OMAHA, Neb. (Sept. 1, 2025) — The Nebraska State Patrol is reminding Husker fans that safety should be part of their gameday plan.

Colonel Bryan Waugh, of NSP, will announce the effort during a media event at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the NSP Troop A office, 4411 S. 108th St. in Omaha. The campaign will feature troopers from across the state, who will take part in events leading up to the delivery of the Huskers’ game ball to Memorial Stadium ahead of Saturday’s home opener against Akron.

The effort is designed to encourage safe travel to and from Lincoln on game days, with reminders for fans to drive sober, buckle up and stay alert on crowded roadways. 

This is also a good reminder that safety extends beyond the stadium and in Lincoln. Whether traveling to the game, gathering with friends or attending a large watch party, state patrol leaders say fans safety should be forefront. 

Nebraska enters Saturday's game following a 20-17 victory over Cincinnati in its season opener Aug. 28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. 

The game ball handoff is expected to highlight both statewide teamwork among troopers and the importance of planning ahead so fans can enjoy the game safely.

The game ball will travel across all six NSP troop areas, starting in Omaha and finishing in Lincoln. Fans can follow the game ball’s trip around the state on NSP’s social media pages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756819903027.jpeg" alt="Nebraska State Patrol to deliver game ball to Memorial Stadium as part of a safe driving campaign Sept. 2, 2025." />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Patrol to deliver game ball to Memorial Stadium as part of a safe driving campaign Sept. 2, 2025.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (Sept. 1, 2025) — The Nebraska State Patrol is reminding Husker fans that safety should be part of their gameday plan.Colonel Bryan Waugh, of NSP, will announce the effort during a media event at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the NSP Troop A office, 4411 S. 108th St. in Omaha. The campaign will feature troopers from across the state, who will take part in events leading up to the delivery of the Huskers’ game ball to Memorial Stadium ahead of Saturday’s home opener against Akron.The effort is designed to encourage safe travel to and from Lincoln on game days, with reminders for fans to drive sober, buckle up and stay alert on crowded roadways. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756835087345.jpeg" alt="Tuesday morning, Colonel Bryan Waugh kicked off a statewide campaign to promote safe travel for Husker home games." />
 <figcaption>Tuesday morning, Colonel Bryan Waugh kicked off a statewide campaign to promote safe travel for Husker home games.</figcaption>
 </figure>This is also a good reminder that safety extends beyond the stadium and in Lincoln. Whether traveling to the game, gathering with friends or attending a large watch party, state patrol leaders say fans safety should be forefront. Nebraska enters Saturday's game following a 20-17 victory over Cincinnati in its season opener Aug. 28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756837058614.jpeg" alt="Governor Jim Pillen assists in Game Day football handoff Sept. 2, 2025." />
 <figcaption>Governor Jim Pillen assists in Game Day football handoff Sept. 2, 2025.</figcaption>
 </figure>The game ball handoff is expected to highlight both statewide teamwork among troopers and the importance of planning ahead so fans can enjoy the game safely.The game ball will travel across all six NSP troop areas, starting in Omaha and finishing in Lincoln. Fans can follow the game ball’s trip around the state on NSP’s social media pages.

Troopers to Hand Off Husker Game Ball in Campaign for Gameday Safety

Bridgeport 44, North Platte St. Patrick's 28

Bridgeport 44, North Platte St. Patrick's 28Garden County 79, Crawford 25Gothenburg 28, Ogallala 11Hitchcock County 54, Brady 6McCook 41, Beatrice 15Wallace 44, Arthur County 36Wauneta-Palisade 44, South Platte 28

Area Football Scores from 8-29

Football - Kearney Vs. North Platte

Story by UNK Athletic Communication

Kearney, Neb. – Redshirt sophomore quarterback Abram Scholting scored from three yards out with 1:07 left and the defense had two late stops to help Nebraska Kearney win at Wayne State, 28-21, Thursday night at Bob Cunningham Field.

This was the 85th all-time meeting between the Lopers and Wildcats but the first in 14 years. UNK now holds a 60-19-6 series lead with the two slated to open the 2026 season at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium.

The Loper defense stuffed the Wildcats on four straight plays from the eight-yard line with just over six minutes remaining. However, Wayne recovered a fumble two plays later and got a generous spot at UNK six-yard line. The Blue Wall almost did it again as they recorded another three stops, but a facemask penalty gave the 'Cats a set of new downs and they tied things up at 21 with 3:47 remaining.&nbsp;

Scholting (Pierce), who started last year's 35-0 win at Southwest Minnesota, took over for banged up starter Daron Bryden (Enfield, Conn.) late in the third quarter. Scholting had already played in the first half, but it was his game to finish after a late hit, and subsequent ejection, put Bryden on the sidelines.

"I had to prepare like the starter; "DB" was the guy and doing a good job. Our team played great tonight, and I had to just come in and do my job. I can't make it anything more than it is," said Scholting.

Scholting started the game-winning drive with runs of four and nine yards and then senior back Isaiah Harris (Omaha) had a four-yard run. Scholting then ran down the left sidelines for 14 yards before Harris ran the other direction on the next play for a 41-yard gain. He finished with a career-high 165 yards and one score on 21 carries.

With Harris just stepping out of bounds on the three, UNK's next two runs didn't gain much but Wayne used two of its three timeouts. On third down, Scholting scored for the second time by powering in from the left side. He started the fourth with a four-yard run that made it 21-14."It's definitely something you dream about. The playing experience last year helped a lot but when I came in, I just had to breathe, relax, and tell myself it's just football. I've been playing since second grade," said Scholting. "I have a lot of friends that go to Wayne State so it's fun to beat them."

Wayne, however, didn't go down quietly as sophomore QB Bennett Dannenbring had completions of 15 and 31 yards. On the big gainer, sophomore receiver Alex Phelps made a leaping grab between two Lopers that moved the ball to the 30-yard line with 26 seconds left. But on the very next play, redshirt sophomore safety Saieed Hasan (Peoria, Ariz.) picked off Dannenbring in the middle of the field. In the first half, junior newcomer Qualyn McQueen (Miami) had an INT that led to a 42-yard scoring drive and 14-7 lead.

UNK out gained WSC by a 329-281 margin, was 3 for 3 in the red zone and 6 of 14 on third down. Next, the defense held the 'Cats to 56 yards rushing, recorded six tackles for loss (2.0 sacks) with senior corner Ife Current (Kennendale, Texas) having UNK's third and final pick.

"Well, its next man up; that's how you have to do it and that's why we recruit multiple guys. Abe came in and did an incredible job. Being a local kid this was a big game for him," said UNK head coach Ryan Held. "He stepped up and we made the plays when we needed to."

Bryden was 7 of 11 for 67 yards and threw a 13-yard scoring pass to junior receiver Jaden Jude (Athens, Ala.) in the third quarter. He also had a 16-yard scramble with his one INT coming on a "Hail Mary" play at the end of the first half. Next, Scholting was 3 for 4 for 51 yards and ran eight times for 39 yards. Jude, previously at FCS Tennessee-Chattanooga, hauled in seven balls for 98 yards.

"There were some boneheaded plays we made there, turned the ball over late, had some penalties, gave them some opportunities," said Held. "But that was a gutsy drive there at the end to make it happen and then our defense found a way to end it.

"Finally on offense, Harris had a 55-yards scoring run on the second play from scrimmage and a 26-yard scamper in the second. This is his fifth career 100-yard day. Defensively, McQueen (eight) and Illinois senior corner Jovan Marsh (seven) led in tackles with Kansas junior backers Dylan Jordan (Pittsburg, Kan.) and Parker Wise (Kearney) both at six and a half sack

."We knew 12 personnel could be a good group against them (on the last drive). We felt there was some advantages there with our tight ends, spread them out a little bit but still be able to run the ball," said Held. "Our ability to run the football over four quarters was the difference in the game. This was great for the State of Nebraska to have a contest like this."

In his first collegiate start for Wayne, Dannenbring was 19 of 33 for 225 yards and two TD's with junior tight end Dane Peterson having both scores on six grabs for 94 yards. Phelps then managed 51 yards on three catches with back Dawson Forgy having 31 yards on 10 totes. The defense was led by backer Jes Krcil (15 tackles, one forced fumble) and senior backer Alex Kowalczyk (10 tackles) and junior tackle Luke Lambert (eight tackles, three for loss).UNK hosts Chadron State next Saturday; the Eagles are at FCS-member Northern Colorado this Saturday.

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationKearney, Neb. – Redshirt sophomore quarterback Abram Scholting scored from three yards out with 1:07 left and the defense had two late stops to help Nebraska Kearney win at Wayne State, 28-21, Thursday night at Bob Cunningham Field.This was the 85th all-time meeting between the Lopers and Wildcats but the first in 14 years. UNK now holds a 60-19-6 series lead with the two slated to open the 2026 season at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium.The Loper defense stuffed the Wildcats on four straight plays from the eight-yard line with just over six minutes remaining. However, Wayne recovered a fumble two plays later and got a generous spot at UNK six-yard line. The Blue Wall almost did it again as they recorded another three stops, but a facemask penalty gave the 'Cats a set of new downs and they tied things up at 21 with 3:47 remaining.&nbsp;Scholting (Pierce), who started last year's 35-0 win at Southwest Minnesota, took over for banged up starter Daron Bryden (Enfield, Conn.) late in the third quarter. Scholting had already played in the first half, but it was his game to finish after a late hit, and subsequent ejection, put Bryden on the sidelines."I had to prepare like the starter; "DB" was the guy and doing a good job. Our team played great tonight, and I had to just come in and do my job. I can't make it anything more than it is," said Scholting.Scholting started the game-winning drive with runs of four and nine yards and then senior back Isaiah Harris (Omaha) had a four-yard run. Scholting then ran down the left sidelines for 14 yards before Harris ran the other direction on the next play for a 41-yard gain. He finished with a career-high 165 yards and one score on 21 carries.With Harris just stepping out of bounds on the three, UNK's next two runs didn't gain much but Wayne used two of its three timeouts. On third down, Scholting scored for the second time by powering in from the left side. He started the fourth with a four-yard run that made it 21-14."It's definitely something you dream about. The playing experience last year helped a lot but when I came in, I just had to breathe, relax, and tell myself it's just football. I've been playing since second grade," said Scholting. "I have a lot of friends that go to Wayne State so it's fun to beat them."Wayne, however, didn't go down quietly as sophomore QB Bennett Dannenbring had completions of 15 and 31 yards. On the big gainer, sophomore receiver Alex Phelps made a leaping grab between two Lopers that moved the ball to the 30-yard line with 26 seconds left. But on the very next play, redshirt sophomore safety Saieed Hasan (Peoria, Ariz.) picked off Dannenbring in the middle of the field. In the first half, junior newcomer Qualyn McQueen (Miami) had an INT that led to a 42-yard scoring drive and 14-7 lead.UNK out gained WSC by a 329-281 margin, was 3 for 3 in the red zone and 6 of 14 on third down. Next, the defense held the 'Cats to 56 yards rushing, recorded six tackles for loss (2.0 sacks) with senior corner Ife Current (Kennendale, Texas) having UNK's third and final pick."Well, its next man up; that's how you have to do it and that's why we recruit multiple guys. Abe came in and did an incredible job. Being a local kid this was a big game for him," said UNK head coach Ryan Held. "He stepped up and we made the plays when we needed to."Bryden was 7 of 11 for 67 yards and threw a 13-yard scoring pass to junior receiver Jaden Jude (Athens, Ala.) in the third quarter. He also had a 16-yard scramble with his one INT coming on a "Hail Mary" play at the end of the first half. Next, Scholting was 3 for 4 for 51 yards and ran eight times for 39 yards. Jude, previously at FCS Tennessee-Chattanooga, hauled in seven balls for 98 yards."There were some boneheaded plays we made there, turned the ball over late, had some penalties, gave them some opportunities," said Held. "But that was a gutsy drive there at the end to make it happen and then our defense found a way to end it."Finally on offense, Harris had a 55-yards scoring run on the second play from scrimmage and a 26-yard scamper in the second. This is his fifth career 100-yard day. Defensively, McQueen (eight) and Illinois senior corner Jovan Marsh (seven) led in tackles with Kansas junior backers Dylan Jordan (Pittsburg, Kan.) and Parker Wise (Kearney) both at six and a half sack."We knew 12 personnel could be a good group against them (on the last drive). We felt there was some advantages there with our tight ends, spread them out a little bit but still be able to run the ball," said Held. "Our ability to run the football over four quarters was the difference in the game. This was great for the State of Nebraska to have a contest like this."In his first collegiate start for Wayne, Dannenbring was 19 of 33 for 225 yards and two TD's with junior tight end Dane Peterson having both scores on six grabs for 94 yards. Phelps then managed 51 yards on three catches with back Dawson Forgy having 31 yards on 10 totes. The defense was led by backer Jes Krcil (15 tackles, one forced fumble) and senior backer Alex Kowalczyk (10 tackles) and junior tackle Luke Lambert (eight tackles, three for loss).UNK hosts Chadron State next Saturday; the Eagles are at FCS-member Northern Colorado this Saturday.

Last minute TD & INT lifts Lopers at Wayne

Story by NU Athletic Communication

<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/malcolm-hartzog">Malcolm Hartzog Jr.</a>&nbsp;intercepted a Brendan Sorsby pass in the end zone with 39 seconds remaining to seal Nebraska's 20-17 season-opening victory over Cincinnati Thursday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Hartzog's interception was one of two big takeaways for the Blackshirt defense, which recovered a fumble to set up a 24-yard Husker touchdown drive in the closing minute of the first half. Nebraska trailed 3-0 after one quarter but took a 13-3 lead into the locker room. Cincinnati managed two second-half touchdowns, but a three-yard touchdown pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/dylan-raiola">Dylan Raiola</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/dane-key">Dane Key</a>&nbsp;on a fourth-down play with 10:36 remaining provided the winning margin for the Big Red.

Raiola was efficient, completing 33-of-42 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Nebraska had 243 passing yards while limiting the Bearcats to just 69 yards through the air on 25 attempts. Cincinnati out-rushed Nebraska in the game, but&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/emmett-johnson">Emmett Johnson</a>&nbsp;led all players with 108 yards to post his second career 100-yard rushing game.

Defensively, DJ Singleton led Nebraska with eight tackles and five Huskers had a pass breakup. Hartzog had the game's lone interception, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/vincent-shavers-jr">Vincent Shavers Jr.</a>&nbsp;forced a fumble that was recovered by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/williams-nwaneri">Williams Nwaneri</a>, as Nebraska had two takeaways in the game and did not commit a turnover itself.

Nebraska, which defeated a Power Four opponent in a season opener for the first time since 2003, improved to 1-0 while Cincinnati fell to 0-1.

The Huskers host their first home game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 6 against Akron at 6:30 p.m.

Story by NU Athletic Communication<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/malcolm-hartzog">Malcolm Hartzog Jr.</a>&nbsp;intercepted a Brendan Sorsby pass in the end zone with 39 seconds remaining to seal Nebraska's 20-17 season-opening victory over Cincinnati Thursday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.Hartzog's interception was one of two big takeaways for the Blackshirt defense, which recovered a fumble to set up a 24-yard Husker touchdown drive in the closing minute of the first half. Nebraska trailed 3-0 after one quarter but took a 13-3 lead into the locker room. Cincinnati managed two second-half touchdowns, but a three-yard touchdown pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/dylan-raiola">Dylan Raiola</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/dane-key">Dane Key</a>&nbsp;on a fourth-down play with 10:36 remaining provided the winning margin for the Big Red.Raiola was efficient, completing 33-of-42 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Nebraska had 243 passing yards while limiting the Bearcats to just 69 yards through the air on 25 attempts. Cincinnati out-rushed Nebraska in the game, but&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/emmett-johnson">Emmett Johnson</a>&nbsp;led all players with 108 yards to post his second career 100-yard rushing game.Defensively, DJ Singleton led Nebraska with eight tackles and five Huskers had a pass breakup. Hartzog had the game's lone interception, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/vincent-shavers-jr">Vincent Shavers Jr.</a>&nbsp;forced a fumble that was recovered by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/williams-nwaneri">Williams Nwaneri</a>, as Nebraska had two takeaways in the game and did not commit a turnover itself.Nebraska, which defeated a Power Four opponent in a season opener for the first time since 2003, improved to 1-0 while Cincinnati fell to 0-1.The Huskers host their first home game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 6 against Akron at 6:30 p.m.

Huskers open season with 20-17 victory

Story by NU Athletic Communications

With three minutes left in the match, graduate student Reagan Raabe notched the game-winning goal for the Nebraska soccer team in its 1-0 victory over Weber State on Thursday night.

Raabe scored on a cross by Ava Makovicka in the lower half of the goal. Her goal was one of her five shots in the game, including two on goal.&nbsp;

Makovicka and Mila Brach each recorded three shots and Jo Sees had two. As a team, NU held the advantage in shots (19-4), shots on goal (5-2) and corner kicks (9-0). Cece Villa (1-0-2) played the whole game in goal, posted two saves, and claimed the win.&nbsp;

With the victory, the Big Red moved to 2-0-2 on the season, while Weber State fell to 3-2-0.&nbsp;

Neither team scored in the first half, but NU put on the pressure, notching 11 shots. Raabe logged the Huskers’ only shot on goal in the period, which was saved by the Wildcat goalkeeper. The Husker defense did not allow any shots by Weber State in the first half.&nbsp;

NU will travel to Omaha, Neb., for a matchup with the Mavericks on Sunday, Aug. 31. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed on the Summit League Network.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsWith three minutes left in the match, graduate student Reagan Raabe notched the game-winning goal for the Nebraska soccer team in its 1-0 victory over Weber State on Thursday night.Raabe scored on a cross by Ava Makovicka in the lower half of the goal. Her goal was one of her five shots in the game, including two on goal.&nbsp;Makovicka and Mila Brach each recorded three shots and Jo Sees had two. As a team, NU held the advantage in shots (19-4), shots on goal (5-2) and corner kicks (9-0). Cece Villa (1-0-2) played the whole game in goal, posted two saves, and claimed the win.&nbsp;With the victory, the Big Red moved to 2-0-2 on the season, while Weber State fell to 3-2-0.&nbsp;Neither team scored in the first half, but NU put on the pressure, notching 11 shots. Raabe logged the Huskers’ only shot on goal in the period, which was saved by the Wildcat goalkeeper. The Husker defense did not allow any shots by Weber State in the first half.&nbsp;NU will travel to Omaha, Neb., for a matchup with the Mavericks on Sunday, Aug. 31. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed on the Summit League Network.

Raabe nets game winner in 1-0 victory

Area High School Sports scores from 8-28

The Nebraska soccer team is set for matches against Weber State and at Omaha this week. NU will face the Wildcats on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7:05 p.m. (CT) at Barbara Hibner Stadium. The Huskers’ contest at Omaha will kick off at 7:30 p.m. (CT) on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Caniglia Field. Thursday’s game will be streamed on B1G+ and Sunday’s is available on the Summit League Network.

The Huskers faced their first road test of the season in Oklahoma State, which was ranked No. 22 in the United Soccer Coaches Association preseason poll. The Big Red drew with the Cowgirls, 1-1. Freshman Carson Bohonek netted her first career goal, assisted by Kayma Carpenter. Cece Villa played all 90 minutes in goal and logged two saves.

NU will take on Oregon State at Barbara Hibner Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4. The game is set to start at 7:05 p.m. and will be streamed on B1G+.&nbsp;Quick Notes

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska soccer team is set for matches against Weber State and at Omaha this week. NU will face the Wildcats on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7:05 p.m. (CT) at Barbara Hibner Stadium. The Huskers’ contest at Omaha will kick off at 7:30 p.m. (CT) on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Caniglia Field. Thursday’s game will be streamed on B1G+ and Sunday’s is available on the Summit League Network.Last Time OutThe Huskers faced their first road test of the season in Oklahoma State, which was ranked No. 22 in the United Soccer Coaches Association preseason poll. The Big Red drew with the Cowgirls, 1-1. Freshman Carson Bohonek netted her first career goal, assisted by Kayma Carpenter. Cece Villa played all 90 minutes in goal and logged two saves.Next UpNU will take on Oregon State at Barbara Hibner Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4. The game is set to start at 7:05 p.m. and will be streamed on B1G+.&nbsp;Quick Notes<ul>
 <li>Six returning Huskers have already notched new career highs in at least one category – Cece Villa (consecutive scoreless minutes), Ava Makovicka (points, goals), Reagan Raabe (assists), Maddy Osborn (saves), Ella Rudney (points, goals) and Kayma Carpenter (points, goals, assists).&nbsp;</li><li>The Huskers’ season-opening win against Southern Indiana was their largest season-opening victory since 1996.&nbsp;</li><li>NU has 11 regular-season home games scheduled for its 11th season at Hibner Stadium in 2025, which includes five non-conference matches and six Big Ten contests. Additionally, the Big Red hosted one exhibition.</li><li>Nebraska grabbed victories over Drake, Iowa State and Wyoming during the 2024 spring season. The Huskers drew a tie in both of their exhibition matches -- 0-0 at South Dakota State and 1-1 against Colorado State.&nbsp;</li><li>The Huskers’ Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch included Reagan Raabe, Lauryn Anglim and Sadie Waite. Nebraska was tabbed No. 12 in the preseason poll.&nbsp;</li><li>NU returned 10 letterwinners from last season, along with sixth-year Raabe. She was injured in both 2023 and 2024, but was a third-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2021 and 2022. Raabe scored the Huskers’ lone goal of their exhibition matches, her first net since Sept. 11, 2022.&nbsp;</li><li>The Huskers welcomed 15 newcomers in 2025, including 13 freshmen and two transfers. Alyse Then previously competed at Daytona State and SUNY, while Jo Sees comes to the Big Red from Kansas State.&nbsp;</li><li>During the 2024 season, the Huskers averaged 1,437 fans per game at Hibner Stadium, second most in Husker history and 11th in the nation. NU added a total attendance of 12,933, which ranked 18th nationally.</li><li>Head Coach John Walker enters his 32nd season, alongside assistant coaches Savanah Anderson-Baer (third season), Ian Bridge (10th season) and Dan Ball (first season). Walker has a 372-203-63 record in his career and has coached all 31 seasons in Nebraska soccer history.</li>
 </ul>Scouting the Weber State Wildcats<ul>
 <li>Weber State is 3-1-0 so far this season. The Wildcats have grabbed victories over Oregon State, CSU Bakersfield and North Dakota State but fell to Oregon.</li><li>Grace Kirby and Brynlee Meyerhoffer have each notched two goals for Weber State. Kirby has also added an assist.</li><li>The Wildcats finished the 2024 season with a 2-13-5 mark and a 1-6-1 record in conference play.</li><li>Head coach Kyle Christensen is in his first year with Weber State and has a career record of 3-1-0 both with the Wildcats and in his career.&nbsp;</li><li>The Huskers hold a 1-0-0 advantage in the series with Weber State. The only matchup in history was played in 2022 and NU came out with the 3-1 victory.</li>
 </ul>Scouting the Omaha Mavericks<ul>
 <li>Omaha is 2-0-2 in 2025 with wins over SIUE and Green Bay and ties against Northern Colorado and Lindenwood.</li><li>Kendall Dobberstein, Payten Ivins and Lauren Schmidt have each totaled four points this season for the Mavericks.</li><li>Omaha was 10-3-5 last season with a 4-1-3 mark in Summit League play. The Mavericks lost to Oral Roberts in the quarterfinals of the Summit League Tournament.</li><li>Head coach Tim Walters owns a 62-62-32 record in his career and with the Mavericks. He is in his ninth season at Omaha.</li><li>The Mavericks won the only matchup in series history with a narrow 1-0 victory in 2021.</li>
 </ul>

Huskers continue season against Weber State, at Omaha

<h2>Softball</h2>Cozad 3 @ North Platte 7Hershey 0 @ Gering 16Hershey 1 @ Gering 13

Area High School Sports scores from 8-26

Softball - Cozad Vs. North Platte

North Platte 0 - Kearney 3 (25-13, 25-14, 25-18)

<h2>Softball</h2>Adams Central 0 @ North Platte 9Cozad 10 vs Hershey 1Gothenburg 1 vs McCook 14North Platte 4 vs Gering 8<h2>Volleyball</h2>North Platte 0 - Kearney 3 (25-13, 25-14, 25-18)<h2>Golf</h2>North Platte 202 , Ogallala 252

Area High School scores from 8-21

 Volleyball - North Platte Bulldogs Vs. Kearney

Sit down talk with new North Platte High Volleyball Coach Shelby Welsh

The first conference tournament in school history and the return of the Big Red Invitational highlights the release of Nebraska’s 2025-26 bowling schedule released Tuesday (Aug. 19).

The 10-tournament regular-season schedule is highlighted by the Conference USA Championships in Harahan, La. From March 19-21. The 12-team field includes all four teams which qualified for the NCAA semifinals last season in Nebraska, Jacksonville State, Youngstown State and Wichita State. It will mark NU’s first conference tournament appearance since the varsity program began in 1998.

The Huskers, who return a trio of All-American from a team that finished third at the 2025 NCAA Championships, will be tested with a schedule that will prepare the Big Red for postseason play according to Head Coach Paul Klempa.

“This season’s schedule is a very competitive slate,” Klempa said. “We will be tested each time they compete, which is what we need to be ready for the postseason. There are several familiar stops, but a couple of new ones, most notably the Conference USA Championship in March. That will be one of the most competitive tournaments in the country with the number of top-10 teams in CUSA. It will serve as a chance for the team to win a championship in the most prestigious bowling conference in the country while also keeping us competitively sharp for the NCAA postseason that follows.”

Husker fans will have an opportunity to see the Huskers bowl in person, as Lincoln will host the Big Red Invitational at Hollywood Lanes from Feb. 20-22. Klempa believes the 2026 event could be one of the top tournaments in the country this season.

“The Big Red Invite that we will host in Lincoln will be one of the strongest events we have hosted,” Klempa said. “It will feature seven teams from the top 10 teams in the country (Nebraska, Jacksonville State, Youngstown State, Wichita State, Arkansas State, Vanderbilt and Sam Houston) and three others that were in the top 20. Husker fans will not want to miss this one in February.”

The fall portion of the schedule begins on Oct. 17, as the Huskers travel to Struthers, Ohio for the Motiv Penguin Classic, which is hosted by defending NCAA Champion Youngstown State. The Huskers will also make trips to Destination Orlando, the Bulldog Classic in Fort Worth, Texas and the Colonial Lanes Classic in Harahan, La. before taking a break in the schedule. The trip to the Colonial Lanes Classic provides the Huskers a chance to preview the site of the Conference USA Championship in March.

The spring portion begins with a flourish, as Nebraska takes three straight trips to close January. Trips to the Northeast Classic in New Castle, Del., the Prairie View Invitational in Arlington, Texas and the Saints Invite in Saint Louis are all expected to have strong fields. Following the Big Red Invitational, NU closes the regular season with the Stallings Invitational in Greensboro, N.C., before preparing for its first-ever CUSA Tournament from March 19-22.&nbsp; NCAA Regionals take place April 3-4 before the NCAA Championships the following weekend just outside Cleveland, Ohio.

The Huskers are led by reigning NTCA Bowler of the Year Jillian Martin, as well as returning NTCA All-Americans Kayla Starr (2025) and Brenna Hartzler (2024) along with returning starter Haley Swindle.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationThe first conference tournament in school history and the return of the Big Red Invitational highlights the release of Nebraska’s 2025-26 bowling schedule released Tuesday (Aug. 19).The 10-tournament regular-season schedule is highlighted by the Conference USA Championships in Harahan, La. From March 19-21. The 12-team field includes all four teams which qualified for the NCAA semifinals last season in Nebraska, Jacksonville State, Youngstown State and Wichita State. It will mark NU’s first conference tournament appearance since the varsity program began in 1998.The Huskers, who return a trio of All-American from a team that finished third at the 2025 NCAA Championships, will be tested with a schedule that will prepare the Big Red for postseason play according to Head Coach Paul Klempa.“This season’s schedule is a very competitive slate,” Klempa said. “We will be tested each time they compete, which is what we need to be ready for the postseason. There are several familiar stops, but a couple of new ones, most notably the Conference USA Championship in March. That will be one of the most competitive tournaments in the country with the number of top-10 teams in CUSA. It will serve as a chance for the team to win a championship in the most prestigious bowling conference in the country while also keeping us competitively sharp for the NCAA postseason that follows.”Husker fans will have an opportunity to see the Huskers bowl in person, as Lincoln will host the Big Red Invitational at Hollywood Lanes from Feb. 20-22. Klempa believes the 2026 event could be one of the top tournaments in the country this season.“The Big Red Invite that we will host in Lincoln will be one of the strongest events we have hosted,” Klempa said. “It will feature seven teams from the top 10 teams in the country (Nebraska, Jacksonville State, Youngstown State, Wichita State, Arkansas State, Vanderbilt and Sam Houston) and three others that were in the top 20. Husker fans will not want to miss this one in February.”The fall portion of the schedule begins on Oct. 17, as the Huskers travel to Struthers, Ohio for the Motiv Penguin Classic, which is hosted by defending NCAA Champion Youngstown State. The Huskers will also make trips to Destination Orlando, the Bulldog Classic in Fort Worth, Texas and the Colonial Lanes Classic in Harahan, La. before taking a break in the schedule. The trip to the Colonial Lanes Classic provides the Huskers a chance to preview the site of the Conference USA Championship in March.The spring portion begins with a flourish, as Nebraska takes three straight trips to close January. Trips to the Northeast Classic in New Castle, Del., the Prairie View Invitational in Arlington, Texas and the Saints Invite in Saint Louis are all expected to have strong fields. Following the Big Red Invitational, NU closes the regular season with the Stallings Invitational in Greensboro, N.C., before preparing for its first-ever CUSA Tournament from March 19-22.&nbsp; NCAA Regionals take place April 3-4 before the NCAA Championships the following weekend just outside Cleveland, Ohio.The Huskers are led by reigning NTCA Bowler of the Year Jillian Martin, as well as returning NTCA All-Americans Kayla Starr (2025) and Brenna Hartzler (2024) along with returning starter Haley Swindle.

Huskers announce 2025-26 Bowling Schedule

Nebraska women's gymnastics head coach Heather Brink announced the hiring of new assistant coach Montana Rall on Tuesday.

"We are thrilled to welcome Montana to the coaching staff," Brink said. "Over the last few years, I have watched her step into roles that have allowed her to evolve and grow her technical expertise throughout her developmental coaching career. She cares about her athletes and is dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. Her enthusiasm and passion for Nebraska Gymnastics will undoubtedly shine. I cannot wait to see the impact she will have on our team and family."&nbsp;

Rall has spent the past three years as a choreographer and lead beam coach for Omaha Gymnastics Academy, contributing to more than 29 regional titles and 12 national qualifications. She she was also a head coach for Metro Stars Gymnastics (2019-2023), Girls Competitive Team program Co-Director and and head coach of Rowland Ballard Gymnastics (2017-2018), coach of Amplify Gymnastics (2016-2017) and coach for Nebraska School of Gymnastics (2009-2012).

Rall competed for the University of Kentucky (2013-16). She was a staple in the beam and bars lineup for the Wildcats during her career. Rall was a two-time member of the SEC Academic Team in 2014 and 2015 and was a member of the SEC Community Service Team in 2015.&nbsp;

Prior to her collegiate career, the Nebraska native attended Lincoln Southwest and trained at Nebraska School of Gymnastics under coaches Tim and Rachel Garrison and Tanya Gifford.&nbsp;

Rall’s primary responsibilities will include the lead coach on floor, assisting on vault, time management planning and overseeing strength and conditioning.&nbsp;

“To say I am excited is an understatement,” Rall said. “Nebraska is more than where I live—it’s my home, my community and the place that shaped me into the person I am today. I am passionate about Nebraska, its people and the sport of gymnastics. I am excited about where this program is going and grateful I get to be a part of creating a lasting legacy of top-tier gymnastics along with our signature “Good Life” culture. There’s truly no place like Nebraska. Let’s go!”

Rall earned her bachelor's degree from Kentucky in Kinesiology and Exercise Science in 2016. She is married to her husband Jesse and has two sons, Ryker and Jagger, and a daughter, Winslow.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska women's gymnastics head coach Heather Brink announced the hiring of new assistant coach Montana Rall on Tuesday."We are thrilled to welcome Montana to the coaching staff," Brink said. "Over the last few years, I have watched her step into roles that have allowed her to evolve and grow her technical expertise throughout her developmental coaching career. She cares about her athletes and is dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. Her enthusiasm and passion for Nebraska Gymnastics will undoubtedly shine. I cannot wait to see the impact she will have on our team and family."&nbsp;Rall has spent the past three years as a choreographer and lead beam coach for Omaha Gymnastics Academy, contributing to more than 29 regional titles and 12 national qualifications. She she was also a head coach for Metro Stars Gymnastics (2019-2023), Girls Competitive Team program Co-Director and and head coach of Rowland Ballard Gymnastics (2017-2018), coach of Amplify Gymnastics (2016-2017) and coach for Nebraska School of Gymnastics (2009-2012).Rall competed for the University of Kentucky (2013-16). She was a staple in the beam and bars lineup for the Wildcats during her career. Rall was a two-time member of the SEC Academic Team in 2014 and 2015 and was a member of the SEC Community Service Team in 2015.&nbsp;Prior to her collegiate career, the Nebraska native attended Lincoln Southwest and trained at Nebraska School of Gymnastics under coaches Tim and Rachel Garrison and Tanya Gifford.&nbsp;Rall’s primary responsibilities will include the lead coach on floor, assisting on vault, time management planning and overseeing strength and conditioning.&nbsp;“To say I am excited is an understatement,” Rall said. “Nebraska is more than where I live—it’s my home, my community and the place that shaped me into the person I am today. I am passionate about Nebraska, its people and the sport of gymnastics. I am excited about where this program is going and grateful I get to be a part of creating a lasting legacy of top-tier gymnastics along with our signature “Good Life” culture. There’s truly no place like Nebraska. Let’s go!”Rall earned her bachelor's degree from Kentucky in Kinesiology and Exercise Science in 2016. She is married to her husband Jesse and has two sons, Ryker and Jagger, and a daughter, Winslow.

Huskers add Rall to Coaching Staff

The Nebraska soccer team (1-0-1) will continue its 2025 campaign with a matchup with the Oklahoma State Cowgirls (1-1-0) in Stillwater, Okla. on Thursday, Sept. 21. The game is set for 7 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on ESPN+.&nbsp;

The Huskers opened their season with games against Southern Indiana and Missouri State. NU shut out the Screaming Eagles, 6-0, and tied the Bears, 1-1. Kayma Carpenter notched two goals in the game against Southern Indiana and Ella Rudney, Sadie Waite, Ellie Felt and Ava Makovicka recorded one apiece. Rudney also netted the equalizer against Missouri State. Goalkeeper Cece Villa logged six saves, including a penalty kick stop, against the Bears.

NU will take a week off before facing Weber State on Thursday, Aug. 28 at Barbara Hibner Stadium. That game will kick off at 7:05 p.m. and will be streamed on B1G+. Fans can purchase tickets at huskers.com/tickets.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska soccer team (1-0-1) will continue its 2025 campaign with a matchup with the Oklahoma State Cowgirls (1-1-0) in Stillwater, Okla. on Thursday, Sept. 21. The game is set for 7 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on ESPN+.&nbsp;Last Time OutThe Huskers opened their season with games against Southern Indiana and Missouri State. NU shut out the Screaming Eagles, 6-0, and tied the Bears, 1-1. Kayma Carpenter notched two goals in the game against Southern Indiana and Ella Rudney, Sadie Waite, Ellie Felt and Ava Makovicka recorded one apiece. Rudney also netted the equalizer against Missouri State. Goalkeeper Cece Villa logged six saves, including a penalty kick stop, against the Bears.Up NextNU will take a week off before facing Weber State on Thursday, Aug. 28 at Barbara Hibner Stadium. That game will kick off at 7:05 p.m. and will be streamed on B1G+. Fans can purchase tickets at huskers.com/tickets.Quick Notes<ul>
 <li>The Huskers’ season-opening win against Southern Indiana was their largest season-opening victory since 1996.&nbsp;</li><li>NU has 11 regular-season home games scheduled for its 11th season at Hibner Stadium in 2025, which includes five non-conference matches and six Big Ten contests. Additionally, the Big Red hosted one exhibition.</li><li>Nebraska grabbed victories over Drake, Iowa State and Wyoming during the 2024 spring season. The Huskers drew a tie in both of their exhibition matches -- 0-0 at South Dakota State and 1-1 against Colorado State.&nbsp;</li><li>The Huskers’ Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch included Reagan Raabe, Lauryn Anglim and Sadie Waite. Nebraska was tabbed No. 12 in the preseason poll.&nbsp;</li><li>NU returned 10 letterwinners from last season, along with sixth-year Raabe. She was injured in both 2023 and 2024, but was a third-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2021 and 2022. Raabe scored the Huskers’ lone goal of their exhibition matches, her first net since Sept. 11, 2022.&nbsp;</li><li>The Huskers welcomed 15 newcomers in 2025, including 13 freshmen and two transfers. Alyse Then previously competed at Daytona State and SUNY, while Jo Sees comes to the Big Red from Kansas State.&nbsp;</li><li>During the 2024 season, the Huskers averaged 1,437 fans per game at Hibner Stadium, second most in Husker history and 11th in the nation. NU added a total attendance of 12,933, which ranked 18th nationally.</li><li>Head Coach John Walker enters his 32nd season, alongside assistant coaches Savanah Anderson-Baer (third season), Ian Bridge (10th season) and Dan Ball (first season). Walker has a 372-203-63 record in his career and has coached all 31 seasons in Nebraska soccer history.</li>
 </ul>Scouting the Oklahoma State Cowgirls<ul>
 <li>Oklahoma State holds a record of 1-1-0 this season. The Cowgirls opened the 2025 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Mercer, but lost to No. 22 Oklahoma, 1-4.&nbsp;</li><li>Xcaret Pineda has netted two goals for OSU and has also contributed an assist for a total of five points this season.&nbsp;</li><li>The Cowgirls were ranked No. 22 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll after qualifying for last year’s NCAA Tournament. Oklahoma State lost, 0-4, to Arkansas in the opening round.</li><li>Head coach Colin Carmichael is in his 21st season at OSU and has a record of 266-111-53 both in his career and with the Cowgirls.&nbsp;</li><li>The Huskers lead the series with Oklahoma State, 10-8-0. The two teams last met in 2024, when OSU claimed a 2-0 victory.</li>
 </ul>

Huskers Soccer travels to Oklahoma State

Story by Omaha Supernovas Communication

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DITOp-awkKOki8KzW6a5bvDJ2KFlsxZEuu80wlZCnaN_-Jl3Dv-l3q2i8zmV1ex1YJWkxNd_1W91_0d-1humLSftwGglhKOj3UZ9mwvPFPvALn4YsYpt0UtJ55ElLo4mgqW7-iXSO3YiQFwmIyEjCuc95zMTdEug&amp;c=odXpPm7Wyk5Ms2_bWl88u7N8OgrqsVelHK9RYSZPFffUBmkbDGlXjQ==&amp;ch=AbKSxc92_DMcLH0fLQ7tBFdZnB-YSJiyG90DeOhhtP87jezw5Ucsyg==">Omaha Supernovas,</a>&nbsp;the world's leading professional volleyball franchise, are excited to announce the signing of outside hitter&nbsp;Sarah Wilhite Parsons, the 2016 National Player of the Year and member of the U.S. Women’s National Team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An alternate for the U.S. Olympic team at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Parsons brings a decorated professional and international career to Omaha, having competed in top leagues across Italy, Turkey, Brazil, Japan and Germany.&nbsp;

“I am beyond excited to join the Omaha Supernovas and continue growing the game that has been such a big part of my life,” said Parsons. “Having the chance to play professionally in the United States with my 7-month-old son in the stands is something I never imagined possible. It’s truly a dream come true. I couldn’t ask for a better place to begin this chapter than right here in Nebraska with NovasNation!”&nbsp;

A native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Parsons broke out during her senior season at Minnesota in 2016, earning AVCA and ESPNW National Player of the Year honors after averaging 4.26 kills and 2.60 digs per set with 29 aces and 62 blocks. She was also named Big Ten Player of the Year, a unanimous All-Big Ten selection, and a member of the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team as the Gophers reached their fifth national semifinal in program history.&nbsp;

The 6-foot-2 outside hitter has gone on to become a 10-time international medalist with the U.S. Women’s National Team beginning in 2017. Six of those medals came while playing under current Supernovas head coach&nbsp;Luka Slabe, who served as a U.S. assistant coach from 2018 to 2021. That run included gold medals at the Volleyball Nations League (2018, 2019, 2021), NORCECA Champions Cup (2019), Pan American Cup (2018) and International Cup (2018).&nbsp;

Parsons’ professional career has included stints in some of the world’s premier leagues. She debuted with Italy’s Serie A1 club UYBA Volley Busto Arsizio in 2017, helping the team to a third-place finish in the Italian Cup. In 2018, she joined Allianz MTV Stuttgart in Germany, leading the club to a Bundesliga crown and a runner-up finish in the German Cup. Parsons moved to Brazil in 2019, guiding Sesi Vôlei Bauru to third place finishes in both the Brazilian Cup and Paulista Championship. She then played a season with Nilüfer Belediyespor in Turkey before spending two years with the NEC Red Rockets in Japan, where she won the 2022 Japan SV.League and the Empress’ Cup All-Japan Championship. Most recently, she played the 2023 season with Kuzeyboru in Turkey.&nbsp;

Married to her husband Jameson, the Parsons welcomed their first child, Ezra, in January earlier this year.&nbsp;

Story by Omaha Supernovas CommunicationOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DITOp-awkKOki8KzW6a5bvDJ2KFlsxZEuu80wlZCnaN_-Jl3Dv-l3q2i8zmV1ex1YJWkxNd_1W91_0d-1humLSftwGglhKOj3UZ9mwvPFPvALn4YsYpt0UtJ55ElLo4mgqW7-iXSO3YiQFwmIyEjCuc95zMTdEug&amp;c=odXpPm7Wyk5Ms2_bWl88u7N8OgrqsVelHK9RYSZPFffUBmkbDGlXjQ==&amp;ch=AbKSxc92_DMcLH0fLQ7tBFdZnB-YSJiyG90DeOhhtP87jezw5Ucsyg==">Omaha Supernovas,</a>&nbsp;the world's leading professional volleyball franchise, are excited to announce the signing of outside hitter&nbsp;Sarah Wilhite Parsons, the 2016 National Player of the Year and member of the U.S. Women’s National Team.&nbsp;&nbsp;An alternate for the U.S. Olympic team at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Parsons brings a decorated professional and international career to Omaha, having competed in top leagues across Italy, Turkey, Brazil, Japan and Germany.&nbsp;“I am beyond excited to join the Omaha Supernovas and continue growing the game that has been such a big part of my life,” said Parsons. “Having the chance to play professionally in the United States with my 7-month-old son in the stands is something I never imagined possible. It’s truly a dream come true. I couldn’t ask for a better place to begin this chapter than right here in Nebraska with NovasNation!”&nbsp;A native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Parsons broke out during her senior season at Minnesota in 2016, earning AVCA and ESPNW National Player of the Year honors after averaging 4.26 kills and 2.60 digs per set with 29 aces and 62 blocks. She was also named Big Ten Player of the Year, a unanimous All-Big Ten selection, and a member of the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team as the Gophers reached their fifth national semifinal in program history.&nbsp;The 6-foot-2 outside hitter has gone on to become a 10-time international medalist with the U.S. Women’s National Team beginning in 2017. Six of those medals came while playing under current Supernovas head coach&nbsp;Luka Slabe, who served as a U.S. assistant coach from 2018 to 2021. That run included gold medals at the Volleyball Nations League (2018, 2019, 2021), NORCECA Champions Cup (2019), Pan American Cup (2018) and International Cup (2018).&nbsp;Parsons’ professional career has included stints in some of the world’s premier leagues. She debuted with Italy’s Serie A1 club UYBA Volley Busto Arsizio in 2017, helping the team to a third-place finish in the Italian Cup. In 2018, she joined Allianz MTV Stuttgart in Germany, leading the club to a Bundesliga crown and a runner-up finish in the German Cup. Parsons moved to Brazil in 2019, guiding Sesi Vôlei Bauru to third place finishes in both the Brazilian Cup and Paulista Championship. She then played a season with Nilüfer Belediyespor in Turkey before spending two years with the NEC Red Rockets in Japan, where she won the 2022 Japan SV.League and the Empress’ Cup All-Japan Championship. Most recently, she played the 2023 season with Kuzeyboru in Turkey.&nbsp;Married to her husband Jameson, the Parsons welcomed their first child, Ezra, in January earlier this year.&nbsp;

Supernovas add former National Player of the Year Sarah Wilhite Parsons

Nebraska sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola had earned another preseason honor, as he was named to the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List.

The award honors the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who exemplifies exceptional ability and integrity both on and off the field.&nbsp; Raiola was among 81 players from 40 FBS programs on the list released Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is the second preseason watch list for Raiola, who was named to the Maxwell Award watch list last month.

Raiola returns after putting together a record-setting freshman campaign, as he guided the Huskers to their first bowl appearance since 2016. Raiola was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, setting school freshman marks in passing yards (2,819) and completion percentage (67.1). He led all freshmen nationally in completion percentage and was third in yards.

On the season, he completed 275-of-410 passes for 13 touchdowns. He posted career highs in both yards (297) and passing touchdowns (three) against Illinois. Raiola capped his freshman year by becoming the first true freshman to lead Nebraska to a bowl victory, as he completed 22-of-30 passes for 224 yards and a TD in the 20-15 Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College.

Finalists for the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 9 and the winner will be announced on December 16th.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola had earned another preseason honor, as he was named to the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List.The award honors the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who exemplifies exceptional ability and integrity both on and off the field.&nbsp; Raiola was among 81 players from 40 FBS programs on the list released Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is the second preseason watch list for Raiola, who was named to the Maxwell Award watch list last month.Raiola returns after putting together a record-setting freshman campaign, as he guided the Huskers to their first bowl appearance since 2016. Raiola was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, setting school freshman marks in passing yards (2,819) and completion percentage (67.1). He led all freshmen nationally in completion percentage and was third in yards.On the season, he completed 275-of-410 passes for 13 touchdowns. He posted career highs in both yards (297) and passing touchdowns (three) against Illinois. Raiola capped his freshman year by becoming the first true freshman to lead Nebraska to a bowl victory, as he completed 22-of-30 passes for 224 yards and a TD in the 20-15 Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College.Finalists for the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 9 and the winner will be announced on December 16th.

Raiola Earns Preseason recognition

The Nebraska soccer team downed Southern Indiana, 6-0, for its largest season-opening win since 1996 on Thursday evening at Barbara Hibner Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. 

Five different Huskers scored in the game and Kayma Carpenter notched two goals, including the game-winner and spark for the Big Red just 1:23 into the match. Nebraska moved to 1-0-0 on the season, while the Screaming Eagles fell to 0-1-0. 

As a team, NU held the advantage in shots (24-6), shots on goal (11-4), assists (9-0) and corner kicks (8-2). 

Carpenter led the team with her two goals, and Ella Rudney, Sadie Waite, Ellie Felt and Ava Makovicka each added one. Sadie Sant contributed three assists, while Waite and Rudney each took three shots on goal and four total. Maddy Osborn started in goal and grabbed the win, and Cece Villa notched three saves.  

Carpenter opened up the scoring for the Big Red, netting her early goal with assists from Reagan Raabe and Carson Bohonek. Rudney posted the Huskers’ second goal of the half at 23:46 in the game, assisted by Carpenter and Sant. 

The Huskers’ defense held strong in the first period, allowing only two shots, one of which was on goal. Meanwhile, the Big Red offense took 11 shots in the first half and had seven corner kicks.

NU continued its dominance in the second half, posting four goals on 13 shots. Carpenter notched her second goal of the game less than a minute into the half, with assists from Bohonek and Raabe. Sadie Waite snuck a ball into the bottom left corner of the goal, assisted by Sant, to put Nebraska up 4-0. 

Felt then contributed to the scoring, extending the Husker lead to 5-0 with help from Sant’s third assist of the game. Sophomore Makovicka netted the final goal of the game at 82:41, knocking in a cross from Alyse Then. 

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska soccer team downed Southern Indiana, 6-0, for its largest season-opening win since 1996 on Thursday evening at Barbara Hibner Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. Five different Huskers scored in the game and Kayma Carpenter notched two goals, including the game-winner and spark for the Big Red just 1:23 into the match. Nebraska moved to 1-0-0 on the season, while the Screaming Eagles fell to 0-1-0. As a team, NU held the advantage in shots (24-6), shots on goal (11-4), assists (9-0) and corner kicks (8-2). Carpenter led the team with her two goals, and Ella Rudney, Sadie Waite, Ellie Felt and Ava Makovicka each added one. Sadie Sant contributed three assists, while Waite and Rudney each took three shots on goal and four total. Maddy Osborn started in goal and grabbed the win, and Cece Villa notched three saves. Carpenter opened up the scoring for the Big Red, netting her early goal with assists from Reagan Raabe and Carson Bohonek. Rudney posted the Huskers’ second goal of the half at 23:46 in the game, assisted by Carpenter and Sant. The Huskers’ defense held strong in the first period, allowing only two shots, one of which was on goal. Meanwhile, the Big Red offense took 11 shots in the first half and had seven corner kicks.NU continued its dominance in the second half, posting four goals on 13 shots. Carpenter notched her second goal of the game less than a minute into the half, with assists from Bohonek and Raabe. Sadie Waite snuck a ball into the bottom left corner of the goal, assisted by Sant, to put Nebraska up 4-0. Felt then contributed to the scoring, extending the Husker lead to 5-0 with help from Sant’s third assist of the game. Sophomore Makovicka netted the final goal of the game at 82:41, knocking in a cross from Alyse Then.

Huskers rout Screaming Eagles in Season Opener

• The Nebraska volleyball team, under new head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, continues its 2025 preseason with the inaugural Alumni Match on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. in John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.&nbsp;

• The match will be televised on Nebraska Public Media and streamed online at B1G+ (subscription required).

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

• Saturday’s match format will be a normal best-of-five sets, and intermission between sets will be five minutes.&nbsp;

• For the Alumni Match, parking is available for purchase in advance online at huskers.com/tickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Nebraska finished the 2024 season 33-3 overall and advanced to the NCAA Semifinals for the second year in a row and seventh time in the last 10 years.

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

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

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

• The Huskers ranked 11th nationally with a team hitting percentage of .284 in 2024.

• The Huskers ranked sixth nationally and first in the Big Ten in opponent hitting percentage at .143 last season. NU led the nation in opponent hitting percentage in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;

• Nebraska enters the season with 1,499 all-time victories and will be looking to become the first Division I volleyball program to reach 1,500 all-time wins when the regular season begins.&nbsp;

• The Alumni squad will be headlined by Jordan Larson, who was a three-time All-American at NU during her career (2005-08), winning a national championship in 2006. She is a four-time Olympic medalist, helping Team USA to a gold medal in 2021. Her four Olympic medals are tied for the most all-time by a women’s volleyball player.

• Along with Larson, other former Huskers who are committed to playing in the Alumni Match include two-time All-American and national champion setter Kelly (Hunter) Natter, three-time All-American and national champion middle blocker Lauren Stivrins, national champion and All-American libero Kenzie (Maloney) Hoppes, national champion and All-American outside hitter Annika (Albrecht) Moulder, two-time All-American outside hitter Gina Mancuso-Prososki, as well as former Huskers Lindsay Krause, Ally Batenhorst, Callie Schwarzenbach and Leyla Blackwell.

• Skutt Catholic Head Coach Renee Saunders will serve as coach for the Alumni team. A member of the 1995 Nebraska national championship team, Saunders is the only Nebraskan to claim both the state’s volleyball high school athlete and coach of the year awards. Saunders coached the SkyHawks to a state-record nine straight state championships from 2015-2023. Val Novak Warrior will be an assistant coach. Novak Warrior was a two-time All-American setter at NU from 1989-90, and she was an assistant coach under Terry Pettit from 1993-94.&nbsp;

• The Nebraska volleyball team opened the 2025 campaign with its annual Red-White Scrimmage on Aug. 9 in front of a crowd of 8,414 in John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

• The Red team defeated the White team 3-1, though the Huskers mixed their teams and lineups around for each set.&nbsp;

• Rebekah Allick led all players with 16 kills on .433 hitting with five blocks. It was a strong day for the middle blockers overall, as freshman Kenna Cogill posted 10 kills and five blocks and hit .421, and Andi Jackson had nine kills and hit .412. Freshman Manaia Ogbechie led all players with eight blocks in the match.&nbsp;

• Harper Murray tallied 15 kills and nine digs, while Virginia Adriano posted 11 kills with a match-high three aces. Teraya Sigler had a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs with a pair of aces, and Skyler Pierce contributed nine kills.&nbsp;

• Bergen Reilly had 41 assists and 15 digs, while Campbell Flynn had 34 assists and 11 digs. Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch had 17 and 16 digs, respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Taylor Landfair finished with seven kills, five blocks and five digs, and Allie Sczech posted six kills, five digs and three blocks. Ryan Hunter recorded five kills and four blocks. Keri Leimbach and Maisie Boesiger had six and three digs, respectively.

• Junior outside hitter Harper Murray was an AVCA Second Team All-American last year, leading the Huskers in kills with 3.40 per set and a team-high 39 service aces. Murray is a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection and two-time AVCA All-American.&nbsp;

• Junior setter Bergen Reilly is the first player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore, and she is coming off her second straight AVCA All-America Second Team honor. Reilly averaged 11.08 assists per set in 2024 while leading the Huskers to a .284 hitting percentage, their best since 2016.&nbsp;

• Junior middle blocker Andi Jackson had a breakout year in 2024, earning AVCA All-America First Team and All-Big Ten First Team. Jackson averaged 2.62 kills per set with a .439 hitting percentage, which ranked sixth in the nation. She also put up 1.18 blocks per set.&nbsp;

• Senior middle blocker Rebekah Allick recorded 1.82 kills per set in 2024 with a career-best .357 hitting percentage. She had a team-high 1.43 blocks per set, which ranked third among Big Ten players and 14th nationally. Allick ranks sixth in school history with 415 career blocks entering the 2025 season.&nbsp;

• Senior outside hitter Taylor Landfair returns after starting 20 matches in 2024, averaging 2.49 kills per set.&nbsp;

• Maisie Boesiger, Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch all return in the back row for the Big Red. Mauch, a sophomore, had 196 digs and 21 aces in her first year as a Husker last season. Choboy, a junior, had 185 digs and 36 set assists. Boesiger, entering her senior season, played in nine matches as a serving sub in 2024.&nbsp;

• Skyler Pierce will look to make an impact at outside hitter after redshirting in her first year at NU. Pierce had an accomplished prep career at Olathe Northwest in Kansas and was the MVP of the Under Armour All-America Game in 2024.

• Eight of the 17 players on the 2025 roster are newcomers.

• Senior opposite hitter Allie Sczech is the lone transfer the Huskers brought in for 2025. Sczech was a two-time All-Big 12 Second Team performer at Baylor, averaging 2.44 kills per set with a .273 hitting percentage in 2024. Sczech posted a career-high 21 kills and hit .463 in Baylor’s NCAA Tournament second round defeat to Dayton last year. She totaled 754 kills in three seasons at Baylor.&nbsp;

• In addition to Sczech, seven freshmen have joined the fold. Campbell Flynn (6-3, Setter), Ryan Hunter (6-2, Opposite Hitter), Keri Leimbach (5-4, Libero) and Teraya Sigler (6-3, Outside Hitter) all enrolled at Nebraska in January. Virginia Adriano (6-5, Opposite Hitter), Kenna Cogill (6-4, Middle Blocker) and Manaia Ogbechie (6-3, Middle Blocker) joined the Huskers in June.

BUSBOOM KELLY DEBUTS AS NEW HEAD COACH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Nebraska native Dani Busboom Kelly was named the fourth head coach in program history on Jan. 29, 2025 by Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen. Busboom Kelly succeeds her former coach and mentor, John Cook, who announced his retirement following the 2024 season after 25 seasons as Nebraska’s head volleyball coach.&nbsp;

• A Husker national champion player and assistant coach, Busboom Kelly spent eight years (2017-24) building Louisville into a national power. The Cardinals reached two NCAA Championship matches, three NCAA Semifinals, five regional finals and won four ACC titles.&nbsp;

• Busboom Kelly compiled a 203-44 (.822) record in her eight seasons at Louisville, including a 120-15 (.889) mark from 2021-24, which was the second-best winning percentage in the country during that span. In 2024, the Cardinals reached the NCAA Championship match for the second time in three seasons.&nbsp;

• Busboom Kelly was the starting libero on Nebraska’s 2006 national championship team, and she was an assistant coach when the Huskers won the 2015 national championship in Omaha. She took the helm at Louisville late in 2016 after being named AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year in her final season as a Husker assistant, and she guided the Cardinals to heights the program had never experienced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

REGENTS APPROVE NAMING OF JOHN COOK ARENA

• The home of Nebraska Volleyball will now officially bear the name of one of the legendary coaches in the history of the sport, as the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the naming of John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

• Cook retired in January following a remarkable 25-year run as the Huskers’ head coach. He guided the Huskers to four national championships, 12 NCAA Semifinal appearances and 14 conference championships. Cook achieved a career record of 883-176 (.834), the fifth-best winning percentage all-time for a Division I volleyball coach. His record of 722-103 at Nebraska was the best winning percentage (.875) for any DI program from 2000-24.

• In addition to the naming of John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, the project also includes a bronze statue honoring Cook on the north side of the Devaney Sports Center. Nationally recognized sculpture artist and Nebraska native George Lundeen has been commissioned to produce the life-size tribute to Cook and his career.

• The court inside John Cook Arena will continue to hold the name of Terry Pettit Court to recognize Cook’s predecessor and fellow Hall of Famer. Additionally, the full athletics complex will continue to be named the Bob Devaney Sports Center in honor of Nebraska Hall of Fame football coach and long-time athletic director Bob Devaney.

• The new John Cook Arena signage and the bronze statue will be unveiled later this year.

• Nebraska will begin the season in the 2025 AVCA First Serve at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Aug. 22-24. It will mark the first time Nebraska has played volleyball in the 15,500-seat arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The 2025 AVCA First Serve will feature 10 of the nation’s top teams. Two matches will be played each day on Aug. 22, Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. To cap off the event, two matches will be played on Monday, Aug. 25 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.&nbsp;

• Nebraska will face Pittsburgh on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. and Stanford on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 2:30 p.m.

• Other matchups at Pinnacle Bank Arena will include Florida vs. Stanford on Aug. 22, Creighton vs. Penn State and Kansas vs. Vanderbilt on Aug. 23, and Florida vs. Pittsburgh on Aug. 24.&nbsp;

• On Aug. 25 in Sioux Falls, Minnesota will face Texas A&amp;M, and Kansas will play Penn State.

HUSKERS TO PLAY IN NASHVILLE EVENT IN 2025

• Nebraska will participate in the Broadway Block Party, hosted by the Nashville Sports Council and ESPN Events, this season at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The event will feature three matches between Big Ten and SEC teams.&nbsp;

• The Huskers will take on Kentucky at 11 a.m. (CT) on Sunday, Aug. 31 on ABC. Purdue and Tennessee will play 30 minutes following the conclusion of that match on ESPN2. Illinois and Vanderbilt will square off to end the tripleheader on SEC Network.&nbsp;

• The non-conference matchup against Kentucky will be the fourth straight year the teams have met early in the season. In 2024, Nebraska beat Kentucky 3-1 at the AVCA First Serve in Louisville, Ky.&nbsp;

HUSKERS BEGIN SEASON AT NO. 1 IN AVCA POLL&nbsp;

• The Nebraska volleyball team was ranked No. 1 in the preseason AVCA Coaches Poll released on Aug. 6.&nbsp;

• The Huskers collected 1,490 points in the poll and came in ahead of No. 2 Penn State (1,459), No. 3 Pittsburgh (1,338), No. 4 Louisville (1,240) and No. 5 Texas (1,223). Nebraska got 40 first-place votes, while Penn State had 21.&nbsp;

• It marks Nebraska’s 109th week all-time at No. 1 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, the most of any program in the nation. The last time the Huskers were ranked No. 1 to start a season was prior to the 2022 season. Nebraska was last ranked No. 1 in the AVCA Poll on Nov. 27, 2023.&nbsp;

• Nebraska will be tested right out of the gate with matches against No. 3 Pittsburgh (Aug. 22) and No. 6 Stanford (Aug. 24) at the AVCA First Serve at Pinnacle Bank Arena.&nbsp;

• NU has 12 regular-season matches scheduled against preseason top 25 teams, including six against top 10 teams.&nbsp;

• Nebraska volleyball will air on television 24 times this season. The Huskers will make 19 national TV appearances on Big Ten Network, FOX, FS1, NBC, ABC and ESPN.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Additionally, Nebraska Public Media has been granted the rights to televise the Red-White Scrimmage (Aug. 9), the Alumni Match (Aug. 16), and three regular-season home matches: Grand Canyon (Sept. 13), Maryland (Sept. 27) and Northwestern (Oct. 24).&nbsp;

• All matches that are televised on Nebraska Public Media are also streamed on B1G+. All home matches and Big Ten road matches not selected for TV will be streamed on B1G+.&nbsp;

• NU’s match at Lipscomb will be available on ESPN+.&nbsp;

• Four student-athletes from the Nebraska volleyball team were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team after a vote by the league’s 18 head coaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Juniors Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly were three of just five unanimous selections to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. They were joined on the 20-player team by senior Rebekah Allick.&nbsp;

• The coaches picked Nebraska as the top team in the preseason poll. The Huskers won their fifth Big Ten title in 2024 with a 19-1 conference record to share the crown with Penn State. Nebraska finished the season at 33-3 and reached the NCAA Semifinals. Penn State, Wisconsin, Minnesota and UCLA rounded out the top five.

• Jackson, a junior middle blocker, had a breakout year in 2024, earning AVCA All-America First Team and unanimous All-Big Ten First Team honors. Jackson averaged 2.62 kills per set with a .439 hitting percentage, which ranked sixth in the nation and fourth in school history. She also put up 1.18 blocks per set.&nbsp;

• Murray, a junior outside hitter, was an AVCA Second Team All-American last year after earning third-team honors as a freshman. Murray led the Huskers in 2024 with 3.40 kills per set and a team-high 39 service aces. She is a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Murray was selected to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team last season and was the NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player.&nbsp;

• Reilly, a junior setter, is the first player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore, and she is coming off her second straight AVCA All-America Second Team honor. Reilly averaged 11.08 assists per set in 2024 while leading the Huskers to a .284 hitting percentage, their best since 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Allick, a senior middle blocker, recorded 1.82 kills per set in 2024 with a career-best .357 hitting percentage. She had a team-high 1.43 blocks per set, which ranked third among Big Ten players and 14th nationally. Allick ranks sixth in school history with 415 career blocks entering the 2025 season. She was an All-Big Ten Second Team selection in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;

JACKSON, MURRAY, REILLY ON AVCA WATCH LIST

• Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly were named to the AVCA Player of the Year Watch List in July. The three Husker juniors are among 30 players who are part of the Player of the Year Watch List.&nbsp;

• The Player of the Year Watch List was compiled by the AVCA Division I Women’s Volleyball Awards Committee. They will also be the group working on the additional phases of the Player of the Year process. Midseason additions to the list will come in October, and the semifinalists will be named in November. Finalists will be announced on Dec. 15, and the Player of the Year Award will be presented in Kansas City at the AVCA Awards Banquet on Friday, Dec. 19.&nbsp;

• Freshman Campbell Flynn was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year on Jan. 10.

• Flynn, a 6-3 setter from Oakland, Mich., was a two-time Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year. She recorded 730 assists and 180 digs in her senior season for Mercy High School, leading the Marlins to a 31-3 record and the Division I regional semifinals in 2024. Flynn also compiled 131 kills, 52 blocks and 36 service aces while posting a .394 hitting percentage at net.&nbsp;

• Flynn was a member of the U.S. U21 Women’s National Team that won the gold medal at the NORCECA Championships in 2024 and was ranked as the nation’s No. 4 overall recruit and top setter recruit in the Class of 2025 by PrepDig.com. Flynn concluded her prep volleyball career, which included a state championship in 2023, with 1,973 assists and 737 kills. She also competed in the Under Armour All-America Game. Off the court, Flynn maintained a 3.94 GPA in the classroom.&nbsp;

• Flynn is the sixth Husker all-time to be named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. The others are Harper Murray (2022-23), Ally Batenhorst (2020-21), Lexi Sun (2016-17), Mikaela Foecke (2014-15) and Gina Mancuso (2008-09).&nbsp;

FLYNN, SIGLER EARN GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic Communication• The Nebraska volleyball team, under new head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, continues its 2025 preseason with the inaugural Alumni Match on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. in John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.&nbsp;• The match will be televised on Nebraska Public Media and streamed online at B1G+ (subscription required).• Huskers Radio Network with John Baylor and Lauren (Cook) West will broadcast all the action on their volleyball affiliate stations, on Huskers.com and on the Huskers App.&nbsp;• Saturday’s match format will be a normal best-of-five sets, and intermission between sets will be five minutes.&nbsp;• For the Alumni Match, parking is available for purchase in advance online at huskers.com/tickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT THE HUSKERS• Nebraska finished the 2024 season 33-3 overall and advanced to the NCAA Semifinals for the second year in a row and seventh time in the last 10 years.• Nebraska won its 36th all-time conference title and fifth Big Ten title with a 19-1 record in Big Ten play last season. The Huskers went back-to-back as Big Ten champions for the second time, also accomplishing that feat in 2016 and 2017.&nbsp;• The Huskers’ 29 regular-season wins last year tied the 1983 school record for most wins in a regular season in the NCAA era.&nbsp;• The Huskers’ 33 wins last season were tied for the most victories by a Husker team since the 2000 national championship team went 34-0.&nbsp;• The Huskers ranked 11th nationally with a team hitting percentage of .284 in 2024.• The Huskers ranked sixth nationally and first in the Big Ten in opponent hitting percentage at .143 last season. NU led the nation in opponent hitting percentage in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;• Nebraska enters the season with 1,499 all-time victories and will be looking to become the first Division I volleyball program to reach 1,500 all-time wins when the regular season begins.&nbsp;ABOUT THE ALUMNI• The Alumni squad will be headlined by Jordan Larson, who was a three-time All-American at NU during her career (2005-08), winning a national championship in 2006. She is a four-time Olympic medalist, helping Team USA to a gold medal in 2021. Her four Olympic medals are tied for the most all-time by a women’s volleyball player.• Along with Larson, other former Huskers who are committed to playing in the Alumni Match include two-time All-American and national champion setter Kelly (Hunter) Natter, three-time All-American and national champion middle blocker Lauren Stivrins, national champion and All-American libero Kenzie (Maloney) Hoppes, national champion and All-American outside hitter Annika (Albrecht) Moulder, two-time All-American outside hitter Gina Mancuso-Prososki, as well as former Huskers Lindsay Krause, Ally Batenhorst, Callie Schwarzenbach and Leyla Blackwell.• Skutt Catholic Head Coach Renee Saunders will serve as coach for the Alumni team. A member of the 1995 Nebraska national championship team, Saunders is the only Nebraskan to claim both the state’s volleyball high school athlete and coach of the year awards. Saunders coached the SkyHawks to a state-record nine straight state championships from 2015-2023. Val Novak Warrior will be an assistant coach. Novak Warrior was a two-time All-American setter at NU from 1989-90, and she was an assistant coach under Terry Pettit from 1993-94.&nbsp;RED-WHITE SCRIMMAGE REVIEW• The Nebraska volleyball team opened the 2025 campaign with its annual Red-White Scrimmage on Aug. 9 in front of a crowd of 8,414 in John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.• The Red team defeated the White team 3-1, though the Huskers mixed their teams and lineups around for each set.&nbsp;• Rebekah Allick led all players with 16 kills on .433 hitting with five blocks. It was a strong day for the middle blockers overall, as freshman Kenna Cogill posted 10 kills and five blocks and hit .421, and Andi Jackson had nine kills and hit .412. Freshman Manaia Ogbechie led all players with eight blocks in the match.&nbsp;• Harper Murray tallied 15 kills and nine digs, while Virginia Adriano posted 11 kills with a match-high three aces. Teraya Sigler had a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs with a pair of aces, and Skyler Pierce contributed nine kills.&nbsp;• Bergen Reilly had 41 assists and 15 digs, while Campbell Flynn had 34 assists and 11 digs. Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch had 17 and 16 digs, respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;• Taylor Landfair finished with seven kills, five blocks and five digs, and Allie Sczech posted six kills, five digs and three blocks. Ryan Hunter recorded five kills and four blocks. Keri Leimbach and Maisie Boesiger had six and three digs, respectively.RETURNEE RUNDOWN• Junior outside hitter Harper Murray was an AVCA Second Team All-American last year, leading the Huskers in kills with 3.40 per set and a team-high 39 service aces. Murray is a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection and two-time AVCA All-American.&nbsp;• Junior setter Bergen Reilly is the first player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore, and she is coming off her second straight AVCA All-America Second Team honor. Reilly averaged 11.08 assists per set in 2024 while leading the Huskers to a .284 hitting percentage, their best since 2016.&nbsp;• Junior middle blocker Andi Jackson had a breakout year in 2024, earning AVCA All-America First Team and All-Big Ten First Team. Jackson averaged 2.62 kills per set with a .439 hitting percentage, which ranked sixth in the nation. She also put up 1.18 blocks per set.&nbsp;• Senior middle blocker Rebekah Allick recorded 1.82 kills per set in 2024 with a career-best .357 hitting percentage. She had a team-high 1.43 blocks per set, which ranked third among Big Ten players and 14th nationally. Allick ranks sixth in school history with 415 career blocks entering the 2025 season.&nbsp;• Senior outside hitter Taylor Landfair returns after starting 20 matches in 2024, averaging 2.49 kills per set.&nbsp;• Maisie Boesiger, Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch all return in the back row for the Big Red. Mauch, a sophomore, had 196 digs and 21 aces in her first year as a Husker last season. Choboy, a junior, had 185 digs and 36 set assists. Boesiger, entering her senior season, played in nine matches as a serving sub in 2024.&nbsp;• Skyler Pierce will look to make an impact at outside hitter after redshirting in her first year at NU. Pierce had an accomplished prep career at Olathe Northwest in Kansas and was the MVP of the Under Armour All-America Game in 2024.HUSKERS WELCOME EIGHT NEWCOMERS• Eight of the 17 players on the 2025 roster are newcomers.• Senior opposite hitter Allie Sczech is the lone transfer the Huskers brought in for 2025. Sczech was a two-time All-Big 12 Second Team performer at Baylor, averaging 2.44 kills per set with a .273 hitting percentage in 2024. Sczech posted a career-high 21 kills and hit .463 in Baylor’s NCAA Tournament second round defeat to Dayton last year. She totaled 754 kills in three seasons at Baylor.&nbsp;• In addition to Sczech, seven freshmen have joined the fold. Campbell Flynn (6-3, Setter), Ryan Hunter (6-2, Opposite Hitter), Keri Leimbach (5-4, Libero) and Teraya Sigler (6-3, Outside Hitter) all enrolled at Nebraska in January. Virginia Adriano (6-5, Opposite Hitter), Kenna Cogill (6-4, Middle Blocker) and Manaia Ogbechie (6-3, Middle Blocker) joined the Huskers in June.BUSBOOM KELLY DEBUTS AS NEW HEAD COACH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Nebraska native Dani Busboom Kelly was named the fourth head coach in program history on Jan. 29, 2025 by Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen. Busboom Kelly succeeds her former coach and mentor, John Cook, who announced his retirement following the 2024 season after 25 seasons as Nebraska’s head volleyball coach.&nbsp;• A Husker national champion player and assistant coach, Busboom Kelly spent eight years (2017-24) building Louisville into a national power. The Cardinals reached two NCAA Championship matches, three NCAA Semifinals, five regional finals and won four ACC titles.&nbsp;• Busboom Kelly compiled a 203-44 (.822) record in her eight seasons at Louisville, including a 120-15 (.889) mark from 2021-24, which was the second-best winning percentage in the country during that span. In 2024, the Cardinals reached the NCAA Championship match for the second time in three seasons.&nbsp;• Busboom Kelly was the starting libero on Nebraska’s 2006 national championship team, and she was an assistant coach when the Huskers won the 2015 national championship in Omaha. She took the helm at Louisville late in 2016 after being named AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year in her final season as a Husker assistant, and she guided the Cardinals to heights the program had never experienced.&nbsp;&nbsp;HOME SWEET HOME• Nebraska has won 45 home matches in a row dating back to Dec. 1, 2022, which is the longest active streak in the nation.&nbsp;• The Huskers’ home win streak is its longest since moving into the Devaney Center in 2013.&nbsp;• Nebraska’s longest all-time home win streak was 88 matches from 2004-09.&nbsp;• The Huskers went 22-0 at home in 2024, a school record for home wins in a season.&nbsp;• Nebraska has won 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament matches played in the Devaney Center, a school record.&nbsp;REGENTS APPROVE NAMING OF JOHN COOK ARENA• The home of Nebraska Volleyball will now officially bear the name of one of the legendary coaches in the history of the sport, as the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the naming of John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.• Cook retired in January following a remarkable 25-year run as the Huskers’ head coach. He guided the Huskers to four national championships, 12 NCAA Semifinal appearances and 14 conference championships. Cook achieved a career record of 883-176 (.834), the fifth-best winning percentage all-time for a Division I volleyball coach. His record of 722-103 at Nebraska was the best winning percentage (.875) for any DI program from 2000-24.• In addition to the naming of John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, the project also includes a bronze statue honoring Cook on the north side of the Devaney Sports Center. Nationally recognized sculpture artist and Nebraska native George Lundeen has been commissioned to produce the life-size tribute to Cook and his career.• The court inside John Cook Arena will continue to hold the name of Terry Pettit Court to recognize Cook’s predecessor and fellow Hall of Famer. Additionally, the full athletics complex will continue to be named the Bob Devaney Sports Center in honor of Nebraska Hall of Fame football coach and long-time athletic director Bob Devaney.• The new John Cook Arena signage and the bronze statue will be unveiled later this year.AVCA FIRST SERVE COMING TO PBA• Nebraska will begin the season in the 2025 AVCA First Serve at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Aug. 22-24. It will mark the first time Nebraska has played volleyball in the 15,500-seat arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;• The 2025 AVCA First Serve will feature 10 of the nation’s top teams. Two matches will be played each day on Aug. 22, Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. To cap off the event, two matches will be played on Monday, Aug. 25 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.&nbsp;• Nebraska will face Pittsburgh on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. and Stanford on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 2:30 p.m.• Other matchups at Pinnacle Bank Arena will include Florida vs. Stanford on Aug. 22, Creighton vs. Penn State and Kansas vs. Vanderbilt on Aug. 23, and Florida vs. Pittsburgh on Aug. 24.&nbsp;• On Aug. 25 in Sioux Falls, Minnesota will face Texas A&amp;M, and Kansas will play Penn State.HUSKERS TO PLAY IN NASHVILLE EVENT IN 2025• Nebraska will participate in the Broadway Block Party, hosted by the Nashville Sports Council and ESPN Events, this season at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The event will feature three matches between Big Ten and SEC teams.&nbsp;• The Huskers will take on Kentucky at 11 a.m. (CT) on Sunday, Aug. 31 on ABC. Purdue and Tennessee will play 30 minutes following the conclusion of that match on ESPN2. Illinois and Vanderbilt will square off to end the tripleheader on SEC Network.&nbsp;• The non-conference matchup against Kentucky will be the fourth straight year the teams have met early in the season. In 2024, Nebraska beat Kentucky 3-1 at the AVCA First Serve in Louisville, Ky.&nbsp;HUSKERS BEGIN SEASON AT NO. 1 IN AVCA POLL&nbsp;• The Nebraska volleyball team was ranked No. 1 in the preseason AVCA Coaches Poll released on Aug. 6.&nbsp;• The Huskers collected 1,490 points in the poll and came in ahead of No. 2 Penn State (1,459), No. 3 Pittsburgh (1,338), No. 4 Louisville (1,240) and No. 5 Texas (1,223). Nebraska got 40 first-place votes, while Penn State had 21.&nbsp;• It marks Nebraska’s 109th week all-time at No. 1 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, the most of any program in the nation. The last time the Huskers were ranked No. 1 to start a season was prior to the 2022 season. Nebraska was last ranked No. 1 in the AVCA Poll on Nov. 27, 2023.&nbsp;• Nebraska will be tested right out of the gate with matches against No. 3 Pittsburgh (Aug. 22) and No. 6 Stanford (Aug. 24) at the AVCA First Serve at Pinnacle Bank Arena.&nbsp;• NU has 12 regular-season matches scheduled against preseason top 25 teams, including six against top 10 teams.&nbsp;HUSKERS SET FOR 24 TV BROADCASTS• Nebraska volleyball will air on television 24 times this season. The Huskers will make 19 national TV appearances on Big Ten Network, FOX, FS1, NBC, ABC and ESPN.&nbsp;&nbsp;• Additionally, Nebraska Public Media has been granted the rights to televise the Red-White Scrimmage (Aug. 9), the Alumni Match (Aug. 16), and three regular-season home matches: Grand Canyon (Sept. 13), Maryland (Sept. 27) and Northwestern (Oct. 24).&nbsp;• All matches that are televised on Nebraska Public Media are also streamed on B1G+. All home matches and Big Ten road matches not selected for TV will be streamed on B1G+.&nbsp;• NU’s match at Lipscomb will be available on ESPN+.&nbsp;FOUR HUSKERS NAMED PRESEASON ALL-BIG TEN• Four student-athletes from the Nebraska volleyball team were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team after a vote by the league’s 18 head coaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;• Juniors Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly were three of just five unanimous selections to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. They were joined on the 20-player team by senior Rebekah Allick.&nbsp;• The coaches picked Nebraska as the top team in the preseason poll. The Huskers won their fifth Big Ten title in 2024 with a 19-1 conference record to share the crown with Penn State. Nebraska finished the season at 33-3 and reached the NCAA Semifinals. Penn State, Wisconsin, Minnesota and UCLA rounded out the top five.• Jackson, a junior middle blocker, had a breakout year in 2024, earning AVCA All-America First Team and unanimous All-Big Ten First Team honors. Jackson averaged 2.62 kills per set with a .439 hitting percentage, which ranked sixth in the nation and fourth in school history. She also put up 1.18 blocks per set.&nbsp;• Murray, a junior outside hitter, was an AVCA Second Team All-American last year after earning third-team honors as a freshman. Murray led the Huskers in 2024 with 3.40 kills per set and a team-high 39 service aces. She is a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Murray was selected to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team last season and was the NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player.&nbsp;• Reilly, a junior setter, is the first player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore, and she is coming off her second straight AVCA All-America Second Team honor. Reilly averaged 11.08 assists per set in 2024 while leading the Huskers to a .284 hitting percentage, their best since 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;• Allick, a senior middle blocker, recorded 1.82 kills per set in 2024 with a career-best .357 hitting percentage. She had a team-high 1.43 blocks per set, which ranked third among Big Ten players and 14th nationally. Allick ranks sixth in school history with 415 career blocks entering the 2025 season. She was an All-Big Ten Second Team selection in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;JACKSON, MURRAY, REILLY ON AVCA WATCH LIST• Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly were named to the AVCA Player of the Year Watch List in July. The three Husker juniors are among 30 players who are part of the Player of the Year Watch List.&nbsp;• The Player of the Year Watch List was compiled by the AVCA Division I Women’s Volleyball Awards Committee. They will also be the group working on the additional phases of the Player of the Year process. Midseason additions to the list will come in October, and the semifinalists will be named in November. Finalists will be announced on Dec. 15, and the Player of the Year Award will be presented in Kansas City at the AVCA Awards Banquet on Friday, Dec. 19.&nbsp;FLYNN NAMED GATORADE NATIONAL POTY• Freshman Campbell Flynn was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year on Jan. 10.• Flynn, a 6-3 setter from Oakland, Mich., was a two-time Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year. She recorded 730 assists and 180 digs in her senior season for Mercy High School, leading the Marlins to a 31-3 record and the Division I regional semifinals in 2024. Flynn also compiled 131 kills, 52 blocks and 36 service aces while posting a .394 hitting percentage at net.&nbsp;• Flynn was a member of the U.S. U21 Women’s National Team that won the gold medal at the NORCECA Championships in 2024 and was ranked as the nation’s No. 4 overall recruit and top setter recruit in the Class of 2025 by PrepDig.com. Flynn concluded her prep volleyball career, which included a state championship in 2023, with 1,973 assists and 737 kills. She also competed in the Under Armour All-America Game. Off the court, Flynn maintained a 3.94 GPA in the classroom.&nbsp;• Flynn is the sixth Husker all-time to be named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. The others are Harper Murray (2022-23), Ally Batenhorst (2020-21), Lexi Sun (2016-17), Mikaela Foecke (2014-15) and Gina Mancuso (2008-09).&nbsp;FLYNN, SIGLER EARN GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR&nbsp;• In addition to being named Gatorade National Player of the Year, Campbell Flynn was named the Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year for the second straight year, while fellow Husker newcomer Teraya Sigler was named the Gatorade Arizona Volleyball Player of the Year for the second straight time.&nbsp;• Sigler, a 6-2 outside hitter from Scottsdale, Ariz., led Horizon High School to a 25-5 record and a fourth straight Conference 5A state championship in 2024. Sigler amassed 619 kills and 354 digs, including 33 kills and 20 digs in the state championship match. She also had 65 service aces and 28 blocks while posting a .398 hitting percentage.&nbsp;