout at the Sterling Hills Golf Club. Thiele's tournament featured a career-best 67 (-4) in Monday's second round, including an eagle on the 436-yard, par-5 16th hole. She opened the tournament with a 75 (+4) on Sunday.Kono, a junior from Enkoping, Sweden, put together a stellar round of 68 (-3) that included an eagle of her own on the par-4, 329-yard 6th hole Tuesday. She added birdies on No. 15 and 18 to go along with 15 pars and a bogey to cap a three-round total of 216 (+3) for a fourth-place finish.With Thiele and Kono leading the charge, the Huskers totaled 862 (+10) to run away with the team title by 13 strokes ahead of runner-up Notre Dame at 875 (+23). Cal State Northridge took third at 880 (+28), while Cal State Bakersfield finished fourth at 895 (+43).Lincoln native Olivia Lovegrove added a top-10 finish while playing as an individual outside the Husker lineup. The Lincoln Christian graduate fired a final-round 70 (-1) to close with a three-round total of 218 (+5) in a tie for seventh place.Redshirt junior Symran Shah added the best tournament performance of her college career with a tie for 10th at 219 (+6). Shah's effort was highlighted by an even-par 71 in Monday's second round, after carding Nebraska's best score of the opening round on Sunday with a 72 (+1).Freshmen Ailis Tribolet and Kaleigh Babineaux also continued their solid play early in the spring. Tribolet notched her fourth consecutive top-25 finish by tying for 13th at 220 (+7) with solid rounds of 73, 73 and 74.Babineaux, who produced her sixth consecutive top-25 showing, added a tie for 16th at 221 (+8), including back-to-back rounds of 72 (+1) to close the tournament.The Huskers will be back in action at the Mountain View Collegiate in Tucson, Ariz., March 20-22.Nebraska Individual Results2. Lauren Thiele - 75-67-70=212 (-1)4. Hannah Kono - 75-73-68=216 (+3)*T7. Olivia Lovegrove - 75-73-70=218 (+5)T10. Symran Shah - 72-71-76=219 (+6)T13. Ailis Tribolet - 73-73-74=220 (+7)T16. Kaleigh Babineaux - 77-72-72=221 (+8)* competed as an individual outside Nebraska's lineupMSU SoCal Spring InvitationalMarch 8-10, 2026Camarillo, California (Sterling Hills GC)Par 71, 5,900 YardsFinal Team Results1. #76 Nebraska - 295-283-284=862 (+10)2. #85 Notre Dame -301-285-289=875 (+23)3. CSU Northridge - 305-276-299=880 (+28)4. CSU Bakersfield - 300-300-295=895 (+43)T5. Memphis - 320-289-287=896 (+44)T5. Murray State -307-293-296=896 (+44)T5. North Dakota State - 305-298-293=896 (+44)8. Western Michigan - 304-306-288=898 (+46)9. Morehead State - 309-300-292=901 (+49)10. South Dakota - 309-296-306=911 (+59)11. Lehigh - 304-302-314=920 (+68)12. Creighton - 317-304-300=921 (+69)13. Eastern Washington - 308-319-305=932 (+80)14. Lindenwood - 331-314-321=966 (+114)15. Providence - 334-333-328=995 (+143)Final Individual Results1. Alexsandra Lapple, Notre Dame - 72-67-71=210 (-3)2. Lauren Thiele, Nebraska - 75-67-70=212 (-1)3. Kim Turgut, CSU Northridge - 78-65-72=215 (+2)4. Hannah Kono, Nebraska - 75-73-68=216 (+3)T5. Nicole Tanoue, CSU Northridge - 73-71-73=217 (+4)T5. Gracie Piar, CSU Northridge - 78-65-74=217 (+4)T7. Berkley Ledesma, Eastern Washington - 74-72-72=218 (+5)*T7. Olivia Lovegrove, Nebraska - 75-73-70=218 (+5)T7. Avery Bartels, North Dakota State - 72-75-71=218 (+5)T10. Sarah Mutai, CSU Bakersfield - 74-72-73=219 (+6)T10. Iris Han, CSU Bakersfield - 73-75-71=219 (+6)T10. Symran Shah, Nebraska - 72-71-76=219 (+6)Nebraska Individual Results2. Lauren Thiele - 75-67-70=212 (-1)4. Hannah Kono - 75-73-68=216 (+3)*T7. Olivia Lovegrove - 75-73-70=218 (+5)T10. Symran Shah - 72-71-76=219 (+6)T13. Ailis Tribolet - 73-73-74=220 (+7)T16. Kaleigh Babineaux - 77-72-72=221 (+8)* competed as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup

Huskers Win team title in California

Story by Omaha Supernovas Volleyball

OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Supernovas, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, are excited to announce they will host the Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) and Wayne State volleyball programs for a spring match April 10 on Kiewit Court at the CHI Health Center as part of the Supernovas’ Second Annual “Volleyball After Dark Showcase.”  

First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. CDT, leading into the Supernovas’ match against the Grand Rapids Rise at 8 p.m. CDT. Strengthening this statewide celebration of volleyball, both matches will be broadcast live across the state by Nebraska Public Media. 

The showcase continues to reflect the Supernovas’ commitment in growing the sport of volleyball and inspiring the next generation of athletes by giving them the opportunity to compete on a professional stage. It also reinforces the franchise’s connection to communities across Nebraska, highlighted by last November’s All-Skills Clinics at the Kearney SportsPlexand a fan base that has traveled from more than 180 cities and towns statewide to attend matches. 

As two powerhouses in Division II volleyball, both UNK and Wayne State are coming off stellar 2025 seasons. Completing his 27th year as head coach of the Lopers in 2025, Rick Squiers directed UNK to a 30-4 campaign that included a sweep of the MIAA regular-season and tournament titles.  

Led by AVCA First Team All-American and MIAA Setter of the Year Peyton Neff, along with Honorable Mention All-Americans Emilee Lane and Carley Purdy, the Lopers advanced to their 26th NCAA Tournament under Squiers, reaching the Central Regional semifinals. In his 27 seasons, Squiers has led UNK to two National Runner-up finishes, four Elite Eights and 30 combined conference regular season and tournament titles. He owns an 818-115 (.877) career record with the Lopersincluding a 444-26 (.945) mark at home. 

“I couldn’t be more excited for our players and community about the opportunity to showcase two of the most storied volleyball programs in NCAA Division II,” Squiers said. “We appreciate the Supernovas continued efforts to support and promote all levels of play in the state of Nebraska. We are looking forward to a great night of volleyball.” 

Wayne State has experienced similar success under head coach Scott Kneifl, who completed his 21st season leading the Wildcats. After serving two seasons as an assistant coach at WSC in 2003 and 2004, Kneifl took over the program in 2005 and has since built one of the most consistent winners in Division II volleyball. 

During his tenure, the Wildcats have produced 20 20-win seasons, captured two NCAA Central Region titles and advanced to two NCAA Elite Eights and one NCAA Final Four. Behind AVCA All-Americans Chloe Hanel (Third Team), Delaney Miller (Third Team), Channatee (Honorable Mention) and Molly Romano (Honorable Mention), Wayne State claimed its third NSIC regular-season title and earned its 14th NCAA Tournament appearance under Kneifl in 2025. Kneifl will enter the 2026 season with a 501-157 career record, good for a .761 winning percentage. 

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of an epic showcase of top-level Division II volleyball,” Kneifl shared. “To be included with a high-level program like UNK makes it even more special. We can't thank the Supernovas enough for this special opportunity, and we are so excited to compete in front of NovasNation and statewide on Nebraska Public Media!” 

Doors will open starting at 4 p.m. Tickets grant admission to both the UNK–Wayne State match and the Supernovas match. Re-entry will not be permitted between matches. 

Story by Omaha Supernovas VolleyballOMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Supernovas, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, are excited to announce they will host the Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) and Wayne State volleyball programs for a spring match April 10 on Kiewit Court at the CHI Health Center as part of the Supernovas’ Second Annual “Volleyball After Dark Showcase.” First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. CDT, leading into the Supernovas’ match against the Grand Rapids Rise at 8 p.m. CDT. Strengthening this statewide celebration of volleyball, both matches will be broadcast live across the state by Nebraska Public Media. The showcase continues to reflect the Supernovas’ commitment in growing the sport of volleyball and inspiring the next generation of athletes by giving them the opportunity to compete on a professional stage. It also reinforces the franchise’s connection to communities across Nebraska, highlighted by last November’s All-Skills Clinics at the Kearney SportsPlexand a fan base that has traveled from more than 180 cities and towns statewide to attend matches. As two powerhouses in Division II volleyball, both UNK and Wayne State are coming off stellar 2025 seasons. Completing his 27th year as head coach of the Lopers in 2025, Rick Squiers directed UNK to a 30-4 campaign that included a sweep of the MIAA regular-season and tournament titles. Led by AVCA First Team All-American and MIAA Setter of the Year Peyton Neff, along with Honorable Mention All-Americans Emilee Lane and Carley Purdy, the Lopers advanced to their 26th NCAA Tournament under Squiers, reaching the Central Regional semifinals. In his 27 seasons, Squiers has led UNK to two National Runner-up finishes, four Elite Eights and 30 combined conference regular season and tournament titles. He owns an 818-115 (.877) career record with the Lopersincluding a 444-26 (.945) mark at home. “I couldn’t be more excited for our players and community about the opportunity to showcase two of the most storied volleyball programs in NCAA Division II,” Squiers said. “We appreciate the Supernovas continued efforts to support and promote all levels of play in the state of Nebraska. We are looking forward to a great night of volleyball.” Wayne State has experienced similar success under head coach Scott Kneifl, who completed his 21st season leading the Wildcats. After serving two seasons as an assistant coach at WSC in 2003 and 2004, Kneifl took over the program in 2005 and has since built one of the most consistent winners in Division II volleyball. During his tenure, the Wildcats have produced 20 20-win seasons, captured two NCAA Central Region titles and advanced to two NCAA Elite Eights and one NCAA Final Four. Behind AVCA All-Americans Chloe Hanel (Third Team), Delaney Miller (Third Team), Channatee (Honorable Mention) and Molly Romano (Honorable Mention), Wayne State claimed its third NSIC regular-season title and earned its 14th NCAA Tournament appearance under Kneifl in 2025. Kneifl will enter the 2026 season with a 501-157 career record, good for a .761 winning percentage. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of an epic showcase of top-level Division II volleyball,” Kneifl shared. “To be included with a high-level program like UNK makes it even more special. We can't thank the Supernovas enough for this special opportunity, and we are so excited to compete in front of NovasNation and statewide on Nebraska Public Media!” Doors will open starting at 4 p.m. Tickets grant admission to both the UNK–Wayne State match and the Supernovas match. Re-entry will not be permitted between matches.

Supernovas to host UNK-Wayne State Spring match April 10 in second annual “Volleyball After Dark Showcase”

Senior Asher Cohen of Lakewood, Colorado, has been named a finalist for the Nissen-Emery Award, the highest honor in collegiate men’s gymnastics.

Often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy of collegiate gymnastics,” the Nissen-Emery Award has been presented annually since 1966 to the gymnast who best exemplifies excellence in performance, sportsmanship and leadership. The award’s motto states: “The true champion seeks excellence physically, mentally, socially and morally.”

Finalists are selected through nominations submitted by collegiate gymnastics coaches, student-athletes and accredited judges from across the country. To advance as a finalist this year, nominees needed to receive at least 60% support from that voting group. The same voters will determine the winner from the list of finalists.

Nebraska is no stranger to the prestigious honor. Jim Hartung won the award in 1982, Wes Suter followed in 1986, Tom Schlesinger claimed it in 1988 and Taylor Christopulos most recently earned the distinction in 2025.

Cohen continues that tradition of excellence for the Huskers. The senior has served as a two-time team captain and has been a consistent leader throughout his career. A two-time All-American on rings, Cohen also earned the Big Ten silver medal on the event in 2025. Cohen has competed at the NCAA Championships every season of his collegiate career while representing Nebraska. He has collected six individual titles, including two on parallel bars and four on rings, and still has four opportunities remaining this season to add to that total.

Success for the Colorado native is also seen in the classroom and community. Cohen is a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, three-time CGA All-America Scholar-Athlete and two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. He has earned a spot on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll every semester of his collegiate career, including six semesters with a 4.0 GPA. Cohen has also been named to the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team three times, an honor recognizing student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community service, mentorship and academic and athletic excellence.

The Nissen-Emery Award will be presented at the NCAA Championships on April 17-18.

Cohen and the Huskers will return to action on Saturday, March 14, when Nebraska hosts Illinois for senior night at 4 p.m. at the Devaney Sports Center. The meet will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior Asher Cohen of Lakewood, Colorado, has been named a finalist for the Nissen-Emery Award, the highest honor in collegiate men’s gymnastics.Often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy of collegiate gymnastics,” the Nissen-Emery Award has been presented annually since 1966 to the gymnast who best exemplifies excellence in performance, sportsmanship and leadership. The award’s motto states: “The true champion seeks excellence physically, mentally, socially and morally.”Finalists are selected through nominations submitted by collegiate gymnastics coaches, student-athletes and accredited judges from across the country. To advance as a finalist this year, nominees needed to receive at least 60% support from that voting group. The same voters will determine the winner from the list of finalists.Nebraska is no stranger to the prestigious honor. Jim Hartung won the award in 1982, Wes Suter followed in 1986, Tom Schlesinger claimed it in 1988 and Taylor Christopulos most recently earned the distinction in 2025.Cohen continues that tradition of excellence for the Huskers. The senior has served as a two-time team captain and has been a consistent leader throughout his career. A two-time All-American on rings, Cohen also earned the Big Ten silver medal on the event in 2025. Cohen has competed at the NCAA Championships every season of his collegiate career while representing Nebraska. He has collected six individual titles, including two on parallel bars and four on rings, and still has four opportunities remaining this season to add to that total.Success for the Colorado native is also seen in the classroom and community. Cohen is a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, three-time CGA All-America Scholar-Athlete and two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. He has earned a spot on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll every semester of his collegiate career, including six semesters with a 4.0 GPA. Cohen has also been named to the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team three times, an honor recognizing student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community service, mentorship and academic and athletic excellence.The Nissen-Emery Award will be presented at the NCAA Championships on April 17-18.Cohen and the Huskers will return to action on Saturday, March 14, when Nebraska hosts Illinois for senior night at 4 p.m. at the Devaney Sports Center. The meet will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Cohen earns spot as Nissen-Emery Finalist

Updated NSAA State Girls Basketball bracket

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

Kearney, Neb. – Senior guard Mia Morel scored 37 points, and junior forward Nakiya Harris posted a double double to help Missouri Western down Nebraska Kearney, 77-69, Wednesday evening in a MIAA Tournament game in Kansas City.

The seventh-seeded Griffons (14-15) win a sixth straight game and improve to 4-1 all-time against the 10th-seeded Lopers (15-16) in the MIAA tourney. Mo West plays second-seed and nationally ranked Fort Hays State Thursday afternoon.

It was a game of runs and UNK almost overcame a 16-point second quarter deficit and a nine-point third quarter hole. While the Lopers climbed the mountain and held two one point leads early in the fourth, the Griffons outscored UNK 20-12 over the final 6:19. They had a 17-0 spurt in the late first/early second quarter and a 7-0 run to begin the second half.

"I thought we played hard but in tournament games I just don't know if you can allow a 17-0 run. When that happens, it becomes so challenging. Even if that run is 10, you're still closer in the fight and when we made that run late in the second, now we're up," said UNK head coach Drew Johnson on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "Credit to Missouri Western. They are a talented team and had a good game plan. Gaped us in spots that made it hard."

Mo West, having 20 second chance points thanks to 16 offensive boards, moved ahead 60-57 on a Morel triple at the 6:01 mark. The bucket came after one of those o-boards. While Serbian junior post Tara Biocanin followed with a paint bucket, Morel scored the game's next four points. UNK didn't get closer than four the rest of the way as they were 4 of 14 (28%) from the field and 8 of 13 (62%) from the line in the final quarter. The Blue &amp; Gold, one of the MIAA's best at the charity stripe, finished 12 of 22.

"The resiliency is what you're most proud of. We saw it all season and again in this game," said Johnson. "Outside of (league champion) Central Missouri, the two hottest teams in the conference were in this game. You feel like if you could've gotten anybody else you find a way but it didn't break that way."

Graduate point guard Jillian Aschoff (Lincoln Pius X) finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, her 16th career double double. She sets new school marks for assists in a season (185), season apg (6.17), and career apg (4.97). Earlier this year, the three-time All-MIAA pick set a new Loper standard for career assists and finishes with 497.

Next, MIAA Freshman of the Year Myleigh Weers (Diller) went for 14 points, giving her 457 on the season. That breaks the true freshman point record of 456, set by center and UNK Hall of Famer Kalee Modlin back in 2022-03. Her 15.2 per game average also is a new frosh mark. Finally, Biocanin made 7 of 9 shots to tally 15 and finished as UNK's best shooter from the field (58.4%).

The MIAA Newcomer of the Year, after winning a similar award last year playing at Edward Waters (Fla.), Morel had 24 second half points. She was 14 of 29 (3 of 12 threes) from the field and 6 of 7 at the line. The MIAA second teamer had a season-best 39 in a win over the Lopers in January with this being her third straight and sixth 30-point effort. Before fouling out late, Harris had 16 rebounds (nine) and 10 points with junior guard Ana Oliveira Dias having an all-around effort; 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds and five steals.

Finally for the Lopers, Lincoln junior Brinly Christensen had 13 points, and five rebounds and Scottsbluff sophomore lefty Paige Horne had two points and two boards in four minutes off the bench.

UNK ends with a 9-6 home mark and three wins over Top 20 teams (Texas-Tyler, Pittsburg State, Fort Hays), despite having a rash of injuries to key personnel throughout the winter.

"Going into this tournament, this was the first time we had gone four games in a row with our top available nine," said Johnson. "We started to show what we were made of once we got a consistent lineup and rotation."

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsKearney, Neb. – Senior guard Mia Morel scored 37 points, and junior forward Nakiya Harris posted a double double to help Missouri Western down Nebraska Kearney, 77-69, Wednesday evening in a MIAA Tournament game in Kansas City.The seventh-seeded Griffons (14-15) win a sixth straight game and improve to 4-1 all-time against the 10th-seeded Lopers (15-16) in the MIAA tourney. Mo West plays second-seed and nationally ranked Fort Hays State Thursday afternoon.It was a game of runs and UNK almost overcame a 16-point second quarter deficit and a nine-point third quarter hole. While the Lopers climbed the mountain and held two one point leads early in the fourth, the Griffons outscored UNK 20-12 over the final 6:19. They had a 17-0 spurt in the late first/early second quarter and a 7-0 run to begin the second half."I thought we played hard but in tournament games I just don't know if you can allow a 17-0 run. When that happens, it becomes so challenging. Even if that run is 10, you're still closer in the fight and when we made that run late in the second, now we're up," said UNK head coach Drew Johnson on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "Credit to Missouri Western. They are a talented team and had a good game plan. Gaped us in spots that made it hard."Mo West, having 20 second chance points thanks to 16 offensive boards, moved ahead 60-57 on a Morel triple at the 6:01 mark. The bucket came after one of those o-boards. While Serbian junior post Tara Biocanin followed with a paint bucket, Morel scored the game's next four points. UNK didn't get closer than four the rest of the way as they were 4 of 14 (28%) from the field and 8 of 13 (62%) from the line in the final quarter. The Blue &amp; Gold, one of the MIAA's best at the charity stripe, finished 12 of 22."The resiliency is what you're most proud of. We saw it all season and again in this game," said Johnson. "Outside of (league champion) Central Missouri, the two hottest teams in the conference were in this game. You feel like if you could've gotten anybody else you find a way but it didn't break that way."Graduate point guard Jillian Aschoff (Lincoln Pius X) finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, her 16th career double double. She sets new school marks for assists in a season (185), season apg (6.17), and career apg (4.97). Earlier this year, the three-time All-MIAA pick set a new Loper standard for career assists and finishes with 497.Next, MIAA Freshman of the Year Myleigh Weers (Diller) went for 14 points, giving her 457 on the season. That breaks the true freshman point record of 456, set by center and UNK Hall of Famer Kalee Modlin back in 2022-03. Her 15.2 per game average also is a new frosh mark. Finally, Biocanin made 7 of 9 shots to tally 15 and finished as UNK's best shooter from the field (58.4%).The MIAA Newcomer of the Year, after winning a similar award last year playing at Edward Waters (Fla.), Morel had 24 second half points. She was 14 of 29 (3 of 12 threes) from the field and 6 of 7 at the line. The MIAA second teamer had a season-best 39 in a win over the Lopers in January with this being her third straight and sixth 30-point effort. Before fouling out late, Harris had 16 rebounds (nine) and 10 points with junior guard Ana Oliveira Dias having an all-around effort; 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds and five steals.Finally for the Lopers, Lincoln junior Brinly Christensen had 13 points, and five rebounds and Scottsbluff sophomore lefty Paige Horne had two points and two boards in four minutes off the bench.UNK ends with a 9-6 home mark and three wins over Top 20 teams (Texas-Tyler, Pittsburg State, Fort Hays), despite having a rash of injuries to key personnel throughout the winter."Going into this tournament, this was the first time we had gone four games in a row with our top available nine," said Johnson. "We started to show what we were made of once we got a consistent lineup and rotation."

Aschoff & Weers set season Marks but Lopers Fall in MIAA Tourney, 77-69

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, to discuss a strong end to the season and how they are looking to bring that into postseason play with their first game on the road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, to discuss a strong end to the season and how they are looking to bring that into postseason play with their first game on the road.<div><iframe title="🎙️ Knight's Weekly #13 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cf9mg-1a624b0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=654771&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #13 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to talk about the team's end-of-regular-season games and how a strong ending could bring positives to the postseason.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to talk about the team's end-of-regular-season games and how a strong ending could bring positives to the postseason.<div><iframe title="🎙️ Knight's Weekly #17 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2fxw4-1a6249c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=654771&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #17 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772723968328.jpeg" alt="Class C2" />
 <figcaption>Class C2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772723982655.jpeg" alt="Class D2" />
 <figcaption>Class D2</figcaption>
 </figure>

Area NSAA Girls State Basketball Bracket after Day 1

East Butler 36 vs Maywood-Hayes Center 27 @ East Butler

North Platte St. Patrick's 70 vs Red Cloud 50 @ North Platte St. Pat's

East Butler 36 vs Maywood-Hayes Center 27 @ East ButlerNorth Platte St. Patrick's 70 vs Red Cloud 50 @ North Platte St. Pat's

Area NSAA District Finals Basketball results from 3-3

NPHS Boys Basketball District - North Platte Vs. Fremont

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to talk about the team's most recent win and how he thinks it will help propel the team back in the right direction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="🎙️ Knight's Weekly #16 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jmmvi-1a5854e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=654771&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to talk about the team's most recent win and how he thinks it will help propel the team back in the right direction.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #16 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

NPHS Girls Basketball District - North Platte Vs. Omaha North

NPHS Girls Basketball District - Omaha South Vs. North Platte

The North Platte IronDawgs powerlifting team was at Omaha Central on Saturday, competing in the first fully-unified Nebraska High School Powerlifting Federation Championships. 

After the final deadlift hit the floor, the Girls' team walked out as state runners-up.

&nbsp;"This is the first year that Nebraska has had a fully-unified powerlifting championship," explained Coach Arttie Parker, "and we are competing against the best of the best across the state. It doesn't&nbsp;matter if you are Class A or Class D, the best lifters in the state are here, so this is an amazing accomplishment for these girls, and for this program. When you're competing against all of the Metro schools, you are competing against sheer numbers of athletes, but our kids came out and they moved some incredible amounts of weight and showed their grit and it paid off. I couldn't be more proud."

On the girls' side, four athletes finished as silver medalists, with Myah Porter, Abbie Hankla, Lauren Bowers, and Grace Wilke all finishing second. Additionally, Carlie Berliner grabbed a bronze medal, while Rylee Kissinger placed fourth." 

"Myah is dealing with some nagging injuries, or she would have been your state champion at 97 pounds. She was receiving treatment between the bench press and deadlift rounds, but she hung in there and fought for herself and her team. Grace set a state record in the bench press with her effort today, and set a couple more school records, Lauren broke all of her own school records today, and Abbie deadlifted 300 pounds at just 114 pounds of bodyweight. That's an insane number, when you think about it. Carlie is really hitting her stride at the right time of year, also, heading into Nationals."&nbsp; 

Also of note, Katie Titus set three more school marks, this time taking down the squat, bench, and three-lift total marks, while Rylee Kissinger, in her first year as a powerlifter, became the final NPHS qualifier for the USAPL High School Nationals meet in March.

On the boys' side, only three NPHS lifters qualified due to injury, and all three put on a good show. Juniors Alex Valdivia and Bode Kroon finished 5th and 6th respectively, while senior Cole Tomlinson also took home a 5th place medal. 

"We had a couple of lifters who have the numbers to be here, but Charlie Fonseca is injurerd right now, and Aadyn Smith missed the qualifying cut-off date as he had been dealing with a serious elbow injury from football. He's good to go for Nationals, however," Parker assured. "Alex is just finding out how strong he is, and he keeps setting school records as he grows. And Cole also set the school weight division record for bench press today. He just keeps finding little ways to get better all the time."&nbsp; &nbsp;

The IronDawgs will compete in a tune-up meet this coming Saturday at Niobrara-Verdigre, before taking a month to prepare for Nationals on March 27, 28, and 29 in Killeen, Texas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771822138471.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy North Platte IronDawgs)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy North Platte IronDawgs)</figcaption>
 </figure>The North Platte IronDawgs powerlifting team was at Omaha Central on Saturday, competing in the first fully-unified Nebraska High School Powerlifting Federation Championships. After the final deadlift hit the floor, the Girls' team walked out as state runners-up.&nbsp;"This is the first year that Nebraska has had a fully-unified powerlifting championship," explained Coach Arttie Parker, "and we are competing against the best of the best across the state. It doesn't&nbsp;matter if you are Class A or Class D, the best lifters in the state are here, so this is an amazing accomplishment for these girls, and for this program. When you're competing against all of the Metro schools, you are competing against sheer numbers of athletes, but our kids came out and they moved some incredible amounts of weight and showed their grit and it paid off. I couldn't be more proud."On the girls' side, four athletes finished as silver medalists, with Myah Porter, Abbie Hankla, Lauren Bowers, and Grace Wilke all finishing second. Additionally, Carlie Berliner grabbed a bronze medal, while Rylee Kissinger placed fourth." "Myah is dealing with some nagging injuries, or she would have been your state champion at 97 pounds. She was receiving treatment between the bench press and deadlift rounds, but she hung in there and fought for herself and her team. Grace set a state record in the bench press with her effort today, and set a couple more school records, Lauren broke all of her own school records today, and Abbie deadlifted 300 pounds at just 114 pounds of bodyweight. That's an insane number, when you think about it. Carlie is really hitting her stride at the right time of year, also, heading into Nationals."&nbsp; Also of note, Katie Titus set three more school marks, this time taking down the squat, bench, and three-lift total marks, while Rylee Kissinger, in her first year as a powerlifter, became the final NPHS qualifier for the USAPL High School Nationals meet in March.On the boys' side, only three NPHS lifters qualified due to injury, and all three put on a good show. Juniors Alex Valdivia and Bode Kroon finished 5th and 6th respectively, while senior Cole Tomlinson also took home a 5th place medal. "We had a couple of lifters who have the numbers to be here, but Charlie Fonseca is injurerd right now, and Aadyn Smith missed the qualifying cut-off date as he had been dealing with a serious elbow injury from football. He's good to go for Nationals, however," Parker assured. "Alex is just finding out how strong he is, and he keeps setting school records as he grows. And Cole also set the school weight division record for bench press today. He just keeps finding little ways to get better all the time."&nbsp; &nbsp;The IronDawgs will compete in a tune-up meet this coming Saturday at Niobrara-Verdigre, before taking a month to prepare for Nationals on March 27, 28, and 29 in Killeen, Texas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte IronDawgs Place at First Ever Nebraska Fully-Unified Powerlifting Federation Championships

Will Jesske’s early home run and a strong outing from Gavin Blachowicz led Nebraska to a 9-1 win against Grand Canyon on Sunday night at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz.

Nebraska (3-0) recorded nine runs on 14 hits, while GCU totaled a run, four hits and an error.

Jesske had a 3-for-3 night with a homer, two runs driven in and three runs scored. Jett Buck drove in three runs with a 2-for-4 performance, while Joshua Overbeek was 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Case Sanderson and Dylan Carey had a double and two hits apiece, and Miken Miller, Max Buettenback and Devin Nunez recorded one hit each.

Gavin Blachowicz had a career outing in his first career start, pitching a career-high 4.2 innings with a career-high five punchouts. The sophomore surrendered one run on two hits and a pair of walks.

Chase Olson improved to 1-0 on the season after dealing 1.1 scoreless frames with three strikeouts in his Husker debut. J’Shawn Unger threw two shutout innings with two strikeouts and a walk, while Jace Ziola entered the ninth and tossed a scoreless inning in his Husker debut.

Jesske broke the scoreless deadlock in the top of the third with a 405-foot solo blast beyond the GCU bullpen in left field to give the Huskers a 1-0 lead.

The Husker offense added three more runs in the fourth inning to stretch the lead to 4-0. Buettenback was hit by the pitch to start the inning, and Nunez ripped a single back up the middle and advanced to second on the throw to put runners on second and third with one out.

A wild pitch allowed Nunez to jog on home from third base, while an RBI single up the middle off the bat of Jesske plated the Big Red’s second run in the inning. Buck lifted a sacrifice fly to deep left field to score Jesske and make it a 4-0 game.

The GCU offense threatened for the first time in the bottom of the fourth inning, picking up their first hit of the evening with consecutive singles to open the inning. A walk loaded the bases for the Lopes with no outs, before a sacrifice fly to deep left field plated GCU’s first run of the evening.

Blachowicz struck out the next two batters to strand the two baserunners and keep NU’s lead at 4-1 through four innings.

Holding a 4-1 lead after the seventh, the NU offense erupted for five runs on five hits in the top of eighth to blow the game open at 9-1.

A leadoff walk to Mac Moyer, followed by Jesske’s third hit of the night had runners on first and second with no outs. An errant throw on a failed pickoff attempt moved the duo to second and third, setting up Buck’s two-RBI single through the left side.

Sanderson followed Buck with a ground-rule double, while Overbeek laced a two-RBI single through the left side to make it an 8-1 game. Carey capped the scoring with a first-pitch RBI double to left field that brought home Overbeek.

Unger worked around a leadoff walk in the bottom of the eighth, and Ziola kept the Lopes off the board in the bottom of the ninth to preserve Nebraska’s 9-1 victory.

Nebraska wraps up opening weekend action in Arizona tomorrow afternoon, as the Huskers take on Stanford at Salt Rivers Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz. First pitch between the Big Red and Cardinal is set for 2 p.m. CT on MLB.com.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsWill Jesske’s early home run and a strong outing from Gavin Blachowicz led Nebraska to a 9-1 win against Grand Canyon on Sunday night at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz.Nebraska (3-0) recorded nine runs on 14 hits, while GCU totaled a run, four hits and an error.Jesske had a 3-for-3 night with a homer, two runs driven in and three runs scored. Jett Buck drove in three runs with a 2-for-4 performance, while Joshua Overbeek was 2-for-4 with two RBI.Case Sanderson and Dylan Carey had a double and two hits apiece, and Miken Miller, Max Buettenback and Devin Nunez recorded one hit each.Gavin Blachowicz had a career outing in his first career start, pitching a career-high 4.2 innings with a career-high five punchouts. The sophomore surrendered one run on two hits and a pair of walks.Chase Olson improved to 1-0 on the season after dealing 1.1 scoreless frames with three strikeouts in his Husker debut. J’Shawn Unger threw two shutout innings with two strikeouts and a walk, while Jace Ziola entered the ninth and tossed a scoreless inning in his Husker debut.Jesske broke the scoreless deadlock in the top of the third with a 405-foot solo blast beyond the GCU bullpen in left field to give the Huskers a 1-0 lead.The Husker offense added three more runs in the fourth inning to stretch the lead to 4-0. Buettenback was hit by the pitch to start the inning, and Nunez ripped a single back up the middle and advanced to second on the throw to put runners on second and third with one out.A wild pitch allowed Nunez to jog on home from third base, while an RBI single up the middle off the bat of Jesske plated the Big Red’s second run in the inning. Buck lifted a sacrifice fly to deep left field to score Jesske and make it a 4-0 game.The GCU offense threatened for the first time in the bottom of the fourth inning, picking up their first hit of the evening with consecutive singles to open the inning. A walk loaded the bases for the Lopes with no outs, before a sacrifice fly to deep left field plated GCU’s first run of the evening.Blachowicz struck out the next two batters to strand the two baserunners and keep NU’s lead at 4-1 through four innings.Holding a 4-1 lead after the seventh, the NU offense erupted for five runs on five hits in the top of eighth to blow the game open at 9-1.A leadoff walk to Mac Moyer, followed by Jesske’s third hit of the night had runners on first and second with no outs. An errant throw on a failed pickoff attempt moved the duo to second and third, setting up Buck’s two-RBI single through the left side.Sanderson followed Buck with a ground-rule double, while Overbeek laced a two-RBI single through the left side to make it an 8-1 game. Carey capped the scoring with a first-pitch RBI double to left field that brought home Overbeek.Unger worked around a leadoff walk in the bottom of the eighth, and Ziola kept the Lopes off the board in the bottom of the ninth to preserve Nebraska’s 9-1 victory.Nebraska wraps up opening weekend action in Arizona tomorrow afternoon, as the Huskers take on Stanford at Salt Rivers Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz. First pitch between the Big Red and Cardinal is set for 2 p.m. CT on MLB.com.

Jesske, Blachowicz lead Huskers past GCU

NSAA Boys District Wrestling results

NPHS Basketball - Gering Vs. North Platte

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to talk about the team's most recent struggles and what could be the cause. We also discussed what he envisions the team needs to do going forward to get back to the successes the team had earlier in the semester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="🎙️ Knight's Weekly #15 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qquyh-1a45537-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=654771&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to talk about the team's most recent struggles and what could be the cause. We also discussed what he envisions the team needs to do going forward to get back to the successes the team had earlier in the semester.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #15 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

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<table class="tg"><thead>
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 <th class="tg-0lax">2026 Schedule</th>
 <th class="tg-0lax">2027 Schedule</th>
 </tr></thead>
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 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 1 @Kearney</td>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 1 Kearney</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 2 @Grand Island</td>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 2 Grand Island</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 3 Lincoln Standing Bear</td>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 3 @Lincoln Standing Bear</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 4 @Omaha Burke</td>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 4 Omaha Burke</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 5 Millard West</td>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 5 @Millard West</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 6 @Norfolk</td>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 6 Norfolk</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 7 Omaha Northwest</td>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 7 @Omaha Northwest</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 8 @Lincoln Northwest</td>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 8 Lincoln Northwest</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 9 Columbus</td>
 <td class="tg-0lax">Week 9 @Columbus</td>
 </tr>
</tbody></table></div>

Breaking - 2026 & 2027 NSAA Football Schedules for North Platte High School

Lincoln – No. 7 Nebraska erased a 22-point second-half deficit to get the game to overtime before No. 13 Purdue rallied for an 80-77 overtime win Tuesday night.&nbsp;

The Huskers (21-3. 10-3) trailed 46-24 with 18:55 remaining before mounting a frantic comeback. NU used an 18-2 run to get within 57-53 with 5:20 left after a&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/sam-hoiberg">Sam Hoiberg</a>&nbsp;basket, only to see Purdue seemingly take control with a 10-0 run highlighted by a pair of 3-pointers from C.J. Cox.&nbsp;

Nebraska trailed 67-63 with 2:45 left in regulation before making one last run, outscoring the Boilermakers, 15-1 down the stretch as&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/rienk-mast">Rienk Mast</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/jamarques-lawrence">Jamarques Lawrence</a>, who combined for 12 of the Huskers final 15 points in regulation.&nbsp;

Mast’s putback with 12.8 seconds left in regulation pulled NU even at 68, but the senior, who finished with 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists, was unable to complete the 3-point play and NU forced a stop to send the game to overtime.&nbsp;

In the extra period, the Huskers trailed 75-70 after another Cox 3-pointer with 3:09 left, but has one more surge, as a pair of free throws form&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/pryce-sandfort">Pryce Sandfort</a>&nbsp;and a Lawrence 3-pointer tied the game, and NU took its only lead of the night on a Sandfort basket with 1:31 remaining in the extra period.&nbsp;

Cox finished with 11 points, including a trio of 3-pointers.

Leading 77-76 Oscar Cluff’s putbck with 4.1 seconds left gave Purdue the lead for good. Cluff, who finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds, missed the free throw and a tie-up gave the Huskers one last chance. Nebraska was not able to take advantage as Lawrence, who finished with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists, slipped on a wet spot by the Purdue bench and Gicarri Harris hit a pair of free throws for the final margin.&nbsp;

Loyer led four Purdue players with 18 points, while Braden Smith had 13 points and 10 assists. Trey Kaufman-Renn had 19 rebounds, as Purdue out-rebounded Nebraska, 54-37 and had a 17-6 advantage in second-chance points.&nbsp;

Purdue (20-4, 10-3 Big Ten) silenced the sellout crowd, joining to a 14-1 lead in the first 3:16 of the contest hitting 4-of-5 from 3-point range. The Huskers were forced to play catchup, getting to within 16-9 after a pair of Mast 3-pointers with 13:55 left in the half.&nbsp;

Purdue held Nebraska to 32 percent shooting in the first half, led by as many as 17 in the first half and took a 40-24 lead to the locker room.&nbsp;

Nebraska will continue with the homestand this Saturday, Feb. 14, when the Huskers host Northwestern on Alumni Weekend. Tipoff is set for Noon (central) and the game will be on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network. &nbsp;

• Nebraska falls to 2-3 against ranked teams this season with tonight’s loss

• Tonight was Nebraska’s first overtime game this season and first since a double-overtime loss at Ohio State on March 4 of last year.

• This is the second time in the last three meetings in Lincoln that gone to overtime (also in 2022-23).

• Nebraska erased a 22-point deficit in the second half to force overtime. Tonight marked the second time in Big Ten play this season that the Huskers erased a second-half deficit of 15 or more points. NU rallied from a 16-point deficit to win at Indiana on Jan. 10.

• The Huskers fell to 4-2 in one-possession games this season. Nebraska had been 4-0 in one-possession games before a three-point loss at No. 3 Michigan on Jan. 27 and tonight’s three-point overtime loss to No. 13 Purdue.

• Nebraska had 21 assists in the game, its 11th game with 20 or more assists this season.

• The Huskers made 12 threes to mark the 10th time this season Nebraska hit 12 or more 3-pointers in a game this season. Nebraska now has 265 3-pointers to rank fourth on NU’s single-season chart.

• Rienk Mast had 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds before fouling out in overtime. Mast tied or led Nebraska in each of those categories.

• Sam Hoiberg had five assists and one turnover in the game. In five games against ranked teams this season, Hoiberg has recorded 27 assists and only one turnover.

• Jamarques Lawrence had 16 points to post his sixth straight game in double figures and 14th double-figure effort of the year. Lawrence’s 16 points were his third-highest output in a Big Ten game this season. Twelve of Lawrence’s 16 points came after halftime.

• Pryce Sandfort scored all 15 of his points after halftime.

• Purdue shot a school-record 46 3-pointers, which tied the Nebraska opponent record for 3-point attempts in a game and marked the most 3-point attempts a Division I opponent has ever taken against Nebraska.

• Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn had 19 rebounds, which tied the Pinnacle Bank Arena record for rebounds in a game. Maryland’s Bruno Fernando also had 19 rebounds against Nebraska on Feb. 6, 2019.

• Nebraska tied its season low points in a half with 24 in the first half against Purdue. The Huskers scored 24 in the first half against North Dakota on December 21st. 

“I thought our effort was great. We did a really good job executing. We had a lot of really, really good looks that didn’t go down, especially in that second half, but our guys kept playing hard. They got it going, and they had Rienk Mast going out of the game. You obviously benefit from that. They stretch us out. He’s a great player. Just look at his stat line. Our guys played hard. They kept getting rebounds. Trey (Kaufman-Renn) and Oscar (Cluff) had more rebounds than them in the first half. We ended up with 54 rebounds, and Nebraska has 37. When you have that many more possessions than someone else, the odds are that it’s going to help you. I thought the decisions and the effort were great.” 

“Oh it’s huge, it’s huge. We have 21 offensive rebounds, and they have six. It’s a big difference in the game. You have 20 more possessions than the other team. It’s kind of amazing that it’s a one-possession game right.  Where they got going there and made some shots, it’s just different right. 78 threes taken. It’s a lot of threes in a game. You’re going to have a lot of long rebounds, you’re going to have a lot of opportunities there. Neither team shot well from three. We didn't shoot great; we just got able to make the next play, and I thought our guys were off. Those guys you know have 10 offensive rebounds for one guy and 16 defensive rebounds for another guy, like that, that is pretty impressive.”

“A message to our guys was we lost that game the first three minutes. You dig and then you dig yourself out. Whatever it was, 14 and one, call the time out, and we're down, double digits, before the first media timeout. It's hard to climb out of a hole against a team like that that's got that experience, that type of leadership. Those guys are going to get playing together for a long time and it takes so much energy to dig out of it. That being said, we certainly showed we’re more capable of doing when we play the right way.  That first half completely got away from who we were, didn't have much movement... (we tried to go one on one). We tried to go one-on-one, which to me is trying to get it all back at once. The second half we got back to running our offense, we were very efficient. We changed some things up defensively, and I thought we did a better job with our hands and had good activity level. The bottom line is when I look at the box score, you give them 21 offensive rebounds and turn the ball over 14 times, and that’s the game. You say all you want about the start, but you find a way to climb back in. It’s a long game as we continue to remind our players. When you give a team that many extra bullets, it’s hard to come out on top. That being said, we had a chance at the end, and I thought we executed very well after going back down double digits. We unfortunately just didn’t have enough.” 

 “I thought Berke (Buyuktuncel) made a couple of plays out there for us. Getting a couple of steals. That to me kind of flipped it when BK made those couple of hustle plays. I thought our execution was really good. But it starts when you make plays like that. Cale (Jacobsen) was the one at Rutgers that I thought flipped it when he went in there and had a couple of deflections and that got us going on the other end. We were talking and pleading for someone to go make a play. I thought BK made a couple of good ones for us.” 

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln – No. 7 Nebraska erased a 22-point second-half deficit to get the game to overtime before No. 13 Purdue rallied for an 80-77 overtime win Tuesday night.&nbsp;The Huskers (21-3. 10-3) trailed 46-24 with 18:55 remaining before mounting a frantic comeback. NU used an 18-2 run to get within 57-53 with 5:20 left after a&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/sam-hoiberg">Sam Hoiberg</a>&nbsp;basket, only to see Purdue seemingly take control with a 10-0 run highlighted by a pair of 3-pointers from C.J. Cox.&nbsp;Nebraska trailed 67-63 with 2:45 left in regulation before making one last run, outscoring the Boilermakers, 15-1 down the stretch as&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/rienk-mast">Rienk Mast</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/jamarques-lawrence">Jamarques Lawrence</a>, who combined for 12 of the Huskers final 15 points in regulation.&nbsp;Mast’s putback with 12.8 seconds left in regulation pulled NU even at 68, but the senior, who finished with 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists, was unable to complete the 3-point play and NU forced a stop to send the game to overtime.&nbsp;In the extra period, the Huskers trailed 75-70 after another Cox 3-pointer with 3:09 left, but has one more surge, as a pair of free throws form&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/pryce-sandfort">Pryce Sandfort</a>&nbsp;and a Lawrence 3-pointer tied the game, and NU took its only lead of the night on a Sandfort basket with 1:31 remaining in the extra period.&nbsp;Cox finished with 11 points, including a trio of 3-pointers.Leading 77-76 Oscar Cluff’s putbck with 4.1 seconds left gave Purdue the lead for good. Cluff, who finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds, missed the free throw and a tie-up gave the Huskers one last chance. Nebraska was not able to take advantage as Lawrence, who finished with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists, slipped on a wet spot by the Purdue bench and Gicarri Harris hit a pair of free throws for the final margin.&nbsp;Loyer led four Purdue players with 18 points, while Braden Smith had 13 points and 10 assists. Trey Kaufman-Renn had 19 rebounds, as Purdue out-rebounded Nebraska, 54-37 and had a 17-6 advantage in second-chance points.&nbsp;Purdue (20-4, 10-3 Big Ten) silenced the sellout crowd, joining to a 14-1 lead in the first 3:16 of the contest hitting 4-of-5 from 3-point range. The Huskers were forced to play catchup, getting to within 16-9 after a pair of Mast 3-pointers with 13:55 left in the half.&nbsp;Purdue held Nebraska to 32 percent shooting in the first half, led by as many as 17 in the first half and took a 40-24 lead to the locker room.&nbsp;Nebraska will continue with the homestand this Saturday, Feb. 14, when the Huskers host Northwestern on Alumni Weekend. Tipoff is set for Noon (central) and the game will be on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network. &nbsp;Game Notes• Nebraska falls to 2-3 against ranked teams this season with tonight’s loss• Tonight was Nebraska’s first overtime game this season and first since a double-overtime loss at Ohio State on March 4 of last year.• This is the second time in the last three meetings in Lincoln that gone to overtime (also in 2022-23).• Nebraska erased a 22-point deficit in the second half to force overtime. Tonight marked the second time in Big Ten play this season that the Huskers erased a second-half deficit of 15 or more points. NU rallied from a 16-point deficit to win at Indiana on Jan. 10.• The Huskers fell to 4-2 in one-possession games this season. Nebraska had been 4-0 in one-possession games before a three-point loss at No. 3 Michigan on Jan. 27 and tonight’s three-point overtime loss to No. 13 Purdue.• Nebraska had 21 assists in the game, its 11th game with 20 or more assists this season.• The Huskers made 12 threes to mark the 10th time this season Nebraska hit 12 or more 3-pointers in a game this season. Nebraska now has 265 3-pointers to rank fourth on NU’s single-season chart.• Rienk Mast had 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds before fouling out in overtime. Mast tied or led Nebraska in each of those categories.• Sam Hoiberg had five assists and one turnover in the game. In five games against ranked teams this season, Hoiberg has recorded 27 assists and only one turnover.• Jamarques Lawrence had 16 points to post his sixth straight game in double figures and 14th double-figure effort of the year. Lawrence’s 16 points were his third-highest output in a Big Ten game this season. Twelve of Lawrence’s 16 points came after halftime.• Pryce Sandfort scored all 15 of his points after halftime.• Purdue shot a school-record 46 3-pointers, which tied the Nebraska opponent record for 3-point attempts in a game and marked the most 3-point attempts a Division I opponent has ever taken against Nebraska.• Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn had 19 rebounds, which tied the Pinnacle Bank Arena record for rebounds in a game. Maryland’s Bruno Fernando also had 19 rebounds against Nebraska on Feb. 6, 2019.• Nebraska tied its season low points in a half with 24 in the first half against Purdue. The Huskers scored 24 in the first half against North Dakota on December 21st. Purdue Head Coach Matt Painter“I thought our effort was great. We did a really good job executing. We had a lot of really, really good looks that didn’t go down, especially in that second half, but our guys kept playing hard. They got it going, and they had Rienk Mast going out of the game. You obviously benefit from that. They stretch us out. He’s a great player. Just look at his stat line. Our guys played hard. They kept getting rebounds. Trey (Kaufman-Renn) and Oscar (Cluff) had more rebounds than them in the first half. We ended up with 54 rebounds, and Nebraska has 37. When you have that many more possessions than someone else, the odds are that it’s going to help you. I thought the decisions and the effort were great.” Rebounding from Trey and Oscar“Oh it’s huge, it’s huge. We have 21 offensive rebounds, and they have six. It’s a big difference in the game. You have 20 more possessions than the other team. It’s kind of amazing that it’s a one-possession game right. Where they got going there and made some shots, it’s just different right. 78 threes taken. It’s a lot of threes in a game. You’re going to have a lot of long rebounds, you’re going to have a lot of opportunities there. Neither team shot well from three. We didn't shoot great; we just got able to make the next play, and I thought our guys were off. Those guys you know have 10 offensive rebounds for one guy and 16 defensive rebounds for another guy, like that, that is pretty impressive.”Nebraska Coach Fred HoibergWhat was your message to the team“A message to our guys was we lost that game the first three minutes. You dig and then you dig yourself out. Whatever it was, 14 and one, call the time out, and we're down, double digits, before the first media timeout. It's hard to climb out of a hole against a team like that that's got that experience, that type of leadership. Those guys are going to get playing together for a long time and it takes so much energy to dig out of it. That being said, we certainly showed we’re more capable of doing when we play the right way.  That first half completely got away from who we were, didn't have much movement... (we tried to go one on one). We tried to go one-on-one, which to me is trying to get it all back at once. The second half we got back to running our offense, we were very efficient. We changed some things up defensively, and I thought we did a better job with our hands and had good activity level. The bottom line is when I look at the box score, you give them 21 offensive rebounds and turn the ball over 14 times, and that’s the game. You say all you want about the start, but you find a way to climb back in. It’s a long game as we continue to remind our players. When you give a team that many extra bullets, it’s hard to come out on top. That being said, we had a chance at the end, and I thought we executed very well after going back down double digits. We unfortunately just didn’t have enough.” On being more active defensively “I thought Berke (Buyuktuncel) made a couple of plays out there for us. Getting a couple of steals. That to me kind of flipped it when BK made those couple of hustle plays. I thought our execution was really good. But it starts when you make plays like that. Cale (Jacobsen) was the one at Rutgers that I thought flipped it when he went in there and had a couple of deflections and that got us going on the other end. We were talking and pleading for someone to go make a play. I thought BK made a couple of good ones for us.”

No. 7 Huskers fall in OT, 80-77

The Nebraska men’s golf team opens its 2026 spring campaign at the Hal Williams Collegiate in the Mobile, Alabama area, Feb. 16-17.

The two-day, 54-hole event gets underway with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. (CT) for two rounds on Monday, Feb. 16, in Semmes, Ala. The teams will compete in Tuesday’s final round beginning with a shotgun start again at 8 a.m. (CT).

The Huskers will be tested by the layout of the Crossings Course at the Robert Trent Jones Magnolia Grove Country Club. The Big Red also will be challenged by a 14-team field that includes Illinois and Kentucky, along with Abilene Christian, Davidson, Eastern Michigan, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Rice, Southern Illinois, Southern Miss, Texas State, UAB and the hosts from South Alabama.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men’s golf team opens its 2026 spring campaign at the Hal Williams Collegiate in the Mobile, Alabama area, Feb. 16-17.The two-day, 54-hole event gets underway with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. (CT) for two rounds on Monday, Feb. 16, in Semmes, Ala. The teams will compete in Tuesday’s final round beginning with a shotgun start again at 8 a.m. (CT).The Huskers will be tested by the layout of the Crossings Course at the Robert Trent Jones Magnolia Grove Country Club. The Big Red also will be challenged by a 14-team field that includes Illinois and Kentucky, along with Abilene Christian, Davidson, Eastern Michigan, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Rice, Southern Illinois, Southern Miss, Texas State, UAB and the hosts from South Alabama.The Huskers, who also closed the fall portion of their 2025-26 schedule in Alabama, will be hunting for their fourth top-five team finish of the season.Nebraska, which is ranked No. 67 nationally, captured the team title at the Git-R-Done Invitational at Firethorn Golf Club in Lincoln (Sept. 22-23), after taking fourth at the Bearcat Invitational in Cincinnati (Sept. 15-16). The Huskers added a fifth-place finish at the Purdue Fall Invitational (Oct. 13-14).Rudy Sautron will play out of the top of the Big Red lineup in Alabama. The junior from Reunion Island, France enters the spring at No. 206 in the most recent Scoreboard individual rankings. Sautron, who tied for sixth at the Steelwood Collegiate in Loxley, Ala., to close the fall, also tied for first with a school-record 200 (-13) at the Git-R-Done Invitational. He owns a team-best 71.00 stroke average over 17 rounds this season.Jackson Benge will play out of the No. 2 spot to open the spring. The sophomore from Omaha is the second-highest ranked Husker nationally (360th) after posting a 71.47 stroke average over 17 fall rounds. Benge notched four top-25 finishes during the fall and was Nebraska’s No. 1 or No. 2 finisher in five of six fall events.Caden Mickelson puts three top-400 players in the Husker lineup. The true freshman from Kansas City produced three top-25 finishes during the fall, including a third-place finish with a school freshman record 201 (-12) at the Git-R-Done Invitational. He enters the spring with a 71.38 stroke average over 16 rounds.Sophomores Brodie Cunningham and James Ackerman round out Nebraska’s five-player lineup in Alabama.Live updates and scoring for the Hal Williams Collegiate can be found at HuskersGolf on Instagram and X, and Scoreboard.clippd.com. Complete coverage can be found at Huskers.com.Hal Williams CollegiateLocation: Semmes, AlabamaHost: South AlabamaCourse: Robert Trent Jones Magnolia Grove Country Club (Crossings)Par/Yardage: TBAScheduleMonday, Feb. 16 - Rounds 1 &amp; 2 - 8 a.m. CT (shotgun)Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Round 3 - 8 a.m. CT (shotgun)Participating Teams (14)Abilene Christian, Davidson, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Nebraska, Rice, South Alabama, Southern Illinois, Southernn Miss, Texas State, UABNebraska Lineup (5-count-4)1. Rudy Sautron, Jr., Reunion Island, France2. Jackson Benge, So., Omaha, Nebraska3. Brodie Cunningham, So., Glasgow, Scotland4. James Ackerman, So., Leawood, Kansas5. Caden Mickelson, Fr., Kansas City, MissouriSautron Owns Top Spot in Pathway to ProgressionNebraska’s Rudy Sautron earned the top spot in the PGA Tour Underclass Elite Ranking (Feb. 11).The Pathway to Progression Underclass Elite Ranking is a new enhancement within the PGA Tour Development program designed to evaluate and recognize the top emerging collegiate golfers, highlighting a diverse group of elite underclass athletes - predominantly African American players - from across the country. It supports players who are in their freshman, sophomore and junior years.Sautron has maintained the top spot since the initial ranking was released in November. Argyle Downes (Rutgers), Sascha Robinson (Florida A&amp;M), Roman Solomon (USF) and Jayden Lizama (Gonzaga) round out the top five.The top player in the final ranking receives an exemption into The Monroe Invitational, an elite summer amateur event in Pittsford, N.Y. The top 15 players earn invitations to participate in the Pathway to Progression Underclass Elite Showcase at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois (July 13-16).2025-26 Season BestsTeam Total: 823 (-29), Git-R-Done, Sept. 22-23Team to Par: -29 (823), Git-R-Done, Sept. 22-23Team Finish: 1st, Git-R-Done, Sept. 22-23, 2025Individual Finish: T1st - Rudy Sautron, Git-R-Done, Sept. 22-23Individual Total: 200 (-13) - Rudy Sautron, Git-R-Done, Sept. 22-23Individual to Par: -13 (200) - Rudy Sautron, Git-R-Done, Sept. 22-23Individual Round: 64 (-7) - Rudy Sautron, 64, Git-R-Done, 3rd, Sept. 23Individual Round to Par: -7 (64) - Rudy Sautron, 64, Git-R-Done, 3rd, Sept. 23Eagles (11):Brodie Cunningham, No. 18 (Par 5), 3rd, Island Resort, Sept. 1Jackson Benge, No. 9 (Par 5), 1st, Gopher, Sept. 7Bryson Oots, No. 14 (Par 4), 1st, Bluejay, Sept. 15James Ackerman, No. 12 (Par 5), 2nd, Bluejay, Sept. 15Thomas Bryson, No. 16 (Par 5), 2nd, Bluejay, Sept. 15Evan McDermott, No. 12 (Par 5), 3rd, Bluejay, Sept. 16Brodie Cunningham, No. 8 (Par 5), 2nd, Git-R-Done, Sept. 22Brodie Cunningham, No. 16 (Par 5), 1st, Purdue, Oct. 13Rudy Sautron, No. 4 (Par 5), 1st, Steelwood, Oct. 25Rudy Sautron, No. 5 (Par 4), 1st, Steelwood, Oct. 25Evan McDermott, No. 18 (Par 5), 1st, Steelwood, Oct. 25