Basketball - North Platte @ Lincoln Pius

Story by NU Athletic Communications

The Nebraska men's basketball team begins a two-game road swing on Tuesday night, as the Huskers travel to Iowa City for a matchup with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Tipoff from Carver-Hawkey Arena is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be streamed on Peacock and carried on the Huskers Radio Network as well as on Huskers.com and the Huskers app.

Nebraska (12-2, 2-1 B1G) comes off a 66-58 win over No. 15 UCLA on Jan. 4. Brice Williams led four Huskers with 16 points and seven boards, while NU used a 17-6 second-half run to build a 13-point lead. The Huskers withstood UCLA's rally by going 21-of-25 from the foul line in the second half. NU held UCLA to 58 points - its second-lowest total of the season - on just 39 percent shooting.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s defense has played a major role in the Huskers’ six-game win streak, as NU has held its last five opponents to an average of 56.2 points per game on 35 percent shooting while out-rebounding teams by +6.0 rebounds per game. Nebraska enters Tuesday's game in the top three in the Big Ten in both scoring defense (64.6 ppg) and opponent field goal percentage (.381).

The Huskers' 12-2 record matches NU's best start since the 1990-91 season and is only the eighth time since World War II that NU has started with a 12-2 record or better in the first 14 games. Only the 1990-91 team had a better record after 14 games, as that squad won 16 of its first 17 games en route to a school-record 26 wins.

Iowa (10-4, 1-2 B1G) will pose a stern test for Nebraska's defense. The Hawkeyes lead the Big Ten in scoring offense at 84.9 ppg following last Friday's 116-85 loss at Wisconsin. Drew Thelwell's 25 points paced five Hawkeyes in double figures but Wisconsin shot 65 percent from the field, including 21-of-31 from 3-point range, to pick up its first Big Ten win.

Worth Noting• Nebraska's 12-2 mark is only the 10th time since the end of World War I in 1918 that Nebraska has opened a season with at least 12 wins in the first 14 contests. The 12-2 start matches the best start for the Huskers since going 13-1 in the 1990-91 season.

• Nebraska looks to improve to 5-2 away from Pinnacle Bank Arena on Tuesday at Iowa. The Huskers are 1-1 on the road, including a win at Creighton, and 3-1 at neutral sites.&nbsp;

• With road wins at No. 14 Creighton and Hawai'i, Nebraska won multiple non-conference road games for the first time since the 2011-12 season and just the second time in the last 25 years. Nebraska’s two non-conference road wins account for half of the Big Ten's true road wins in non-conference play, as Oregon (1) and Penn State (1) collected the other ones.&nbsp;

• Following Saturday's win over UCLA, Nebraska is 2-0 against ranked teams, as NU defeated then-No. 14 Creighton on Nov. 22. NU is 4-2 in its last six games against ranked teams dating back to the win over No. 1 Purdue on Jan. 9, 2024.

• Nebraska is No. 33 in the NET on Jan. 6 and enters this week as one of 11 Big Ten teams in the top 50 of the NET. The Big Ten currently has 16 teams in the top-25 while 17 of the 18 conference teams are in the top-100 of the NET.

• Nebraska's strength has been on the defensive end, where it ranks 10th nationally in KenPom's defensive efficiency as of Jan. 6. NU has held three of its last five opponents (Murray State, Hawai'i and Southern) to season-low point totals while UCLA's 58 points were the Bruins' second-lowest total of the year. Entering this week's action, six of the top 20 teams in defensive efficiency are in the Big Ten.&nbsp;

• The Huskers tied a school record for consecutive home wins with the win over UCLA. Nebraska has now won 20 straight home games, matching a school record which had been set twice previously. Nebraska's next home game is against Rutgers on Jan. 16.&nbsp;

• The Dec. 30 win over Southern wrapped up a successful non-conference slate. NU went 10-1 in non-conference action, only the seventh time since WWII that NU finished its non-con slate with one loss (also 10-1, 2023-24; 10-1, 2018-19; 10-1, 2003-04; 12-1, 1991-92; 15-1, 1990-91; 11-1, 1977-78).

• Nebraska's 2024 Diamond Head Classic title marked the program's first MTE event title since the 2000 San Juan Shootout. With the win, Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg became the first coach to win multiple Diamond Head Classic titles, as he coached Iowa State to the 2013 championship.

• With its 12-2 start in 2024-25, Nebraska is 41-16 over the last 56 games dating back to the start of February 2023. NU's .719 winning percentage trails only Purdue among Big Ten programs in that stretch. &nbsp;NU would still be second if you included the four new Big Ten schools (Oregon, UCLA, Washington and USC) during that same stretch. NU went just 33-80 from the start of the 2019-20 season until Feb. 1, 2023.

• Over the last 18 games dating back to last season, Brice Williams is averaging 19.1 points per game on .493 shooting and has nine 20-point efforts in that span. He has been in double figures in 17 of 18 games in that stretch. He averaged just 12.5 ppg over his first 30 games at Nebraska.&nbsp;

• Brice Williams earned MVP honors at the Diamond Head Classic, as he averaged 22.0 points per game on 56 percent shooting, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Williams averaged 19.3 ppg on 57 percent shooting in seven December games following his 11-point, seven-rebound effort against Southern.&nbsp;

• Juwan Gary is playing some of the best basketball of his career over the last three weeks. The senior is averaging 12.8 ppg on 47 percent shooting during Nebraska’s six-game win streak. Gary also has played a major role in holding opponents to 35 percent shooting in that stretch.&nbsp;

• Senior guard Ahron Ulis will face his former team for the first time since transferring to Nebraska following the 2022-23 season. Ulis spent three seasons at Iowa, starting 27 games on Iowa's 2023 NCAA Tournament team. Ulis returned to action on Saturday after missing four games because of a sprained ankle.&nbsp;

• NU has relied on its depth during the early going, with six players averaging at least 7.5 points per game over the first 14 games. Eight different players have posted double-figure efforts, while three players (Brice Williams, Connor Essegian and Juwan Gary) have recorded 20-point games. In addition to the eight who have reached double figures at least once, two others have scored at least eight points at least once in a game this season. Williams is the only Husker in the top 40 of the Big Ten in scoring as of Jan 6.

• With a pair of 30-point games since Dec. 13, Williams is just the sixth Husker in the Big Ten era to have multiple 30-point games. &nbsp;He had 30 points in the win over Indiana on Dec. 13 and tied his career high with 32 points against Hawai’i on Dec. 23. In addition, he is tied for the Big Ten lead in 30-point games this season with two, joining Rutgers' Dylan Harper, Ohio State's Bruce Thornton and Wisconsin's John Tonje and John Blackwell.

• Nebraska has been prolific at getting to the foul line for most of the season. Nebraska ranks among the Big Ten leaders in free throws made and attempted per game and free throw percentage. NU ranks in the top 25 nationally in free throws made and free throw percentage following Saturday's game when Nebraska went 25-of-29 from the charity stripe. &nbsp;Nebraska's 77.3 percent shooting from the foul line through the first 14 contests is above last year's percentage (76.0).&nbsp;

• Nebraska comes into Tuesday's game averaging 76.9 points per game. &nbsp;NU has scored 70+ points in nine of 14 games, including five games with at least 80 points. Last season, NU averaged 77.7 points per game for 34 games, its highest offensive total since the 1995-96 season.&nbsp;

• Nebraska is averaging 8.1 steals per game to rank sixth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 6. Four Huskers average at least one steal per game led by Sam Hoiberg's 1.5 spg. &nbsp;Of the 47 players averaging at least one steal per game as of January 6, Hoiberg is the only one playing less than 20 minutes per contest.&nbsp;

• The Huskers are 37-3 over the last two seasons when out-rebounding opponents. NU had won 27 straight games when out-rebounding opponents before the streak was snapped against Saint Mary's on Nov. 17. NU has been out-rebounded only once in 14 games this season.

• Nebraska comes off one of its most successful seasons in program history. The Huskers went 23-11 in 2023-24 and tied for third in the Big Ten standings before reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013-14. The Huskers’ 23 wins were the most since setting a school-record with 26 wins in 1990-91, while NU’s 12 conference wins also ranked second in school history.

• Nebraska has increased its win total in each of the past three years, marking the first time NU has done that since the mid-1960s (1963-64 to 1965-66). If Nebraska can improve its win total this year, it would mark the first time since a four-year stretch from 1945-46 to 1948-49 that the Huskers improved their win total in four consecutive seasons.

• Over the past two seasons (2022-23 and 2023-24), NU has won 21 conference games, the highest two-year total since the 1965-66 and 1966-67 teams won 22 conference tilts. The last two seasons under Fred Hoiberg mark just the fourth time in school history that Nebraska has won 20 or more conference games in a two-year span.

Numbers to Know6 - Nebraska became just the sixth team in 14 games to score more than 65 points against UCLA this season. The Bruins entered Saturday's game eighth nationally in scoring defense at 58.7 ppg.&nbsp;

30 - Fred Hoiberg has 30 wins over ranked opponents, including 11 career wins against top-10 teams,&nbsp;in his collegiate coaching career following Nebraska's 66-58 win over UCLA.

26.0 - Nebraska has gotten great production from its bench in the early going, averaging 26.0 points per game over the first 14 games. Nebraska has gotten 15 double-figure efforts from its bench this season (Morgan-8, Essegian-6, Ulis-1). The Huskers led the Big Ten in bench production last season, averaging 21.4 points per game.

70 - Over the last two-plus seasons, Nebraska has been exceptional when holding opponents to 70 points or less. The Huskers are 41-4 (.911) when holding opponents to 70 points, including 36 straight wins since a 65-62 overtime loss to No. 4 Purdue on Dec. 10, 2022.

3902 - Career points scored between Brice and his father, Henry, who played at Charlotte from 1988 to 1992. Henry, who was Charlotte's all-time leading scorer, totaled 2,383 points in his career while Brice went over the 1,500-point mark for his career on Dec. 30 against Southern.

Last time OutBehind four Huskers in double figures, the Nebraska men’s basketball team won its sixth straight game with a 66-58 win over No. 15 UCLA on Jan. 4. The Huskers took control with a 17-6 surge after UCLA pulled to within 36-34 with 13:35 left. NU held the Bruins to two field goals over a stretch of nearly five minutes and built a 53-40 lead on Juwan Gary’s third 3-pointer of the afternoon.&nbsp;

UCLA made a run of its own and got within 61-58 after a layup by Dylan Andrews with 24.3 seconds left, but Sam Hoiberg was fouled and made both free throws to push it back to a five-point game. On UCLA’s next possession, Andrews drove in for a layup, but it was blocked by Gary and Hoiberg got the rebound before getting it to Williams, who hit both free throws to put the game out of reach.

Nebraska went 25-of-29 from the foul line, including 21-of-25 in the second half to offset 33 percent shooting.&nbsp;

Brice Williams scored a game-high 16 points for Nebraska while Andrew Morgan had 12 off the bench, including five straight after UCLA took a 32-31 lead early in the second half. &nbsp;Rollie Worster added 11 points and four rebounds while Gary added 10 points for Nebraska, which knocked off its second ranked team of the season.&nbsp;

The Huskers, who tied a school record with their 20th consecutive home win, held UCLA to 58 points, the Bruins second-lowest total of the season and just 38.6 percent shooting. NU also forced 15 Bruin turnovers which led to 17 Husker points.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men's basketball team begins a two-game road swing on Tuesday night, as the Huskers travel to Iowa City for a matchup with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Tipoff from Carver-Hawkey Arena is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be streamed on Peacock and carried on the Huskers Radio Network as well as on Huskers.com and the Huskers app.Nebraska (12-2, 2-1 B1G) comes off a 66-58 win over No. 15 UCLA on Jan. 4. Brice Williams led four Huskers with 16 points and seven boards, while NU used a 17-6 second-half run to build a 13-point lead. The Huskers withstood UCLA's rally by going 21-of-25 from the foul line in the second half. NU held UCLA to 58 points - its second-lowest total of the season - on just 39 percent shooting.&nbsp;Nebraska’s defense has played a major role in the Huskers’ six-game win streak, as NU has held its last five opponents to an average of 56.2 points per game on 35 percent shooting while out-rebounding teams by +6.0 rebounds per game. Nebraska enters Tuesday's game in the top three in the Big Ten in both scoring defense (64.6 ppg) and opponent field goal percentage (.381).The Huskers' 12-2 record matches NU's best start since the 1990-91 season and is only the eighth time since World War II that NU has started with a 12-2 record or better in the first 14 games. Only the 1990-91 team had a better record after 14 games, as that squad won 16 of its first 17 games en route to a school-record 26 wins.Iowa (10-4, 1-2 B1G) will pose a stern test for Nebraska's defense. The Hawkeyes lead the Big Ten in scoring offense at 84.9 ppg following last Friday's 116-85 loss at Wisconsin. Drew Thelwell's 25 points paced five Hawkeyes in double figures but Wisconsin shot 65 percent from the field, including 21-of-31 from 3-point range, to pick up its first Big Ten win.Worth Noting• Nebraska's 12-2 mark is only the 10th time since the end of World War I in 1918 that Nebraska has opened a season with at least 12 wins in the first 14 contests. The 12-2 start matches the best start for the Huskers since going 13-1 in the 1990-91 season.• Nebraska looks to improve to 5-2 away from Pinnacle Bank Arena on Tuesday at Iowa. The Huskers are 1-1 on the road, including a win at Creighton, and 3-1 at neutral sites.&nbsp;• With road wins at No. 14 Creighton and Hawai'i, Nebraska won multiple non-conference road games for the first time since the 2011-12 season and just the second time in the last 25 years. Nebraska’s two non-conference road wins account for half of the Big Ten's true road wins in non-conference play, as Oregon (1) and Penn State (1) collected the other ones.&nbsp;• Following Saturday's win over UCLA, Nebraska is 2-0 against ranked teams, as NU defeated then-No. 14 Creighton on Nov. 22. NU is 4-2 in its last six games against ranked teams dating back to the win over No. 1 Purdue on Jan. 9, 2024.• Nebraska is No. 33 in the NET on Jan. 6 and enters this week as one of 11 Big Ten teams in the top 50 of the NET. The Big Ten currently has 16 teams in the top-25 while 17 of the 18 conference teams are in the top-100 of the NET.• Nebraska's strength has been on the defensive end, where it ranks 10th nationally in KenPom's defensive efficiency as of Jan. 6. NU has held three of its last five opponents (Murray State, Hawai'i and Southern) to season-low point totals while UCLA's 58 points were the Bruins' second-lowest total of the year. Entering this week's action, six of the top 20 teams in defensive efficiency are in the Big Ten.&nbsp;• The Huskers tied a school record for consecutive home wins with the win over UCLA. Nebraska has now won 20 straight home games, matching a school record which had been set twice previously. Nebraska's next home game is against Rutgers on Jan. 16.&nbsp;• The Dec. 30 win over Southern wrapped up a successful non-conference slate. NU went 10-1 in non-conference action, only the seventh time since WWII that NU finished its non-con slate with one loss (also 10-1, 2023-24; 10-1, 2018-19; 10-1, 2003-04; 12-1, 1991-92; 15-1, 1990-91; 11-1, 1977-78).• Nebraska's 2024 Diamond Head Classic title marked the program's first MTE event title since the 2000 San Juan Shootout. With the win, Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg became the first coach to win multiple Diamond Head Classic titles, as he coached Iowa State to the 2013 championship.• With its 12-2 start in 2024-25, Nebraska is 41-16 over the last 56 games dating back to the start of February 2023. NU's .719 winning percentage trails only Purdue among Big Ten programs in that stretch. &nbsp;NU would still be second if you included the four new Big Ten schools (Oregon, UCLA, Washington and USC) during that same stretch. NU went just 33-80 from the start of the 2019-20 season until Feb. 1, 2023.• Over the last 18 games dating back to last season, Brice Williams is averaging 19.1 points per game on .493 shooting and has nine 20-point efforts in that span. He has been in double figures in 17 of 18 games in that stretch. He averaged just 12.5 ppg over his first 30 games at Nebraska.&nbsp;• Brice Williams earned MVP honors at the Diamond Head Classic, as he averaged 22.0 points per game on 56 percent shooting, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Williams averaged 19.3 ppg on 57 percent shooting in seven December games following his 11-point, seven-rebound effort against Southern.&nbsp;• Juwan Gary is playing some of the best basketball of his career over the last three weeks. The senior is averaging 12.8 ppg on 47 percent shooting during Nebraska’s six-game win streak. Gary also has played a major role in holding opponents to 35 percent shooting in that stretch.&nbsp;• Senior guard Ahron Ulis will face his former team for the first time since transferring to Nebraska following the 2022-23 season. Ulis spent three seasons at Iowa, starting 27 games on Iowa's 2023 NCAA Tournament team. Ulis returned to action on Saturday after missing four games because of a sprained ankle.&nbsp;• NU has relied on its depth during the early going, with six players averaging at least 7.5 points per game over the first 14 games. Eight different players have posted double-figure efforts, while three players (Brice Williams, Connor Essegian and Juwan Gary) have recorded 20-point games. In addition to the eight who have reached double figures at least once, two others have scored at least eight points at least once in a game this season. Williams is the only Husker in the top 40 of the Big Ten in scoring as of Jan 6.• With a pair of 30-point games since Dec. 13, Williams is just the sixth Husker in the Big Ten era to have multiple 30-point games. &nbsp;He had 30 points in the win over Indiana on Dec. 13 and tied his career high with 32 points against Hawai’i on Dec. 23. In addition, he is tied for the Big Ten lead in 30-point games this season with two, joining Rutgers' Dylan Harper, Ohio State's Bruce Thornton and Wisconsin's John Tonje and John Blackwell.• Nebraska has been prolific at getting to the foul line for most of the season. Nebraska ranks among the Big Ten leaders in free throws made and attempted per game and free throw percentage. NU ranks in the top 25 nationally in free throws made and free throw percentage following Saturday's game when Nebraska went 25-of-29 from the charity stripe. &nbsp;Nebraska's 77.3 percent shooting from the foul line through the first 14 contests is above last year's percentage (76.0).&nbsp;• Nebraska comes into Tuesday's game averaging 76.9 points per game. &nbsp;NU has scored 70+ points in nine of 14 games, including five games with at least 80 points. Last season, NU averaged 77.7 points per game for 34 games, its highest offensive total since the 1995-96 season.&nbsp;• Nebraska is averaging 8.1 steals per game to rank sixth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 6. Four Huskers average at least one steal per game led by Sam Hoiberg's 1.5 spg. &nbsp;Of the 47 players averaging at least one steal per game as of January 6, Hoiberg is the only one playing less than 20 minutes per contest.&nbsp;• The Huskers are 37-3 over the last two seasons when out-rebounding opponents. NU had won 27 straight games when out-rebounding opponents before the streak was snapped against Saint Mary's on Nov. 17. NU has been out-rebounded only once in 14 games this season.• Nebraska comes off one of its most successful seasons in program history. The Huskers went 23-11 in 2023-24 and tied for third in the Big Ten standings before reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013-14. The Huskers’ 23 wins were the most since setting a school-record with 26 wins in 1990-91, while NU’s 12 conference wins also ranked second in school history.• Nebraska has increased its win total in each of the past three years, marking the first time NU has done that since the mid-1960s (1963-64 to 1965-66). If Nebraska can improve its win total this year, it would mark the first time since a four-year stretch from 1945-46 to 1948-49 that the Huskers improved their win total in four consecutive seasons.• Over the past two seasons (2022-23 and 2023-24), NU has won 21 conference games, the highest two-year total since the 1965-66 and 1966-67 teams won 22 conference tilts. The last two seasons under Fred Hoiberg mark just the fourth time in school history that Nebraska has won 20 or more conference games in a two-year span.Numbers to Know6 - Nebraska became just the sixth team in 14 games to score more than 65 points against UCLA this season. The Bruins entered Saturday's game eighth nationally in scoring defense at 58.7 ppg.&nbsp;30 - Fred Hoiberg has 30 wins over ranked opponents, including 11 career wins against top-10 teams,&nbsp;in his collegiate coaching career following Nebraska's 66-58 win over UCLA.26.0 - Nebraska has gotten great production from its bench in the early going, averaging 26.0 points per game over the first 14 games. Nebraska has gotten 15 double-figure efforts from its bench this season (Morgan-8, Essegian-6, Ulis-1). The Huskers led the Big Ten in bench production last season, averaging 21.4 points per game.70 - Over the last two-plus seasons, Nebraska has been exceptional when holding opponents to 70 points or less. The Huskers are 41-4 (.911) when holding opponents to 70 points, including 36 straight wins since a 65-62 overtime loss to No. 4 Purdue on Dec. 10, 2022.3902 - Career points scored between Brice and his father, Henry, who played at Charlotte from 1988 to 1992. Henry, who was Charlotte's all-time leading scorer, totaled 2,383 points in his career while Brice went over the 1,500-point mark for his career on Dec. 30 against Southern.Last time OutBehind four Huskers in double figures, the Nebraska men’s basketball team won its sixth straight game with a 66-58 win over No. 15 UCLA on Jan. 4. The Huskers took control with a 17-6 surge after UCLA pulled to within 36-34 with 13:35 left. NU held the Bruins to two field goals over a stretch of nearly five minutes and built a 53-40 lead on Juwan Gary’s third 3-pointer of the afternoon.&nbsp;UCLA made a run of its own and got within 61-58 after a layup by Dylan Andrews with 24.3 seconds left, but Sam Hoiberg was fouled and made both free throws to push it back to a five-point game. On UCLA’s next possession, Andrews drove in for a layup, but it was blocked by Gary and Hoiberg got the rebound before getting it to Williams, who hit both free throws to put the game out of reach.Nebraska went 25-of-29 from the foul line, including 21-of-25 in the second half to offset 33 percent shooting.&nbsp;Brice Williams scored a game-high 16 points for Nebraska while Andrew Morgan had 12 off the bench, including five straight after UCLA took a 32-31 lead early in the second half. &nbsp;Rollie Worster added 11 points and four rebounds while Gary added 10 points for Nebraska, which knocked off its second ranked team of the season.&nbsp;The Huskers, who tied a school record with their 20th consecutive home win, held UCLA to 58 points, the Bruins second-lowest total of the season and just 38.6 percent shooting. NU also forced 15 Bruin turnovers which led to 17 Husker points.&nbsp;

Huskers travel to Iowa City Tuesday Evening

Lexi Rodriguez from the University of Nebraska, Olivia Babcock from the University of Pittsburgh, Brooklyn DeLeye from the University of Kentucky and Sarah Franklin of the University of Wisconsin are the four finalists for the Class of 2025 Honda Sport Award for Volleyball as announced by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) on Jan. 6.

The Honda Sport Award has been presented annually by the CWSA for the past 49 years, recognizing the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports and symbolizing “the best of the best in collegiate athletics.” The recipient of the sport award will become a finalist for the prestigious Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the 2025 Honda Cup, which will be presented during the live broadcast of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards Presented by Honda on CBS Sports Network in June.

The volleyball finalists were selected by a panel of experts and coaches from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). The Honda Sport award winner for volleyball will be announced after voting by administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. Each NCAA member institution has a vote.  

Rodriguez finished her Husker career in December as a four-time AVCA All-American, a four-time All-Big Ten selection, and a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. She was an AVCA National Player of the Year finalist in 2024 and became the first-ever libero to be named AVCA Region Player of the Year. Rodriguez is Nebraska's all-time career leader in digs with 1,897. She is also a two-time Academic All-American seeking to add a third honor on January 14 when Academic All-America teams are announced. 

The CWSA, now in its 49th year, celebrates the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for their excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. Since its partnership began in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to the universities of award winners and nominees, supporting the growth and success of women’s athletics programs.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLexi Rodriguez from the University of Nebraska, Olivia Babcock from the University of Pittsburgh, Brooklyn DeLeye from the University of Kentucky and Sarah Franklin of the University of Wisconsin are the four finalists for the Class of 2025 Honda Sport Award for Volleyball as announced by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) on Jan. 6.The Honda Sport Award has been presented annually by the CWSA for the past 49 years, recognizing the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports and symbolizing “the best of the best in collegiate athletics.” The recipient of the sport award will become a finalist for the prestigious Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the 2025 Honda Cup, which will be presented during the live broadcast of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards Presented by Honda on CBS Sports Network in June.The volleyball finalists were selected by a panel of experts and coaches from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). The Honda Sport award winner for volleyball will be announced after voting by administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. Each NCAA member institution has a vote. Rodriguez finished her Husker career in December as a four-time AVCA All-American, a four-time All-Big Ten selection, and a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. She was an AVCA National Player of the Year finalist in 2024 and became the first-ever libero to be named AVCA Region Player of the Year. Rodriguez is Nebraska's all-time career leader in digs with 1,897. She is also a two-time Academic All-American seeking to add a third honor on January 14 when Academic All-America teams are announced. The CWSA, now in its 49th year, celebrates the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for their excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. Since its partnership began in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to the universities of award winners and nominees, supporting the growth and success of women’s athletics programs.

Rodriguez named Finalist for Honda Sport Award for Volleyball

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

Sterling, Colo – A career night from Nariah Golden helps North Platte take down Northeastern Junior College on the road, 70-65.

Nariah Golden posted a career high 27 points to accompany her one steal. Nevaeh Golden added 14 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the field, while Zaily Mazarin chipped in 11 points and grabbed four rebounds.

“I am proud of the team and their fight tonight,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “Our effort defensively in the fourth quarter after the media timeout won us the game.”

The Knights had a strong start in the first quarter, but the Plainswomen’s Bella Peterson&nbsp;answered from long range to trigger a 12-0 run. The Knights offense came to life in the closing stages to cut the deficit to three at the end of the first quarter, 19-16.

A back-and-forth battle took place during the second quarter, as the lead changed hands four times. Northeastern capitalized in the final three minutes with a 6-3 spurt to take a 32-29 lead into the halftime break.

A 13-2 run allowed the Plainswomen to extend their lead to nine by the end of the third quarter. Nariah Golden opened the fourth by connecting from long range to ignite a 14-0 run, which helped North Platte regain the lead. The Knights continued to fight off the Plainswomen down the stretch to close out the win.

North Platte (9-8) returns to road action on Friday against Trinidad State College. Tip is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside the Scott Gym in Trinidad, Colo.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsSterling, Colo – A career night from Nariah Golden helps North Platte take down Northeastern Junior College on the road, 70-65.Nariah Golden posted a career high 27 points to accompany her one steal. Nevaeh Golden added 14 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the field, while Zaily Mazarin chipped in 11 points and grabbed four rebounds.“I am proud of the team and their fight tonight,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “Our effort defensively in the fourth quarter after the media timeout won us the game.”The Knights had a strong start in the first quarter, but the Plainswomen’s Bella Peterson&nbsp;answered from long range to trigger a 12-0 run. The Knights offense came to life in the closing stages to cut the deficit to three at the end of the first quarter, 19-16.A back-and-forth battle took place during the second quarter, as the lead changed hands four times. Northeastern capitalized in the final three minutes with a 6-3 spurt to take a 32-29 lead into the halftime break.A 13-2 run allowed the Plainswomen to extend their lead to nine by the end of the third quarter. Nariah Golden opened the fourth by connecting from long range to ignite a 14-0 run, which helped North Platte regain the lead. The Knights continued to fight off the Plainswomen down the stretch to close out the win.North Platte (9-8) returns to road action on Friday against Trinidad State College. Tip is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside the Scott Gym in Trinidad, Colo.

Big fourth quarter helps North Platte take down Northeastern

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The basketball games between Nebraska Kearney and Fort Hays State scheduled for Jan. 7 in Kansas have been postponed.

The long-time rivals will now meet Feb. 26 (Wed.) in Gross Memorial Coliseum with tip times set for 5:30 p.m. (women) and 7:30 p.m. (men). Three days later (March 1) on the final day of regular season play, the teams meet again in the Health &amp; Sports Center.

The UNK women are currently 10-3 (3-1 MIAA) with the men 4-8 (2-2 MIAA). Both teams are at Emporia State on Saturday night for their only games of the week.

UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The basketball games between Nebraska Kearney and Fort Hays State scheduled for Jan. 7 in Kansas have been postponed.The long-time rivals will now meet Feb. 26 (Wed.) in Gross Memorial Coliseum with tip times set for 5:30 p.m. (women) and 7:30 p.m. (men). Three days later (March 1) on the final day of regular season play, the teams meet again in the Health &amp; Sports Center.The UNK women are currently 10-3 (3-1 MIAA) with the men 4-8 (2-2 MIAA). Both teams are at Emporia State on Saturday night for their only games of the week.

UNK Basketball: Lopers & Tigers Tilt PPD Until Late February

Basketball - Bennington @ North Platte

 Basketball - Omaha Roncalli @ North Platte

Several High School Basketball games set for Saturday, January 4 have been moved up because of winter weather that is projected to move through the area Saturday afternoon and evening. Here are games we're aware of that have changed their start times.

North Platte High Girls vs. Bennington moved to 11am CST, JV game canceled. Listen to game on FM 98.1 or Watch Here on POST.&nbsp;

Ogallala Girls vs. Grand Island Northwest will start at Noon MST Saturday, with JV beginning at 10:10am MST. You can listen to the game on <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">Flatrock 100.7</a> or <a href="https://sandhillspost.dev/posts/baece1bf-3173-45f5-9827-4f2bd56227d9">Watch HERE</a>.

Paxton vs. Cambridge will start at Noon MST with girls game and boys to follow. JV games will start at 11am MST.

Several High School Basketball games set for Saturday, January 4 have been moved up because of winter weather that is projected to move through the area Saturday afternoon and evening. Here are games we're aware of that have changed their start times.North Platte High Girls vs. Bennington moved to 11am CST, JV game canceled. Listen to game on FM 98.1 or Watch Here on POST.&nbsp;Ogallala Girls vs. Grand Island Northwest will start at Noon MST Saturday, with JV beginning at 10:10am MST. You can listen to the game on <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">Flatrock 100.7</a> or <a href="https://sandhillspost.dev/posts/baece1bf-3173-45f5-9827-4f2bd56227d9">Watch HERE</a>.Paxton vs. Cambridge will start at Noon MST with girls game and boys to follow. JV games will start at 11am MST.

Saturday basketball games pushed up due to incoming storm (Check Here)

<h2>Girl’s</h2>Broken Bow 64 @ Hershey 62Mitchell 26 @ South Platte 30North Platte 33 @ Kearney 46Overton 33 @ Sandhills/Thedford 30Wallace 31 @ Perkins County 68<h2>Boy’s</h2>Broken Bow 53 @ Hershey 49Cozad 62 @ Wilber-Clatonia 49Kearney 81 vs North Platte 38Mitchell 47 @ Perkins County 68Overton 56 @ Sandhills/Thedford 44South Platte 36 @ Wallace 45

Area NSAA Basketball Scores from January 2nd

Story by NU Athletic Communication

<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/connor-essegian">Connor Essegian</a>&nbsp;had a game-high 20 points to lead three Huskers in double figures, while Nebraska put together a dominant defensive effort in a 77-43 win over Southern Monday evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Essegian matched his career high with six 3-pointers en route to his third 20-point night of the season and grabbed seven boards, as Nebraska improved to 11-2 on the season with its fifth straight win.&nbsp;

<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/brice-williams">Brice Williams</a>&nbsp;had 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/andrew-morgan">Andrew Morgan</a>&nbsp;had 10 points off the bench, as Nebraska extended its home win streak to 19 games. Six Huskers had at least eight points, as Nebraska had 22 assists on its 26 field goals, including six assists by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/rollie-worster">Rollie Worster</a>&nbsp;and a career-high by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/sam-hoiberg">Sam Hoiberg</a>.&nbsp; The Huskers also matched a season high with 13 3-pointers.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s defense was the story, as the Huskers held Southern to just 25.4 percent shooting, including 3-of-24 from 3-point range. It was the lowest percentage allowed by Nebraska since Nov. 6, 2018. Nebraska held eight of its 12 opponents to under 40 percent shooting.&nbsp;

Nebraska got out quickly, racing out to a 12-2 lead in the first 5:09 to force Southern to take an early timeout. Williams keyed the run with seven early points before a jumper from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/berke-buyuktuncel">Berke Büyüktuncel</a>&nbsp;and a 3-pointer from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/juwan-gary">Juwan Gary</a>&nbsp;gave NU an early 10-point cushion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Huskers, who held Southern to 5-of-27 shooting in the first half, used a 11-0 run keyed by a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/connor-essegian">Connor Essegian</a>&nbsp;3-pointers to build a 22-point lead at 30-8 with 5:07 remaining in the half. NU eventually pushed the lead to 26 on a Büyüktuncel triple as Nebraska hit 5-of-11 from the arc in the opening 20 minutes.

Nebraska eventually stretched the lead to 30 at 53-23 after an 8-0 with 12:59 left. Southern eventually made a run, cutting a 31-poont deficit to 62-40 after a 9-0 spurt capped by a 3-pointer from Jayce Depron with just under six minutes remaining. The Jaguars (5-8) would get no closer as Worster’s layup stated a game-closing 12-2 spurt, including eight points from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/gavin-griffiths">Gavin Griffiths</a>, for the final margin.&nbsp;

Depron finished with 13 points and was the only Southern player in double figures.&nbsp;

The Huskers are in action on Saturday afternoon, as the Huskers host No. 15 UCLA. Tipoff is set 1 p.m. (CT) and the game will be broadcast on FOX and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;Tickets are available by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://huskers.com/Tickets">Huskers.com/Tickets</a>.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic Communication<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/connor-essegian">Connor Essegian</a>&nbsp;had a game-high 20 points to lead three Huskers in double figures, while Nebraska put together a dominant defensive effort in a 77-43 win over Southern Monday evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;Essegian matched his career high with six 3-pointers en route to his third 20-point night of the season and grabbed seven boards, as Nebraska improved to 11-2 on the season with its fifth straight win.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/brice-williams">Brice Williams</a>&nbsp;had 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/andrew-morgan">Andrew Morgan</a>&nbsp;had 10 points off the bench, as Nebraska extended its home win streak to 19 games. Six Huskers had at least eight points, as Nebraska had 22 assists on its 26 field goals, including six assists by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/rollie-worster">Rollie Worster</a>&nbsp;and a career-high by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/sam-hoiberg">Sam Hoiberg</a>.&nbsp; The Huskers also matched a season high with 13 3-pointers.&nbsp;Nebraska’s defense was the story, as the Huskers held Southern to just 25.4 percent shooting, including 3-of-24 from 3-point range. It was the lowest percentage allowed by Nebraska since Nov. 6, 2018. Nebraska held eight of its 12 opponents to under 40 percent shooting.&nbsp;Nebraska got out quickly, racing out to a 12-2 lead in the first 5:09 to force Southern to take an early timeout. Williams keyed the run with seven early points before a jumper from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/berke-buyuktuncel">Berke Büyüktuncel</a>&nbsp;and a 3-pointer from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/juwan-gary">Juwan Gary</a>&nbsp;gave NU an early 10-point cushion.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Huskers, who held Southern to 5-of-27 shooting in the first half, used a 11-0 run keyed by a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/connor-essegian">Connor Essegian</a>&nbsp;3-pointers to build a 22-point lead at 30-8 with 5:07 remaining in the half. NU eventually pushed the lead to 26 on a Büyüktuncel triple as Nebraska hit 5-of-11 from the arc in the opening 20 minutes.Nebraska eventually stretched the lead to 30 at 53-23 after an 8-0 with 12:59 left. Southern eventually made a run, cutting a 31-poont deficit to 62-40 after a 9-0 spurt capped by a 3-pointer from Jayce Depron with just under six minutes remaining. The Jaguars (5-8) would get no closer as Worster’s layup stated a game-closing 12-2 spurt, including eight points from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/player/gavin-griffiths">Gavin Griffiths</a>, for the final margin.&nbsp;Depron finished with 13 points and was the only Southern player in double figures.&nbsp;The Huskers are in action on Saturday afternoon, as the Huskers host No. 15 UCLA. Tipoff is set 1 p.m. (CT) and the game will be broadcast on FOX and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;Tickets are available by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://huskers.com/Tickets">Huskers.com/Tickets</a>.&nbsp;

Huskers wrap up non-con with 77-43 win

*-Nebraska improves to 11-2 on the season for the second straight season. It matches NU’s best record since opening the 1991-92 season with a 12-1 mark after 13 games.*-Nebraska finishes its non-conference slate with a 10-1 mark, marking &nbsp;the sixth time since WW2 that Nebraska has finished non-conference action with one loss (2023-24; 2018-19, 2003-04, 1991-92, 1977-78).*-With the win, Nebraska has now won 19 straight at home dating back to December of 2023. The Huskers are one shy of the program record of 20 set two previous times.&nbsp;*-With tonight’s win, NU is 19-1 at home in non-conference action over the last three seasons.*-Nebraska had an 11-0 run in the first half, the 11th&nbsp;double-figure run of the season.*-Connor Essegian (20) and Andrew Morgan (11) both finished in double figures off the bench. NU now has 14 double-figure efforts from the bench this season.&nbsp;*-Essegian led all scorers with 20 points, his third 20-point game of the season and fifth of his career. It marks the 10th&nbsp;time in Fred Hoiberg’s six seasons that NU has had a player come off the bench and finish with at least 20 points.*-Essegian matched his career high with six 3-pointers (also vs. South Dakota and North Florida). He has hit five-or-more 3-pointers four times this season.*-Nebraska finished with 22 assists, its second-highest total of the year. In addition to Rollie Worster, who had six assists without a turnover, Sam Hoiberg added a career-high five assists.*-Brice Williams has reached double figures in 12 of NU’s 13 games, finishing with 11 points. He went over the 1,500-point mark for his career. Williams also matched his season high with seven boards.*-Nebraska tied a season high with 13 3-pointers, the third time this season NU hit 10-or-more 3-pointers in a game.

*-Nebraska’s defense posted season lows in field goal percentage (25.4%), 3-point percentage (12.5%), 3-pointers made (3) and free throw percentage (37.5%).*-The 43 points allowed and 25.4 percent field goal percentage by Southern were the lowest since Mississippi Valley State had 37 points and 19.1 percent shooting on Nov. 6, 2018.

*-Berke Büyüktuncel&nbsp;tied his career high nine rebounds, the fourth time this season he has grabbed nine or more rebounds.

“That’s the biggest thing we talked about the last couple days, was getting off to a good start. This team – Southern – has shown that they’ll hang in games if you allow them to get off to good starts. They did that against Texas A&amp;M, they were up 14 at half and had Ole Miss all the way to the end. This team is very capable. It was important for us to get off to a really good start, and that’s what we did defensively. I’m not really thrilled with how the offense was in the second half. I thought we got stalled, I thought we got stagnant and held the ball too much, after a really good couple days of moving that thing around and playing point five basketball. Tonight, in the second half, we just didn’t have it. The group I’m really proud of is that group that ended the game. I’m going to give Gavin (Griffiths) a lot of credit for keeping himself ready. He had a good week of practice, and that’s what this thing is all about, is taking advantage of your minutes and going out there and playing to the best of your ability. I thought he did that on both ends, not only offensively, but I thought he had a good couple defensive possessions out there as well. That’s what leads to more time. Another guy, probably nobody even realizes it, but we put Jeffrey Grace and Cale Jacobsen in the game against Oregon State with nine seconds left. Cale flew across the court to contest a shot. Jeff Grace had maybe our best block of the night. He dove on the floor. People don’t see those kinds of things, behind the scenes, what those guys do for the culture. There’s never any emotional outburst, there’s never any adversity with those guys. They just come in and work every day. It’s nice to see them go out there and get recognized by their teammates for making those kinds of plays. Those are huge. At the end of the year, when you’re looking at your resume – I’m proud of that group for going out there and playing the right way. Sometimes, in a blowout, you get out there and just try to jack up shots, but that group finished the game. With Jeff, Henry (Burt), Gavin, most specifically, those guys were plus nine, plus seven in under three minutes. Gavin played four. I wanted to give those guys a shoutout because of what they mean for our program.”

“Our defense has to be our constant. We’re not a real pretty team, so our defense has to be our calling card. Every time we step on the floor, that has to be what gets us going. We had a little bit of a rhythm, we shot the ball, I think we made 13 threes, but if we go out there and guard like we have been, then we’re going to have a chance to win most nights that we step on the floor. We can’t back off that, we’re not a finesse team. Last year I thought we were, with Keisei (Tominaga) with his shots, CJ (Wilcher), other guys that could get it going from the perimeter. This team has a chance to be a gritty, dirty, grimy team, similar to what it was a couple years ago with (Emmanuel) Bandoumel and (Juwan) Gary when they were healthy. I’ve liked how we’ve gone out and competed on that end, we’ve got to get better on the glass. They got 17 but they missed a lot of shots. I think it’s about 30%, that’s the number we want to keep them under on their offensive rebound percentage. Clean that up, clean the turnovers up, and hopefully we’ll have a chance to have a good season.”

On the challenge of a non-conference game&nbsp;

“This is always a dangerous game. It’s the last bye game for these teams. After this they get to go home. This is a grind for teams like this. I’ve had a lot of close games and situations like this. A game, Mississippi Valley State, shoot eight years ago, they hit a three at the buzzer, we beat them by one. I mean these games cause a lot of anxiety for a coach, but our guys came out with a lot of energy. I give them credit after coming back from the west, and that’s not easy to do. I remember the hardest game to play in my NBA player career was when I was coming back from the west coast. Our guys came out, took care of business, and were exactly where we should be right now. You lose one non-conference game, very similar to last year, we’re 1-1 in league. We won a home game and lost a road game. It’s very important here that we have good preparation. Guys can’t go out and go crazy for new years, have fun after the season. We’ve got two days of prep, Wednesday Thursday, to get ready for an early game on Saturday. We’ve got to put this one behind us, and get ready for an incredibly skilled, talented, tough UCLA team.”&nbsp;

Nebraska Junior Guard Connor Essegian&nbsp;

“Honestly, it just comes to me. We did a really good job passing the ball. There were a couple of turnovers too. I had three, that needs to change. It’s just kind of playing the flow, we knew they were going to be in a lot of different types of zones, and that does help as a shooter. But when you have guys like Rollie (Worster) that do a good job at finding guys like me, it works together.”&nbsp;

On the importance of building Gavin Griffiths’ confidence after scoring drought

“It’s huge for all of us. We’re the type of team that loves to see our teammates succeed. For him to come in and still be ready after that drought, to be able to come in and play like he does and knock down two threes – to have that energy, it’s hard to do in situations like that so I’m really proud of him, we’re all pretty proud of him and happy for him.”

On what lies ahead for conference play

“It’s going to be a gauntlet, it always is every year. That’s just what the Big Ten is, and we’ve got a really good team coming in here to start things off in this back end of it. You just have to be able to take care of your body, making sure you’re doing the little things every day to make sure that you feel good. If you don’t, it’s going to hurt and you’re going to pay for it. We do a pretty good job of that, so I think longevity is a big part in this.”

On growing from the first non-conference games

“I think that we have gotten a lot better, and still need to improve. I think it’s good to be successful in these games and it’s better to learn from a win, as Coach (Hoiberg) always says. But I think for us, building on what we’ve done and looking back, we’re a much better team, especially defensively, and we just need to keep improving.”

On playing as point guard“I think we just need to get into certain sets. Obviously, they try to slow the game down a little bit on us and cause havoc. But I think for me, just pulling it out, getting us set in our positions and then also running, I knew we could out-transition on this team. And I think versus zone, getting out in transition, offensive rebounding was key to beat a zone. I think we did that pretty well.&nbsp;

On how the Hawaii experience helped the team come together ahead of conference play&nbsp;

“Any game or tournament like that is big, especially in the pre-season. See where your team is at and have the chance to win a championship. You don’t have a lot of those opportunities. I think for us, we just wanted to go down there and handle business, it was a business trip. I think getting back from a long trip like that, and obviously, the time change and all of that, taking care of your body was key, and making sure that everyone was locked in for this game and going forward. I think we are doing a good job of that.”

On playing in a power 5 environment

“I thought they fought, this is not the first power five environment we’ve been in. We’re a little bit short handed tonight, missing two of our three leading scores so we knew it was going to be tough. But Nebraska’s got a really good team, so I’m not surprised by the outcome.”

“He’s just a freshman, and not many freshmen get an opportunity to play, but if he keeps shooting the ball and keeps learning and keeps getting better at defense. He probably gave up as many threes as he made, but if he keeps learning, he’ll get another opportunity.”

On expectations for conference play

“I expect to compete for a championship, but we’ve got to get healthy. Without our starting point guard, and leading scorer off the bench, it’s difficult. So if we get healthy I like our chances.”

Story by NU Athletic Communications*-Nebraska improves to 11-2 on the season for the second straight season. It matches NU’s best record since opening the 1991-92 season with a 12-1 mark after 13 games.*-Nebraska finishes its non-conference slate with a 10-1 mark, marking &nbsp;the sixth time since WW2 that Nebraska has finished non-conference action with one loss (2023-24; 2018-19, 2003-04, 1991-92, 1977-78).*-With the win, Nebraska has now won 19 straight at home dating back to December of 2023. The Huskers are one shy of the program record of 20 set two previous times.&nbsp;*-With tonight’s win, NU is 19-1 at home in non-conference action over the last three seasons.*-Nebraska had an 11-0 run in the first half, the 11th&nbsp;double-figure run of the season.*-Connor Essegian (20) and Andrew Morgan (11) both finished in double figures off the bench. NU now has 14 double-figure efforts from the bench this season.&nbsp;*-Essegian led all scorers with 20 points, his third 20-point game of the season and fifth of his career. It marks the 10th&nbsp;time in Fred Hoiberg’s six seasons that NU has had a player come off the bench and finish with at least 20 points.*-Essegian matched his career high with six 3-pointers (also vs. South Dakota and North Florida). He has hit five-or-more 3-pointers four times this season.*-Nebraska finished with 22 assists, its second-highest total of the year. In addition to Rollie Worster, who had six assists without a turnover, Sam Hoiberg added a career-high five assists.*-Brice Williams has reached double figures in 12 of NU’s 13 games, finishing with 11 points. He went over the 1,500-point mark for his career. Williams also matched his season high with seven boards.*-Nebraska tied a season high with 13 3-pointers, the third time this season NU hit 10-or-more 3-pointers in a game.*-Nebraska’s defense posted season lows in field goal percentage (25.4%), 3-point percentage (12.5%), 3-pointers made (3) and free throw percentage (37.5%).*-The 43 points allowed and 25.4 percent field goal percentage by Southern were the lowest since Mississippi Valley State had 37 points and 19.1 percent shooting on Nov. 6, 2018.*-Berke Büyüktuncel&nbsp;tied his career high nine rebounds, the fourth time this season he has grabbed nine or more rebounds.Nebraska Head Coach Fred HoibergOn setting the tone defensively“That’s the biggest thing we talked about the last couple days, was getting off to a good start. This team – Southern – has shown that they’ll hang in games if you allow them to get off to good starts. They did that against Texas A&amp;M, they were up 14 at half and had Ole Miss all the way to the end. This team is very capable. It was important for us to get off to a really good start, and that’s what we did defensively. I’m not really thrilled with how the offense was in the second half. I thought we got stalled, I thought we got stagnant and held the ball too much, after a really good couple days of moving that thing around and playing point five basketball. Tonight, in the second half, we just didn’t have it. The group I’m really proud of is that group that ended the game. I’m going to give Gavin (Griffiths) a lot of credit for keeping himself ready. He had a good week of practice, and that’s what this thing is all about, is taking advantage of your minutes and going out there and playing to the best of your ability. I thought he did that on both ends, not only offensively, but I thought he had a good couple defensive possessions out there as well. That’s what leads to more time. Another guy, probably nobody even realizes it, but we put Jeffrey Grace and Cale Jacobsen in the game against Oregon State with nine seconds left. Cale flew across the court to contest a shot. Jeff Grace had maybe our best block of the night. He dove on the floor. People don’t see those kinds of things, behind the scenes, what those guys do for the culture. There’s never any emotional outburst, there’s never any adversity with those guys. They just come in and work every day. It’s nice to see them go out there and get recognized by their teammates for making those kinds of plays. Those are huge. At the end of the year, when you’re looking at your resume – I’m proud of that group for going out there and playing the right way. Sometimes, in a blowout, you get out there and just try to jack up shots, but that group finished the game. With Jeff, Henry (Burt), Gavin, most specifically, those guys were plus nine, plus seven in under three minutes. Gavin played four. I wanted to give those guys a shoutout because of what they mean for our program.”On perimeter defense&nbsp;“Our defense has to be our constant. We’re not a real pretty team, so our defense has to be our calling card. Every time we step on the floor, that has to be what gets us going. We had a little bit of a rhythm, we shot the ball, I think we made 13 threes, but if we go out there and guard like we have been, then we’re going to have a chance to win most nights that we step on the floor. We can’t back off that, we’re not a finesse team. Last year I thought we were, with Keisei (Tominaga) with his shots, CJ (Wilcher), other guys that could get it going from the perimeter. This team has a chance to be a gritty, dirty, grimy team, similar to what it was a couple years ago with (Emmanuel) Bandoumel and (Juwan) Gary when they were healthy. I’ve liked how we’ve gone out and competed on that end, we’ve got to get better on the glass. They got 17 but they missed a lot of shots. I think it’s about 30%, that’s the number we want to keep them under on their offensive rebound percentage. Clean that up, clean the turnovers up, and hopefully we’ll have a chance to have a good season.”On the challenge of a non-conference game&nbsp;“This is always a dangerous game. It’s the last bye game for these teams. After this they get to go home. This is a grind for teams like this. I’ve had a lot of close games and situations like this. A game, Mississippi Valley State, shoot eight years ago, they hit a three at the buzzer, we beat them by one. I mean these games cause a lot of anxiety for a coach, but our guys came out with a lot of energy. I give them credit after coming back from the west, and that’s not easy to do. I remember the hardest game to play in my NBA player career was when I was coming back from the west coast. Our guys came out, took care of business, and were exactly where we should be right now. You lose one non-conference game, very similar to last year, we’re 1-1 in league. We won a home game and lost a road game. It’s very important here that we have good preparation. Guys can’t go out and go crazy for new years, have fun after the season. We’ve got two days of prep, Wednesday Thursday, to get ready for an early game on Saturday. We’ve got to put this one behind us, and get ready for an incredibly skilled, talented, tough UCLA team.”&nbsp;Nebraska Junior Guard Connor Essegian&nbsp;On his good games“Honestly, it just comes to me. We did a really good job passing the ball. There were a couple of turnovers too. I had three, that needs to change. It’s just kind of playing the flow, we knew they were going to be in a lot of different types of zones, and that does help as a shooter. But when you have guys like Rollie (Worster) that do a good job at finding guys like me, it works together.”&nbsp;On the importance of building Gavin Griffiths’ confidence after scoring drought“It’s huge for all of us. We’re the type of team that loves to see our teammates succeed. For him to come in and still be ready after that drought, to be able to come in and play like he does and knock down two threes – to have that energy, it’s hard to do in situations like that so I’m really proud of him, we’re all pretty proud of him and happy for him.”On what lies ahead for conference play“It’s going to be a gauntlet, it always is every year. That’s just what the Big Ten is, and we’ve got a really good team coming in here to start things off in this back end of it. You just have to be able to take care of your body, making sure you’re doing the little things every day to make sure that you feel good. If you don’t, it’s going to hurt and you’re going to pay for it. We do a pretty good job of that, so I think longevity is a big part in this.”Senior Guard Rollie WorsterOn growing from the first non-conference games“I think that we have gotten a lot better, and still need to improve. I think it’s good to be successful in these games and it’s better to learn from a win, as Coach (Hoiberg) always says. But I think for us, building on what we’ve done and looking back, we’re a much better team, especially defensively, and we just need to keep improving.”On playing as point guard“I think we just need to get into certain sets. Obviously, they try to slow the game down a little bit on us and cause havoc. But I think for me, just pulling it out, getting us set in our positions and then also running, I knew we could out-transition on this team. And I think versus zone, getting out in transition, offensive rebounding was key to beat a zone. I think we did that pretty well.&nbsp;On how the Hawaii experience helped the team come together ahead of conference play&nbsp;“Any game or tournament like that is big, especially in the pre-season. See where your team is at and have the chance to win a championship. You don’t have a lot of those opportunities. I think for us, we just wanted to go down there and handle business, it was a business trip. I think getting back from a long trip like that, and obviously, the time change and all of that, taking care of your body was key, and making sure that everyone was locked in for this game and going forward. I think we are doing a good job of that.”Southern Head Coach Kevin JohnsonOn playing in a power 5 environment“I thought they fought, this is not the first power five environment we’ve been in. We’re a little bit short handed tonight, missing two of our three leading scores so we knew it was going to be tough. But Nebraska’s got a really good team, so I’m not surprised by the outcome.”On Freshman Jayce Depron“He’s just a freshman, and not many freshmen get an opportunity to play, but if he keeps shooting the ball and keeps learning and keeps getting better at defense. He probably gave up as many threes as he made, but if he keeps learning, he’ll get another opportunity.”On expectations for conference play“I expect to compete for a championship, but we’ve got to get healthy. Without our starting point guard, and leading scorer off the bench, it’s difficult. So if we get healthy I like our chances.”

Nebraska Men's postgame notes

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Four Nebraska Kearney head coaches recently signed contract extensions that will have them leading the Lopers for the next four years.

Head football coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;(second season), head wrestling coach&nbsp;Dalton Jensen&nbsp;(ninth season), head soccer coach&nbsp;Rob Breton&nbsp;(third season), and head volleyball coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;(26th season) are now each signed through December, 31, 2028.&nbsp;

"At moments like this, you realize who you can count on and who is committed to UNK, our alums, and our student-athletes. I would put our entire coaching staff up against any coaching staff in the nation. These four reflect the values we have become accustomed to at UNK, such as hard work, doing the right thing, and always working towards developing and bringing out the best in their players," said UNK Atheltic Director Dr. Marc. Bauer. "These new multi-year contract extensions represent a long-term commitment, stability, and investment needed to continue these programs' upward trajectory, which directly impacts our fan base, community, and the University."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Held has led the Loper football program the past two falls, picking up wins over longtime rival Chadron State and national power Northwest Missouri State this past season. He has coached 15 All-MIAA players and increased the program's recruiting presence in Lincoln and Omaha metro areas. Finally, the team received the 2023 UNK Athletic Men's Service Award (1,220 hours).

"I'm very thankful to Chancellor Bicak and Dr. Marc Bauer for my contract extension. It means a lot to my family and my coaches," said Held. &nbsp;"We're excited about where we are at but are looking forward to continuing to build the program the right way helping our players graduate and become their best versions on and off the field."

Jensen leads one of college wrestling's premier programs as the Lopers are an annual Division II national title contender. UNK won the 2022 National Championship, was runner-up in 2021, third in 2024, and currently ranked fifth. Jensen has coached 43 All-Americans, including four national champs and seven national runners-up.&nbsp;

="I'm grateful for Marc and the University for trusting my staff and I to continue to lead this historic program. Kearney is a special place that has phenomenal support for our student-athletes to help them achieve success both on and off the mat," said Jensen. &nbsp;

On the pitch, Breton has helped rebuild Loper soccer over the past three falls, culminating with eight wins and a MIAA Tournament berth this fall. The team has its second-ever All-Region selection, and third-ever winning campaign, and it has set numerous game and season records during his brief tenure.

"I am very excited to be staying with the Lopers for three more seasons.&nbsp;Kearney has become a home to me, and I am very grateful for my opportunity to be here," said Breton. "Thank you, Dr. Bauer, for trusting me with this program and these ladies, as well as the community of Kearney for all the support.&nbsp;We have achieved a lot during my time here, and I am looking forward to all we are going to achieve as we continue to work together!"

Finally, Squiers has amassed a 788-111 record (.877-win pct.) since taking over the reins of Loper volleyball in 1999. The program has made 25 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, twice been Nationals Runner Up, and won 17 regular season league titles, to name a few of UNK's achievements in the past quarter century.&nbsp;

"Thank you to Dr. Bauer, Jon Watts, and Dr. Bicek for their continued support and commitment to Loper volleyball. &nbsp;It remains my honor to serve as head coach. This is truly a special place," said Squiers.&nbsp;

The 2024 NCAA Division II Moratorium – no practice or games – runs from Dec. 23-29 with UNK beginning spring semester classes on Jan. 21.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227117153.jpeg" alt="Coach Rick Squiers (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Rick Squiers (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK Athletics&nbsp;Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Four Nebraska Kearney head coaches recently signed contract extensions that will have them leading the Lopers for the next four years.Head football coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;(second season), head wrestling coach&nbsp;Dalton Jensen&nbsp;(ninth season), head soccer coach&nbsp;Rob Breton&nbsp;(third season), and head volleyball coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;(26th season) are now each signed through December, 31, 2028.&nbsp;"At moments like this, you realize who you can count on and who is committed to UNK, our alums, and our student-athletes. I would put our entire coaching staff up against any coaching staff in the nation. These four reflect the values we have become accustomed to at UNK, such as hard work, doing the right thing, and always working towards developing and bringing out the best in their players," said UNK Atheltic Director Dr. Marc. Bauer. "These new multi-year contract extensions represent a long-term commitment, stability, and investment needed to continue these programs' upward trajectory, which directly impacts our fan base, community, and the University."&nbsp; &nbsp;Held has led the Loper football program the past two falls, picking up wins over longtime rival Chadron State and national power Northwest Missouri State this past season. He has coached 15 All-MIAA players and increased the program's recruiting presence in Lincoln and Omaha metro areas. Finally, the team received the 2023 UNK Athletic Men's Service Award (1,220 hours).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227150458.jpeg" alt="Coach Ryan Held (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Ryan Held (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>"I'm very thankful to Chancellor Bicak and Dr. Marc Bauer for my contract extension. It means a lot to my family and my coaches," said Held. &nbsp;"We're excited about where we are at but are looking forward to continuing to build the program the right way helping our players graduate and become their best versions on and off the field."Jensen leads one of college wrestling's premier programs as the Lopers are an annual Division II national title contender. UNK won the 2022 National Championship, was runner-up in 2021, third in 2024, and currently ranked fifth. Jensen has coached 43 All-Americans, including four national champs and seven national runners-up.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227184514.jpeg" alt="Coach Dalton Jensen (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Dalton Jensen (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>="I'm grateful for Marc and the University for trusting my staff and I to continue to lead this historic program. Kearney is a special place that has phenomenal support for our student-athletes to help them achieve success both on and off the mat," said Jensen. &nbsp;On the pitch, Breton has helped rebuild Loper soccer over the past three falls, culminating with eight wins and a MIAA Tournament berth this fall. The team has its second-ever All-Region selection, and third-ever winning campaign, and it has set numerous game and season records during his brief tenure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735227203917.jpeg" alt="Coach Rob Breton (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Rob Breton (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>"I am very excited to be staying with the Lopers for three more seasons.&nbsp;Kearney has become a home to me, and I am very grateful for my opportunity to be here," said Breton. "Thank you, Dr. Bauer, for trusting me with this program and these ladies, as well as the community of Kearney for all the support.&nbsp;We have achieved a lot during my time here, and I am looking forward to all we are going to achieve as we continue to work together!"Finally, Squiers has amassed a 788-111 record (.877-win pct.) since taking over the reins of Loper volleyball in 1999. The program has made 25 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, twice been Nationals Runner Up, and won 17 regular season league titles, to name a few of UNK's achievements in the past quarter century.&nbsp;"Thank you to Dr. Bauer, Jon Watts, and Dr. Bicek for their continued support and commitment to Loper volleyball. &nbsp;It remains my honor to serve as head coach. This is truly a special place," said Squiers.&nbsp;The 2024 NCAA Division II Moratorium – no practice or games – runs from Dec. 23-29 with UNK beginning spring semester classes on Jan. 21.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

UNK Athletics: Four Coaches Sign Contract Extensions

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpORciYXPM-Jc8Kfjs3GOhawNaPp3P8JfANFziqL8ERomL7YlEzVCNnsRpciXgEDIwxBUWaPw1eJhzpFyNb8eOW8yKFhUE-ZWLfRZpBF2pmSiBUs_4Letm22SqHUIAjz4Lwkr8aHyyX3OP&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">Omaha Supernovas</a>,&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, are thrilled to announce the latest signings of its 2024 PVF Draft Class while adding one of the premier middle blockers from the college volleyball season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Creighton superstar setter&nbsp;Kendra Wait,&nbsp;Nebraska volleyball player and Omaha native&nbsp;Lindsay Krause, first-round pick&nbsp;Toyosi Onabanjo,&nbsp;and Minnesota’s&nbsp;Phoebe Awoleye&nbsp;all signed contracts with the Supernovas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wait ended her career as one of the best players in Creighton volleyball history. The four-year starting setter helped her team reach the Regional Final for the second time in school history in 2024, falling just short to the eventual national champions Penn State in five sets. Wait became the first-ever Bluejay volleyball player to be named a four-time All-American after being selected to the AVCA All-America First Team. She was named to the third team in 2023, plus her two honorable mention honors in 2021 and 2022. The Kansas native won back-to-back BIG EAST Player and Setter of the Year awards while being a four-time All-BIG EAST nominee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The most impressive part of Wait’s game is her all-around ability. She finished her college career with 4,945 assists (10.75 A/S), 1,454 digs (3.16 D/S), 784 points, 507 kills (1.10 K/S) on a .362 hitting percentage, 360 total blocks and 85 aces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I am excited to have officially signed with the Supernovas! I’m grateful to have the opportunity to stay in Omaha and be surrounded by the community that has supported me for the past 4 years,” Wait said.&nbsp;“Omaha fans are truly one of a kind. I can’t wait to get in the gym with all the amazing players, coaches, and staff who make this organization so special.”&nbsp;

Krause wrapped up her four-year college career at Nebraska, helping the Cornhuskers to two national runners-up and three Final Fours. The 6-foot-4 attacker recorded 857 points, 2.36 kills per set, 185 blocks and 24 aces in 102 career matches played in Lincoln. The former No. 1 overall recruit makes a return to her hometown of Omaha with the Supernovas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Signing with the Supernovas is nothing short of a dream come true,” Krause shared. “It is nothing short of a privilege to not only have the ability to play professional volleyball in the United States, but in my hometown in Nebraska.”&nbsp;

After transferring from Iowa, Onabanjo formed into one of the best offensive middle blockers in the country during her last two college seasons at Kansas. She averaged 1.82 kills per set and 107 blocks in her junior season with the Jayhawks before a breakout season in her senior year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Houston, Texas native was named an All-American for the first time in her career with an Honorable Mention honor after recording 2.58 kills per set on a staggering .409 hitting percentage – which was a top 15 mark in the country and second in the conference. Toyosi was also part of the All-Big 12 First Team thanks to 123 blocks on the season, which led the team and was fourth overall in the conference.&nbsp;

Awoleye joins the Supernovas as an undrafted free agent from Minnesota. The 6-foot-2 Marietta, Georgia native was one of the premier blockers in the Big Ten in her two seasons with the Golden Gophers. She posted 114 kills on a .281 clip, but Awoleye excelled at the net with 173 total blocks to lead the team and rank second in the Big Ten. That was an improvement from her first season in Minnesota when she put up 141 blocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Awoleye joined the Golden Gophers from Loyola Marymount where she was an All-West Coast Conference First Team selection after posting 2.13 kills and 1.39 blocks per set in helping LMU to the NCAA Tournament. She spent her first two college seasons in her home state of Georgia playing for the Bulldogs, making the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2020 followed by 2021 where she appeared and started in all 29 matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All four players will join the Supernovas in Omaha, where they are in the middle of Training Camp to prepare for the 2025 season. The Supernovas kick off their title-defending campaign on Friday, January 10 by hosting the Atlanta Vibe at the CHI Health Center for Banner Night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on each draft pick, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOXcmaXbLtcVafeOTosrjPiLZgxdLYK8Xjjs5qIS7h9RndQvnCyM65tAJBKaTHOnLQkszwckW90Wa9OrODS4ksoFDZTm2BMKIYTWT4r8UGMSWGqnD_oGq_poJ4B-5uzQpNaBTaHo6QEMs&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">Supernovas Draft Tracker.</a>&nbsp;

With another star-loaded roster full of local talent and more opportunities to see the Supernovas, fans can buy the world’s hottest ticket in professional volleyball. Buy your 2025 season tickets today by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOYCawhUXIBnDshd16q041zVBSIYplfOriCWPPRyUitd7_fzsRFXPHQPWHQ_4r5ghCWsrkE3t2funn0JXNxZz72XMTDKqA7XrVcNaKCgBNFBu-8FIil83Hj4bUGs0U8ZSMA6DLcFtqB8W&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>&nbsp;or purchase&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOTWqFy3XO-Ij5Rx5vPYgpl3AJ9b45pHQpnkCFUq6iKWZfaR8iHMzKGatlRkH9-4lqR5TPF9yCe2ym42mJgE-qupRhq7TWHdmz0ISyt0-b_xOhhK7wGefdT7PdJMijvXPnVXH6p_ZxXAG&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">single-match tickets here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOeS-0L3SLFojrac3uCxWkyMo80jDwL3Jkw8i0PF-3TPsCEOQX-b3j86pesDBwdrYsBs4fF7euxjpwZj9moOdoXtZffPrLl32Au24SX6vdR6VnE653tXSAbGzXnoYktkPPZWQwsFSRuTGOhkVOe3nauU=&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOQb-qICxTgvCIfZ4WlRU1p1dEnkzsbU3F81o9g8mnUkznyooJAQWWWy9eojtvRuF74vx85MGV8p5-60O67g-GXdDjPpGb7f-Z4nDWIkcFeyUa6iZgfuSO7KyPczK5VgQpYUQZe13dNiq5GT3-e2UxHI=&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;

To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOeccKKCvLWttCLNT2hYaU6qpIgbflaz6RU0704lJWbKEoMOk2hNcBZkcl1Lih-4-r5j4m3UXIAw8ScZ6N0wTIkgHNbdPlYfSJVYccJjsY0b2yk_CKTn1wB8WcY8Eo1TK-Q==&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>.&nbsp;

To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOQZTPNc3lT7s1NOODJo1spkMt6Lxsj85RkUbcl5PA8hWuj5rCMNy71gXqkpNNwrsAG7FhQgOtS7oII5sXaZ8MVnz-T4YJlxAWB_dMb41oMPWzuf54r0buP4izLz-_3trs9zfLf_s7WuQ&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734969337674.jpeg" alt="Nebraska - Lindsay Krause (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska - Lindsay Krause (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Geoff ExstromOmaha SupernovasOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpORciYXPM-Jc8Kfjs3GOhawNaPp3P8JfANFziqL8ERomL7YlEzVCNnsRpciXgEDIwxBUWaPw1eJhzpFyNb8eOW8yKFhUE-ZWLfRZpBF2pmSiBUs_4Letm22SqHUIAjz4Lwkr8aHyyX3OP&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">Omaha Supernovas</a>,&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, are thrilled to announce the latest signings of its 2024 PVF Draft Class while adding one of the premier middle blockers from the college volleyball season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Creighton superstar setter&nbsp;Kendra Wait,&nbsp;Nebraska volleyball player and Omaha native&nbsp;Lindsay Krause, first-round pick&nbsp;Toyosi Onabanjo,&nbsp;and Minnesota’s&nbsp;Phoebe Awoleye&nbsp;all signed contracts with the Supernovas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait ended her career as one of the best players in Creighton volleyball history. The four-year starting setter helped her team reach the Regional Final for the second time in school history in 2024, falling just short to the eventual national champions Penn State in five sets. Wait became the first-ever Bluejay volleyball player to be named a four-time All-American after being selected to the AVCA All-America First Team. She was named to the third team in 2023, plus her two honorable mention honors in 2021 and 2022. The Kansas native won back-to-back BIG EAST Player and Setter of the Year awards while being a four-time All-BIG EAST nominee.&nbsp;&nbsp;The most impressive part of Wait’s game is her all-around ability. She finished her college career with 4,945 assists (10.75 A/S), 1,454 digs (3.16 D/S), 784 points, 507 kills (1.10 K/S) on a .362 hitting percentage, 360 total blocks and 85 aces.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I am excited to have officially signed with the Supernovas! I’m grateful to have the opportunity to stay in Omaha and be surrounded by the community that has supported me for the past 4 years,” Wait said.&nbsp;“Omaha fans are truly one of a kind. I can’t wait to get in the gym with all the amazing players, coaches, and staff who make this organization so special.”&nbsp;Krause wrapped up her four-year college career at Nebraska, helping the Cornhuskers to two national runners-up and three Final Fours. The 6-foot-4 attacker recorded 857 points, 2.36 kills per set, 185 blocks and 24 aces in 102 career matches played in Lincoln. The former No. 1 overall recruit makes a return to her hometown of Omaha with the Supernovas.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Signing with the Supernovas is nothing short of a dream come true,” Krause shared. “It is nothing short of a privilege to not only have the ability to play professional volleyball in the United States, but in my hometown in Nebraska.”&nbsp;After transferring from Iowa, Onabanjo formed into one of the best offensive middle blockers in the country during her last two college seasons at Kansas. She averaged 1.82 kills per set and 107 blocks in her junior season with the Jayhawks before a breakout season in her senior year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Houston, Texas native was named an All-American for the first time in her career with an Honorable Mention honor after recording 2.58 kills per set on a staggering .409 hitting percentage – which was a top 15 mark in the country and second in the conference. Toyosi was also part of the All-Big 12 First Team thanks to 123 blocks on the season, which led the team and was fourth overall in the conference.&nbsp;Awoleye joins the Supernovas as an undrafted free agent from Minnesota. The 6-foot-2 Marietta, Georgia native was one of the premier blockers in the Big Ten in her two seasons with the Golden Gophers. She posted 114 kills on a .281 clip, but Awoleye excelled at the net with 173 total blocks to lead the team and rank second in the Big Ten. That was an improvement from her first season in Minnesota when she put up 141 blocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Awoleye joined the Golden Gophers from Loyola Marymount where she was an All-West Coast Conference First Team selection after posting 2.13 kills and 1.39 blocks per set in helping LMU to the NCAA Tournament. She spent her first two college seasons in her home state of Georgia playing for the Bulldogs, making the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2020 followed by 2021 where she appeared and started in all 29 matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;All four players will join the Supernovas in Omaha, where they are in the middle of Training Camp to prepare for the 2025 season. The Supernovas kick off their title-defending campaign on Friday, January 10 by hosting the Atlanta Vibe at the CHI Health Center for Banner Night.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on each draft pick, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOXcmaXbLtcVafeOTosrjPiLZgxdLYK8Xjjs5qIS7h9RndQvnCyM65tAJBKaTHOnLQkszwckW90Wa9OrODS4ksoFDZTm2BMKIYTWT4r8UGMSWGqnD_oGq_poJ4B-5uzQpNaBTaHo6QEMs&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">Supernovas Draft Tracker.</a>&nbsp;With another star-loaded roster full of local talent and more opportunities to see the Supernovas, fans can buy the world’s hottest ticket in professional volleyball. Buy your 2025 season tickets today by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOYCawhUXIBnDshd16q041zVBSIYplfOriCWPPRyUitd7_fzsRFXPHQPWHQ_4r5ghCWsrkE3t2funn0JXNxZz72XMTDKqA7XrVcNaKCgBNFBu-8FIil83Hj4bUGs0U8ZSMA6DLcFtqB8W&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>&nbsp;or purchase&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOTWqFy3XO-Ij5Rx5vPYgpl3AJ9b45pHQpnkCFUq6iKWZfaR8iHMzKGatlRkH9-4lqR5TPF9yCe2ym42mJgE-qupRhq7TWHdmz0ISyt0-b_xOhhK7wGefdT7PdJMijvXPnVXH6p_ZxXAG&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">single-match tickets here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOeS-0L3SLFojrac3uCxWkyMo80jDwL3Jkw8i0PF-3TPsCEOQX-b3j86pesDBwdrYsBs4fF7euxjpwZj9moOdoXtZffPrLl32Au24SX6vdR6VnE653tXSAbGzXnoYktkPPZWQwsFSRuTGOhkVOe3nauU=&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOQb-qICxTgvCIfZ4WlRU1p1dEnkzsbU3F81o9g8mnUkznyooJAQWWWy9eojtvRuF74vx85MGV8p5-60O67g-GXdDjPpGb7f-Z4nDWIkcFeyUa6iZgfuSO7KyPczK5VgQpYUQZe13dNiq5GT3-e2UxHI=&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOeccKKCvLWttCLNT2hYaU6qpIgbflaz6RU0704lJWbKEoMOk2hNcBZkcl1Lih-4-r5j4m3UXIAw8ScZ6N0wTIkgHNbdPlYfSJVYccJjsY0b2yk_CKTn1wB8WcY8Eo1TK-Q==&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>.&nbsp;To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001y8asazn26Nnnnzl9g7rqavFkUhrdADZM1ejxyjXO6XE8FfYpyIcpOQZTPNc3lT7s1NOODJo1spkMt6Lxsj85RkUbcl5PA8hWuj5rCMNy71gXqkpNNwrsAG7FhQgOtS7oII5sXaZ8MVnz-T4YJlxAWB_dMb41oMPWzuf54r0buP4izLz-_3trs9zfLf_s7WuQ&amp;c=RYxk3KZPo9cGZHEPp9zl55cV4x6rEt0bkY_e6Qt1bVF7yJAjntTUzg==&amp;ch=Kai8kLETZXG29bcN9sjVY507TRkTrL2bDXjzoSPH-1ZyhAgse_C23g==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas are the premier home of professional volleyball, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world. The Supernovas 2025 season will begin in January. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White, Co-Founder of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.&nbsp;

Supernovas Continue Rookie Signings with Nebraska’s Lindsay Krause, Creighton's Kendra Wait, and Others 

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney senior defensive end&nbsp;Quillan Felton(pronounced key-lin)&nbsp;has been named to the 2024&nbsp;Don Hansen Division II All-American team.

This All-American team and the national committee that selects it carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen. From Brookfield, Ill., he started and published Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting D2 AA teams for the first time in 1988. 

He passed away at the age of 75 in Aug. 2010.Felton (Lithonia, Ga.) earned honorable mention accolades and is the fourth Loper d-linemen/d-end in the D2 era (1990-present) to earn AA status. The others were end Mason Brodine (2010) and interior linemen Michael Cunningham (2002) and Matt Bruggeman (1995).

A unanimous first-team All-MIAA pick, Felton was one of the league's most dominant defenders, having 17.5 tackles for loss including 7.0 sacks. He also has six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, blocked kick and 66 tackles. Felton ranked second on UNK in stops, led the MIAA in TFL's and was tied for first in sacks. The Butler C.C. (Kan.) transfer did all that despite playing with a protective wrap on his left hand for most of the fall. Finally, Felton also was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/12/5/football-felton-tabbed-first-team-all-region.aspx">first-team CSC All-Super Region</a>&nbsp;selection.

The MIAA had 22 Don Hansen All-Americans including three on the first-team offense and two on the second-team offense.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734968077940.jpeg" alt="Quillan Felton (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Quillan Felton (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney senior defensive end&nbsp;Quillan Felton(pronounced key-lin)&nbsp;has been named to the 2024&nbsp;Don Hansen Division II All-American team.This All-American team and the national committee that selects it carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen. From Brookfield, Ill., he started and published Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting D2 AA teams for the first time in 1988. He passed away at the age of 75 in Aug. 2010.Felton (Lithonia, Ga.) earned honorable mention accolades and is the fourth Loper d-linemen/d-end in the D2 era (1990-present) to earn AA status. The others were end Mason Brodine (2010) and interior linemen Michael Cunningham (2002) and Matt Bruggeman (1995).A unanimous first-team All-MIAA pick, Felton was one of the league's most dominant defenders, having 17.5 tackles for loss including 7.0 sacks. He also has six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, blocked kick and 66 tackles. Felton ranked second on UNK in stops, led the MIAA in TFL's and was tied for first in sacks. The Butler C.C. (Kan.) transfer did all that despite playing with a protective wrap on his left hand for most of the fall. Finally, Felton also was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/12/5/football-felton-tabbed-first-team-all-region.aspx">first-team CSC All-Super Region</a>&nbsp;selection.The MIAA had 22 Don Hansen All-Americans including three on the first-team offense and two on the second-team offense.&nbsp;

Fourth Loper D-Linemen in the D2 Era to be Selected

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The No. 22/25 Metro State Roadrunners shot 53 percent from the field and closed the first half on a 12-1 run to down Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25/metro-state/boxscore/8040">85-72</a>, Sunday afternoon at the Health &amp; Sports Center.

The 'Runners (10-2) bounce back from a 66-50 loss at Fort Hays State Thursday night while the Lopers end the first semester with a 3-7 mark. This was the first meeting between the old Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) rivals in 13 years with Metro now leading the all-time series, 28-27.

On Thursday night, Regis went 9 of 17 from behind the arc in the first half before cooling off after the break. The same story happened today as Metro was 7 of 13 from downtown to lead for much of the first half. They were just 2 for 11 over the final 20 minutes.

Getting 15 first half points from junior guard&nbsp;Ja'Bryant Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas), UNK weathered the threes to have things tied up at 34 at the 3:07 mark. A 9-3 spurt featured seven points from Hill, but Metro broke the tie after a three from redshirt senior serve Sufyan Elkannan. Post Brayden Carter then made two free throws, converted a three-point play and had one of Metro's four dunks on the afternoon to make it 46-35. UNK wouldn't get closer than nine points rest of the way.

"At the end of the half, the shot clock was at 30 and they had the ball at 23. I knew they were going to get the last shot, so we went with a little trap," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson. "They got out of it, scored on us and I think that gave them a little burst. They also made some plays before that."

Going 31 of 59 from the field and 14 of 17 at the line, Metro was paced by Carter (22 points, six rebounds), Elkannan (11 points; 3 of 5 threes) and starters Quave Propst-Allison (13 points; 3 of 5 threes) and Caleb McGill (17 points, points).

"They are a good team…they have long rangy wings, guards that can shoot and are fast and two really good bigs," said Levinson.

UNK could've made things a bit tighter down the stretch but was just 7 of 16 at the line. They were 15 of 24 against Regis to be at 70% for the season.

"I don't know what was up with our free throws. We've shot the ball well; it's like the turnover thing. We hadn't had a turnover issue until the Central Missouri game," said Levinson. "Rebounding, turnovers, free throws; you can never stop talking about them, never stop giving them attention. We didn't concentrate at the line as hard as we needed to."

Hill had a season-best 24 points thanks to 10 of 23 (3 of 7 threes) shooting. He also had five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Missing much of the first half due to taking an elbow to the nose, Omaha senior&nbsp;Chase Thompson&nbsp;had 12 points (two threes) with Texas sophomore post&nbsp;Taylor Harrell&nbsp;close to a double double (14 points, nine rebounds). Finally, UNK shot 44% from the field, was out rebounded by only four and committed just seven turnovers.

"JB has a long leash. He had a 50-point game last year, he made big shots to win a National Championships, won a high school state title. He's small but mighty," said Levison. "He's got toughness, he's got confidence."

The Division II moratorium runs from Dec. 23-29 this year with UNK at Missouri Western (Jan. 2) and Northwest Missouri (Jan. 4) to start the New Year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The No. 22/25 Metro State Roadrunners shot 53 percent from the field and closed the first half on a 12-1 run to down Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25/metro-state/boxscore/8040">85-72</a>, Sunday afternoon at the Health &amp; Sports Center.The 'Runners (10-2) bounce back from a 66-50 loss at Fort Hays State Thursday night while the Lopers end the first semester with a 3-7 mark. This was the first meeting between the old Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) rivals in 13 years with Metro now leading the all-time series, 28-27.On Thursday night, Regis went 9 of 17 from behind the arc in the first half before cooling off after the break. The same story happened today as Metro was 7 of 13 from downtown to lead for much of the first half. They were just 2 for 11 over the final 20 minutes.Getting 15 first half points from junior guard&nbsp;Ja'Bryant Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas), UNK weathered the threes to have things tied up at 34 at the 3:07 mark. A 9-3 spurt featured seven points from Hill, but Metro broke the tie after a three from redshirt senior serve Sufyan Elkannan. Post Brayden Carter then made two free throws, converted a three-point play and had one of Metro's four dunks on the afternoon to make it 46-35. UNK wouldn't get closer than nine points rest of the way."At the end of the half, the shot clock was at 30 and they had the ball at 23. I knew they were going to get the last shot, so we went with a little trap," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson. "They got out of it, scored on us and I think that gave them a little burst. They also made some plays before that."Going 31 of 59 from the field and 14 of 17 at the line, Metro was paced by Carter (22 points, six rebounds), Elkannan (11 points; 3 of 5 threes) and starters Quave Propst-Allison (13 points; 3 of 5 threes) and Caleb McGill (17 points, points)."They are a good team…they have long rangy wings, guards that can shoot and are fast and two really good bigs," said Levinson.UNK could've made things a bit tighter down the stretch but was just 7 of 16 at the line. They were 15 of 24 against Regis to be at 70% for the season."I don't know what was up with our free throws. We've shot the ball well; it's like the turnover thing. We hadn't had a turnover issue until the Central Missouri game," said Levinson. "Rebounding, turnovers, free throws; you can never stop talking about them, never stop giving them attention. We didn't concentrate at the line as hard as we needed to."Hill had a season-best 24 points thanks to 10 of 23 (3 of 7 threes) shooting. He also had five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Missing much of the first half due to taking an elbow to the nose, Omaha senior&nbsp;Chase Thompson&nbsp;had 12 points (two threes) with Texas sophomore post&nbsp;Taylor Harrell&nbsp;close to a double double (14 points, nine rebounds). Finally, UNK shot 44% from the field, was out rebounded by only four and committed just seven turnovers."JB has a long leash. He had a 50-point game last year, he made big shots to win a National Championships, won a high school state title. He's small but mighty," said Levison. "He's got toughness, he's got confidence."The Division II moratorium runs from Dec. 23-29 this year with UNK at Missouri Western (Jan. 2) and Northwest Missouri (Jan. 4) to start the New Year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

 #22/25 Metro Downs the Lopers to Close Out the Semester

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Omaha SupernovasOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– Three 2024 draftees of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1X7RYcG_aeMA959ciXNxDq-zKCDch1_-D5L7qqGsDChvIhogGdqUG4cFXyORFjyp5YOOi0j53bWGra4t9fFuyBmor55wlaRVQg4JzcusMuuDKBjGo_4-K-objWslgDMpru9rOu9YASdS&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and inaugural Pro Volleyball Champions, earned AVCA All-America honors on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Creighton setter&nbsp;Kendra Wait&nbsp;was named a First Team All-American after repeating as BIG EAST Player and Setter of the Year. Wait is the first player in Creighton history to be a four-time All-American, making the Third Team in 2023 along with a pair of Honorable Mentions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait finished her last college season leading the BIG EAST in assists per set (10.97) for the fourth-straight season with that mark also being 12th nationally. She finished her college career with 4,945 assists (10.75 A/S), 1,454 digs (3.16 D/S), 784 points, 507 kills (1.10 K/S) on a .362 hitting percentage, 360 total blocks and 85 aces. Wait could end up being the steal of the PVF Draft with the Supernovas selecting the Gardner, Kan. product with the fourth-to-last pick at No. 37 overall in the fifth round.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fellow Supernovas draftees&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst&nbsp;and&nbsp;Toyosi Onabanjo&nbsp;were selected as Honorable Mentions for their final college seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Batenhorst spent her last season at USC after being at Nebraska for her first three years of college volleyball. The 6-foot-5 outside hitter was the leading force for the Trojans, who reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Batenhorst was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team after leading USC with 563.5 points and 3.94 kills per set. She played six rotations all season, compiling 2.11 digs per set, 96 blocks and 30 aces – all marks being second on the team. Batenhorst was the Supernovas third pick in the draft at No. 15 overall in the second round.&nbsp;&nbsp;Onabanjo secured her first All-America honor after forming into one of the best offensive middle blockers in the country during her last two seasons at Kansas. The Houston, Texas native was named to the All-Big 12 First Team after recording 2.58 kills per set on a staggering .409 hitting percentage – which was a top 15 clip in the country and second in the conference. Onabanjo’s 123 blocks on the season led the team and was fourth overall in the Big 12. She was the franchise’s first round pick at No. 8 overall.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Supernovas second full draft class also includes Omaha native and outside hitter&nbsp;Lindsay Krause&nbsp;from Nebraska, outside hitter&nbsp;Valeria Vazquez Gomez&nbsp;from Pittsburgh and Ohio State opposite&nbsp;Emily Londot.&nbsp;Krause and Valeria Gomez will play on college volleyball’s biggest stage with Thursday’s NCAA National Semifinal in Louisville, Kentucky.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on each draft pick, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1bLoZp7irUudjMry_EJwbOr6qQJnDoKPYYx5fqOSEiIFtHnjcjNY0Eipe9svFPCj6hr6tXplwB--kFakhSeZz_PNnq5pEISgB9oheyfcARrhecQk2oXN208PaEdbNQP3hurXKj3jSmbP&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">Supernovas Draft Tracker.</a>&nbsp;With another star-loaded roster full of local talent and more opportunities to see the Supernovas, fans can buy the world’s hottest ticket in professional volleyball. Buy your 2025 season tickets today by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1d2ZZvFORZYjlbWlatqc0UHPEBvlMDvDO8hxv80iGDp65JLI1Dlka2TrwuUdAed0aDJltZ5z5FPzMo2OdZtcn1P1hQBMeV2r3GByYX_yLjyFN7FmxQWp454XMI8H5jSVcXT_MX4fmM1O&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>&nbsp;or purchase&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1Xf_RZSDtVGz6IRSEtF3-hexPowW4Pg0X9kRhHXM3qmKPN_NrQbX8qvq4G4sGi3CLfLDu6Rnl3vJR4PCb4Hw9oi1rUlsdJzMh-Aew5tTwTR1acjaf-AUGjYPms7R_ZwmyCkN7H1OWIlY&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">single-match tickets here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;New for 2025 is a totally customizable, half-season ticket package. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match. Customize your Supernovas experience today by visiting this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1W3qAo01s1Ni6nZ9bxCxw4qt7zN2fRw_HFcRR0elSVEpLtx_3QRG6zGj1zRTAEfKYEBc46_UvngmZ5cM6l5_eOoRtiJWGc7aucztwqf7doYQ97t4OcriOkG6rnpJx3un_nZrQsebX6NsgY_A5qdwhhM=&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1TtkN_mD9Nb51dZ_a4WLlBuEQZWvztnsmsC4TA7kTUfZqBFcZX_LBIY2Lat7514Ap2SPpO6WVCrl_ePxEKj3E5kK9dXXg5sGFR3yG3Z1KRoGJRweuRRZjLlOzUPAat1D3IqkqD7xJO-m0scgE6tQe4c=&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1bcR5Laxsnaw7RE3LieFQuedNRtK1xzPMwd1hfRKxOaPA3kHdusBn6sWe535KMo02362_l5uRLTft1Bx6D8yNZj1qXeSBJ2I3MiWR7HUMDOtxGXSlZTIgCBTP5yOQrqk3g==&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>.&nbsp;To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CjO27LLvltpkgFL7u5_H44GV-VLZNdFzvURK44Gs8a76YAIH34XB1ZdtEt7dPfI4TiRXHW_KGr47Ggjp1Ax7htRBZKQRsR2e__EFMVoX87UE2ATkaijScz-wquvHHd0QZ1A2Nup-HNkO7BE7gQeW29cX-GykYd16bEK5A0zmTbrmYMGb-2lozDsztFIxudSd&amp;c=hn1rfadjQ5XlOkWMgwGfhzHGFGGIhc8T7pm2YCWocDRoD4RfIzqokw==&amp;ch=C8GSLQcPNkzunSv45m5oG0lAsMT2dG9Tos7qVDhsTcaCCwiGEdQJTw==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas are the premier home of professional volleyball, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world. The Supernovas 2025 season will begin in January. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White, Co-Founder of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.&nbsp;

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

Dundy County Stratton 41 vs Wauneta-Palisade 34

North Platte St. Patrick's 19 @ Ogallala 62

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

Dundy County Stratton 70 vs Wauneta-Palisade 23

North Platte St. Patrick's 50 @ Ogallala 85

Scores reported by the NSAA<h2>Girl's Basketball</h2>Brady 52 @ Maxwell 44Cozad 32 @ McCook 52Dundy County Stratton 41 vs Wauneta-Palisade 34Maywood-Hayes Center 67 vs Sutherland 6North Platte St. Patrick's 19 @ Ogallala 62Paxton 63 vs Perkins County 39Southern Valley 52 vs Norton, KS 26Sumner-Eddyville-Miller 58 @ South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 15<h2>Boy’s Basketball</h2>Dundy County Stratton 70 vs Wauneta-Palisade 23Maywood-Hayes Center 62 vs Sutherland 20North Platte St. Patrick's 50 @ Ogallala 85Paxton 54 vs Perkins County 65Southern Valley 48 vs Norton, KS 62<h2>Wrestling</h2>North Platte Varsity Vs. Grand IslandNorth Platte 30, Grand Island 41

Area Sports scores from 12-18

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

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

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

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

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

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