Story by NU Athletic Communications

The No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team claimed a 3-1 (25-9, 25-13, 23-25, 25-20) win over No. 16 Creighton on Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 8,656, a Bob Devaney Sports Center record crowd since the arena was reconfigured for volleyball in 2013.

Merritt Beason had a team-high 17 kills with seven digs and three blocks, and Lindsay Krause finished with 12 kills on .478 hitting with three blocks. The Huskers (6-0) hit .305 for the match and held the Bluejays (5-2) to .109 on the night.&nbsp;

NU had a 52-42 advantage in kills and 10-3 advantage in blocks. The Huskers also served four more aces (6-2) and made four fewer errors.&nbsp;

Harper Murray totaled 10 kills, and Bekka Allick had seven kills on .600 hitting. Andi Jackson chipped in five kills and six blocks.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly tallied 42 assists with 11 digs and a pair of aces. Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 14 digs, and Laney Choboy had 10 digs and three aces.&nbsp;

Creighton's Destiny Ndam-Simpson had 13 kills stepping in for 2022 Big East Player of the Year Norah Sis, who was out with an injury.&nbsp;

Set 1: Leading 6-5, the Huskers outscored the Bluejays 19-4 the rest of the way to win 25-9. Krause started the run with a kill, and three Creighton errors followed by a Choboy ace made it 12-5 NU. Beason added a kill before an ace by Maisie Boesiger, and a kill by Murray and ace by Reilly increased the Huskers' lead to 19-7. NU scored the final four points of the set with a kill by Krause and blocks by Jackson and Beason and Jackson and Krause. NU held CU to -.290 hitting in the opening frame.&nbsp;

Set 2: The Huskers scored the first four points if the second set with two kills by Beason. Creighton got within one, but Nebraska gained some separation with kills by Allick and Jackson to go up 8-5. Jackson tacked on two more kills, and Murray and Beason followed to make it 12-8 Huskers. Allick smacked three straight kills, and the Huskers took a 15-9 lead into the media timeout. Krause and Jackson posted three more kills as the Husker lead went to eight, 20-12. Choboy served her second ace, Murray had two kills and Jackson and Reilly posted NU's seventh block as the Huskers finished the set off, 25-13. Nebraska hit .429 in set two, while Creighton hit .121.&nbsp;

Set 3: Creighton came out fighting in set three and held a 15-14 lead at the media timeout. Krause terminated out of the break, but the Jays went up 17-15 after a kill and an out-of-rotation call on the Big Red. Murray put down a kill, but Creighton got a kill and a Husker hitting error to build the lead to three, 19-16. The Bluejays went up four, 22-18, but a service error and a block by Krause and Jackson cut the lead in half. Another pair of kills by Krause cut it to 23-22, but Kendra Wait dumped a ball to the floor for set point, 24-22. Krause came up big for the Huskers once again with her 10th kill to make it 24-23, but Ava Martin put the set away for the Jays, 25-23. It was the Huskers' first dropped set of the season. NU was the last NCAA Division I team to lose a set this season.&nbsp;

Set 4: Beason, Allick and Krause began the set with kills to help NU to a 4-1 lead. Creighton rallied to get even at 8-8, but the next three points went to the Huskers with Beason tallying a kill, and Murray and Allick combining for a block. Murray added another kill, and Reilly served an ace to put the Huskers up 14-10. After a timeout, Murray sent a free ball over that fell to the floor for a 15-10 lead. Two more kills by Beason pushed the lead to six, 17-11, and her 17th kill of the match made it 21-15. The Huskers closed out the match with a 25-20 victory.&nbsp;

Up Next: Nebraska hosts Long Beach State at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team claimed a 3-1 (25-9, 25-13, 23-25, 25-20) win over No. 16 Creighton on Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 8,656, a Bob Devaney Sports Center record crowd since the arena was reconfigured for volleyball in 2013.Merritt Beason had a team-high 17 kills with seven digs and three blocks, and Lindsay Krause finished with 12 kills on .478 hitting with three blocks. The Huskers (6-0) hit .305 for the match and held the Bluejays (5-2) to .109 on the night.&nbsp;NU had a 52-42 advantage in kills and 10-3 advantage in blocks. The Huskers also served four more aces (6-2) and made four fewer errors.&nbsp;Harper Murray totaled 10 kills, and Bekka Allick had seven kills on .600 hitting. Andi Jackson chipped in five kills and six blocks.&nbsp;Bergen Reilly tallied 42 assists with 11 digs and a pair of aces. Lexi Rodriguez had a match-high 14 digs, and Laney Choboy had 10 digs and three aces.&nbsp;Creighton's Destiny Ndam-Simpson had 13 kills stepping in for 2022 Big East Player of the Year Norah Sis, who was out with an injury.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694091873647.jpeg" alt="Beason vs Creighton" />
 <figcaption>Beason vs Creighton</figcaption>
 </figure>Set 1: Leading 6-5, the Huskers outscored the Bluejays 19-4 the rest of the way to win 25-9. Krause started the run with a kill, and three Creighton errors followed by a Choboy ace made it 12-5 NU. Beason added a kill before an ace by Maisie Boesiger, and a kill by Murray and ace by Reilly increased the Huskers' lead to 19-7. NU scored the final four points of the set with a kill by Krause and blocks by Jackson and Beason and Jackson and Krause. NU held CU to -.290 hitting in the opening frame.&nbsp;Set 2: The Huskers scored the first four points if the second set with two kills by Beason. Creighton got within one, but Nebraska gained some separation with kills by Allick and Jackson to go up 8-5. Jackson tacked on two more kills, and Murray and Beason followed to make it 12-8 Huskers. Allick smacked three straight kills, and the Huskers took a 15-9 lead into the media timeout. Krause and Jackson posted three more kills as the Husker lead went to eight, 20-12. Choboy served her second ace, Murray had two kills and Jackson and Reilly posted NU's seventh block as the Huskers finished the set off, 25-13. Nebraska hit .429 in set two, while Creighton hit .121.&nbsp;Set 3: Creighton came out fighting in set three and held a 15-14 lead at the media timeout. Krause terminated out of the break, but the Jays went up 17-15 after a kill and an out-of-rotation call on the Big Red. Murray put down a kill, but Creighton got a kill and a Husker hitting error to build the lead to three, 19-16. The Bluejays went up four, 22-18, but a service error and a block by Krause and Jackson cut the lead in half. Another pair of kills by Krause cut it to 23-22, but Kendra Wait dumped a ball to the floor for set point, 24-22. Krause came up big for the Huskers once again with her 10th kill to make it 24-23, but Ava Martin put the set away for the Jays, 25-23. It was the Huskers' first dropped set of the season. NU was the last NCAA Division I team to lose a set this season.&nbsp;Set 4: Beason, Allick and Krause began the set with kills to help NU to a 4-1 lead. Creighton rallied to get even at 8-8, but the next three points went to the Huskers with Beason tallying a kill, and Murray and Allick combining for a block. Murray added another kill, and Reilly served an ace to put the Huskers up 14-10. After a timeout, Murray sent a free ball over that fell to the floor for a 15-10 lead. Two more kills by Beason pushed the lead to six, 17-11, and her 17th kill of the match made it 21-15. The Huskers closed out the match with a 25-20 victory.&nbsp;Up Next: Nebraska hosts Long Beach State at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Huskers win in-state battle with Bluejays, 3-1

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

A week after taking a part in a world record for attendance at a women's sporting event, the now 10th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team got back the Division II regular season match attendance record Wednesday night against Peru State.&nbsp;A crowd of 4,003 bests the 3,888 fans that watched Alaska-Anchorage sweep visiting Central Washington last November. That tally had beaten UNK's record of 3,520, set in 1996 vs. Nebraska-Omaha.&nbsp;"Sitting on the bench before the match with Coach (Samantha) Hammond, I said 'The last time I looked around and saw this you were playing," said head coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;and referring to the 2005 NCAA Elite Eight. "It was a lot like that…the lines going out the door. I normally stay in my office until about 10 or 15 minutes before game time but three or four times, I peeked through a side door to see what was happening.”&nbsp;This is the 35th all-time Loper crowd of at least 2,000 with UNK and the Health &amp; Sports Center now having the top four crowds in D2 history (regular season and postseason included; see below).&nbsp;"You never just never know. I was hopeful…when I saw the line and people were getting here a little bit early, I knew we had a chance," said Squiers. "Unbelievable and hats off to Loper Nation. They were competitive enough to want to be number one (again) and we are."&nbsp;For the first time since the 2007 NCAA Central Regional, action was played at center court instead of the usual horseshoe environment.&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/peru-state/boxscore/7533" target="_blank">An excited and boisterous crowd watched the Bobcats (5-5) battled the Lopers (5-0) in each set</a>. Both teams used its bench liberally, Peru sending 16 players onto the court and UNK using 17. Per NAIA rules, this was an exhibition match for the 'Cats.&nbsp;"A lot of our fans were in Lincoln (last Wednesday) and they just love volleyball. We called on them and they responded," said Squiers. "This was the first opportunity (to get the record back) and we wanted to take full advantage of this being the home opener."&nbsp;UNK out hit PSC by a .239-.000 margin while also serving up nine aces and recording six blocks. Peru did have three stuffs, three aces and took advantage of 16 unforced Loper attack errors.&nbsp;The Blue &amp; Gold needed veterans&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;(North Platte) and&nbsp;Lauren Taubeheim&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) to enter the match in the third set with the score 18-13 in favor of Peru. UNK promptly closed on a 12-3 run with a Taubenheim ace starting the big spurt.&nbsp;"Five matches into the season and it already feels like we've done some amazing things but we still got most of it left," said Squiers. "Some really interesting and lasting experiences that I think our student-athletes will remember forever."&nbsp;Nine Lopers were between three-nine seven kills with David City right side&nbsp;Lauren Vandenberg&nbsp;and Kansas sophomore&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;tied for the lead. Next, Neff (21) and Henderson junior&nbsp;Rhianna Wilhelm&nbsp;(13) combined for 34 aces with Minden redshirt junior&nbsp;Jensen Rowse&nbsp;having team-bests in aces (three) and digs (10). Finally, Vandenberg and Dannebrog middle&nbsp;Sydney Davis&nbsp;had two blocks apiece.&nbsp;Peru was paced by libero Chantal Paniagua (10 digs) and Papillion freshman Shealie Wiebers (seven kills).&nbsp;UNK heads to Colorado Springs tomorrow and has two matches both Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;Attendance Numbers

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsA week after taking a part in a world record for attendance at a women's sporting event, the now 10th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team got back the Division II regular season match attendance record Wednesday night against Peru State.&nbsp;A crowd of 4,003 bests the 3,888 fans that watched Alaska-Anchorage sweep visiting Central Washington last November. That tally had beaten UNK's record of 3,520, set in 1996 vs. Nebraska-Omaha.&nbsp;"Sitting on the bench before the match with Coach (Samantha) Hammond, I said 'The last time I looked around and saw this you were playing," said head coach&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;and referring to the 2005 NCAA Elite Eight. "It was a lot like that…the lines going out the door. I normally stay in my office until about 10 or 15 minutes before game time but three or four times, I peeked through a side door to see what was happening.”&nbsp;This is the 35th all-time Loper crowd of at least 2,000 with UNK and the Health &amp; Sports Center now having the top four crowds in D2 history (regular season and postseason included; see below).&nbsp;"You never just never know. I was hopeful…when I saw the line and people were getting here a little bit early, I knew we had a chance," said Squiers. "Unbelievable and hats off to Loper Nation. They were competitive enough to want to be number one (again) and we are."&nbsp;For the first time since the 2007 NCAA Central Regional, action was played at center court instead of the usual horseshoe environment.&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/peru-state/boxscore/7533" target="_blank">An excited and boisterous crowd watched the Bobcats (5-5) battled the Lopers (5-0) in each set</a>. Both teams used its bench liberally, Peru sending 16 players onto the court and UNK using 17. Per NAIA rules, this was an exhibition match for the 'Cats.&nbsp;"A lot of our fans were in Lincoln (last Wednesday) and they just love volleyball. We called on them and they responded," said Squiers. "This was the first opportunity (to get the record back) and we wanted to take full advantage of this being the home opener."&nbsp;UNK out hit PSC by a .239-.000 margin while also serving up nine aces and recording six blocks. Peru did have three stuffs, three aces and took advantage of 16 unforced Loper attack errors.&nbsp;The Blue &amp; Gold needed veterans&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;(North Platte) and&nbsp;Lauren Taubeheim&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) to enter the match in the third set with the score 18-13 in favor of Peru. UNK promptly closed on a 12-3 run with a Taubenheim ace starting the big spurt.&nbsp;"Five matches into the season and it already feels like we've done some amazing things but we still got most of it left," said Squiers. "Some really interesting and lasting experiences that I think our student-athletes will remember forever."&nbsp;Nine Lopers were between three-nine seven kills with David City right side&nbsp;Lauren Vandenberg&nbsp;and Kansas sophomore&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;tied for the lead. Next, Neff (21) and Henderson junior&nbsp;Rhianna Wilhelm&nbsp;(13) combined for 34 aces with Minden redshirt junior&nbsp;Jensen Rowse&nbsp;having team-bests in aces (three) and digs (10). Finally, Vandenberg and Dannebrog middle&nbsp;Sydney Davis&nbsp;had two blocks apiece.&nbsp;Peru was paced by libero Chantal Paniagua (10 digs) and Papillion freshman Shealie Wiebers (seven kills).&nbsp;UNK heads to Colorado Springs tomorrow and has two matches both Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;Attendance Numbers<ol>
 <li>Grand Valley State (12/3/05) ... 5,025 - NCAA National Championship&nbsp;(Overall Division II record)</li><li>Truman State (12/1/05) ... 4,412 – NCAA National Quarterfinal</li><li>Cal State Los Angeles (12/2/05) ...&nbsp;4,331 – NCAA National Semifinal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Peru State (9/6/23) ...&nbsp;4,033&nbsp;(New Division II regular season record)</li><li>Central Washington @ Alaska-Anchorage (11/5/22) ...&nbsp;3,888&nbsp;(Old Division II regular season record)</li><li>Nebraska-Omaha (10/15/96) ... 3,520&nbsp;(Division II record regular season record from 1996-2022)</li>
 </ol>

Lopers make history

The North Platte Community College softball team pocketed over $2,100 from its glow ball golf tournament Saturday.

A total of 23 teams attended the fundraiser at the Oregon Trail Golf Course south of Sutherland. Proceeds were split with Sutherland athletics.

Activities included a dinner, silent auction, costume contests and the tournament. The costume winners were:

The tournament winners were: Hallei and Molly Morales and Scott and Josh Furrow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694031878527.jpeg" alt="Lane Swedberg, Erika Schmidt and Amy Sabatka participate in the Glow Ball fundraiser for North Platte Community College Softball and Sutherland athletics Saturday at the Oregon Trail Golf Course. " />
 <figcaption>Lane Swedberg, Erika Schmidt and Amy Sabatka participate in the Glow Ball fundraiser for North Platte Community College Softball and Sutherland athletics Saturday at the Oregon Trail Golf Course. </figcaption>
 </figure>Heather Johnson MPCCThe North Platte Community College softball team pocketed over $2,100 from its glow ball golf tournament Saturday.A total of 23 teams attended the fundraiser at the Oregon Trail Golf Course south of Sutherland. Proceeds were split with Sutherland athletics.Activities included a dinner, silent auction, costume contests and the tournament. The costume winners were:<ul>
 <li>Best Dressed Team: Lane Swedberg and Amy Sabatka</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Best Decorated Cart: Brandi Janecek and Logan Ceballos</li>
 </ul>The tournament winners were: Hallei and Molly Morales and Scott and Josh Furrow.

Glow ball tourney yields over $2,100 for NPCC Softball

Arthur County def. Creek Valley, 25-11, 25-20 (2-0)

Bertrand def. Medicine Valley, 25-21, 25-16, 26-24 (3-0)

Bridgeport def. Garden County, 25-15, 21-25, 25-12 (2-1)

Cambridge def. Dundy County Stratton, 25-12, 25-9 (2-0)

Cambridge def. North Platte St. Patrick's, 25-11, 25-11 (2-0)

Chase County def. Yuma, CO, 25-17, 25-15, 25-12 (3-0)

Gering def. North Platte, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20 (3-0)

Hershey def. Cozad, 25-17, 25-11, 25-11 (3-0)

Hitchcock County def. Perkins County, 24-26, 25-23, 25-16 (2-1)

Maywood-Hayes Center def. Arapahoe, 25-23, 29-27 (2-0)

North Platte St. Patrick's def. Dundy County Stratton, 25-8, 25-12 (2-0)

Ogallala def. McCook, 25-12, 25-13, 25-16 (3-0)

Paxton def. Brady, 25-20, 25-22, 26-24 (3-0)

Wallace def. Hitchcock County, 25-19, 25-12 (2-0)

Wallace def. Perkins County, 25-22, 25-17 (2-0)

<h2>Softball</h2>Aurora 7, Cozad 3Central City 10, Gothenburg 1GICC 13, Hershey 2Gering 5, Chadron 2Gothenburg 6, NEN 3HWY 6 12, Hershey 4Hastings St. Cecilia 4, North Platte 2Wray, CO 12, Chase County 1Wray, CO 13, Chase County 2&nbsp;<h2>Volleyball</h2>Arthur County def. Creek Valley, 25-11, 25-20 (2-0)Bertrand def. Medicine Valley, 25-21, 25-16, 26-24 (3-0)Bridgeport def. Garden County, 25-15, 21-25, 25-12 (2-1)Cambridge def. Dundy County Stratton, 25-12, 25-9 (2-0)Cambridge def. North Platte St. Patrick's, 25-11, 25-11 (2-0)Chase County def. Yuma, CO, 25-17, 25-15, 25-12 (3-0)Gering def. North Platte, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20 (3-0)Hershey def. Cozad, 25-17, 25-11, 25-11 (3-0)Hitchcock County def. Perkins County, 24-26, 25-23, 25-16 (2-1)Maywood-Hayes Center def. Arapahoe, 25-23, 29-27 (2-0)North Platte St. Patrick's def. Dundy County Stratton, 25-8, 25-12 (2-0)Ogallala def. McCook, 25-12, 25-13, 25-16 (3-0)Paxton def. Brady, 25-20, 25-22, 26-24 (3-0)Wallace def. Hitchcock County, 25-19, 25-12 (2-0)Wallace def. Perkins County, 25-22, 25-17 (2-0)

Area sports scores for September 5th

The Nebraska women’s soccer team is ranked No. 24 in the United Soccer Coaches and the Top Drawer Soccer polls, as this week’s rankings were announced Tuesday.

The Huskers are off to their best start since 2000, as the Huskers are undefeated through the first six games of the season. NU has outscored its opponents 22-4 with three shoutouts.

Senior Eleanor Dale, this week’s Big Ten Offensive and Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Week, leads the conference in goals (8), game-winning finishes (4), points (18), shots (32) and shots on goal (16). Additionally, Dale is currently tied for first in the country in game-winners, third in goals and fourth in shots per game (5.33).

As a team, the Huskers are fifth in the nation in shots per game, as they are averaging 22.33, and the team is tied for ninth in the country in total goals, which is also the most to start the season since 2011.

This is the first time NU has been ranked since the 2018 season where they were No. 22. That team finished 9-7-5 and 5-3-3 in conference play, falling in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.

United Soccer Coaches Top 25 (Sept. 5)

1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BYU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stanford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UCLA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida State

6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Penn State&nbsp;

7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas&nbsp;&nbsp;

8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Clara&nbsp;&nbsp;

9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clemson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Notre Dame&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgetown

14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memphis&nbsp;&nbsp;

17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Southern California&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Northwestern&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xavier&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburgh

23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gonzaga&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska&nbsp;

25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TCU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida State

2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stanford

3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BYU

4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Penn State

5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina

6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UCLA

7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia

8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Notre Dame

9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina

10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas

11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburgh

12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke

13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Clara

14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgetown

15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama

16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; USC

17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memphis

18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texas

19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xavier

20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TCU

21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saint Louis

22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Providence

23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brown

24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska

25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington State

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women’s soccer team is ranked No. 24 in the United Soccer Coaches and the Top Drawer Soccer polls, as this week’s rankings were announced Tuesday.The Huskers are off to their best start since 2000, as the Huskers are undefeated through the first six games of the season. NU has outscored its opponents 22-4 with three shoutouts.Senior Eleanor Dale, this week’s Big Ten Offensive and Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Week, leads the conference in goals (8), game-winning finishes (4), points (18), shots (32) and shots on goal (16). Additionally, Dale is currently tied for first in the country in game-winners, third in goals and fourth in shots per game (5.33).As a team, the Huskers are fifth in the nation in shots per game, as they are averaging 22.33, and the team is tied for ninth in the country in total goals, which is also the most to start the season since 2011.This is the first time NU has been ranked since the 2018 season where they were No. 22. That team finished 9-7-5 and 5-3-3 in conference play, falling in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.United Soccer Coaches Top 25 (Sept. 5)1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BYU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stanford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UCLA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida State6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Penn State&nbsp;7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas&nbsp;&nbsp;8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Clara&nbsp;&nbsp;9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clemson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Notre Dame&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgetown14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memphis&nbsp;&nbsp;17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Southern California&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Northwestern&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xavier&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburgh23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gonzaga&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska&nbsp;25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TCU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Top Drawer Soccer Poll1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Florida State2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stanford3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BYU4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Penn State5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Carolina6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UCLA7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Virginia8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Notre Dame9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; South Carolina10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arkansas11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburgh12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Clara14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgetown15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alabama16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; USC17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memphis18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texas19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xavier20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TCU21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saint Louis22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Providence23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brown24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washington State

Huskers break into top 25

Senior Eleanor Dale earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week recognition, announced by the conference on Tuesday.

Dale scored four goals this past week, including two game-winners, in the Huskers’ shutouts over Missouri (5-0) and Kansas State (4-0). Dale netted two goals in the first half against both the Tigers and the Wildcats.

Overall, she currently leads the Big Ten in goals (8), game-winning goals (4), points (18), shots (32) and shots on goal (16). Additionally, Dale is currently tied for first in the country in game-winners, third in goals and fourth in shots per game (5.33).

This week’s conference honor marks the first Husker to earn Offensive Player of the Week since Faith Carter received the nod on Sept. 25, 2018. This recognition is the first overall weekly award of the season, and first since Sami Hauk (Goalkeeper of the Week) and forward Abbey Schwarz (Freshman of the Week) won their respective awards in 2021.

The Huskers, who are 5-0-1, enter this week’s home matches against UC Davis and Saint Louis on a six-match unbeaten streak.

NU battles the Aggies on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. (CT) before Sunday's tilt against the Billikens at 1:50 p.m. (CT). Both matches will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

2023 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players of the Week&nbsp;&nbsp;

Aug. 22O: Megan Nemec, MinnesotaD: Cori Dyke, Penn StateCo-GK: Katheine Asman, Penn StateCo-GK: Erin McKinney, WisconsinF: Ella Ottey, Wisconsin

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior Eleanor Dale earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week recognition, announced by the conference on Tuesday.Dale scored four goals this past week, including two game-winners, in the Huskers’ shutouts over Missouri (5-0) and Kansas State (4-0). Dale netted two goals in the first half against both the Tigers and the Wildcats.Overall, she currently leads the Big Ten in goals (8), game-winning goals (4), points (18), shots (32) and shots on goal (16). Additionally, Dale is currently tied for first in the country in game-winners, third in goals and fourth in shots per game (5.33).This week’s conference honor marks the first Husker to earn Offensive Player of the Week since Faith Carter received the nod on Sept. 25, 2018. This recognition is the first overall weekly award of the season, and first since Sami Hauk (Goalkeeper of the Week) and forward Abbey Schwarz (Freshman of the Week) won their respective awards in 2021.The Huskers, who are 5-0-1, enter this week’s home matches against UC Davis and Saint Louis on a six-match unbeaten streak.NU battles the Aggies on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. (CT) before Sunday's tilt against the Billikens at 1:50 p.m. (CT). Both matches will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.2023 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players of the Week&nbsp;&nbsp;Aug. 22O: Megan Nemec, MinnesotaD: Cori Dyke, Penn StateCo-GK: Katheine Asman, Penn StateCo-GK: Erin McKinney, WisconsinF: Ella Ottey, WisconsinAug. 29O: Josie Aulicino, NorthwesternD: Lauren Costello, IndianaGK: Erin McKinney, WisconsinF: Piper Coffield, IndianaSept. 5O: Eleanor Dale, NebraskaD: Samantha Cary, IowaGK: Megan Plaschko, MinnesotaF: Kennedy Bell, Maryland

Dale named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

Basketball and music come together to start the 2023-24 season as the Husker programs will celebrate Opening Night with Husker Hoops on Friday, Sept. 29.

The free event gives Husker fans their first opportunity to see the 2023-24 Nebraska men’s and women’s basketball programs while Epic Records recording artist DGG will perform to close the event’s festivities.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. with PBA doors opening at 6 p.m. that evening. The event will feature introductions of both the Husker men and women’s squads, remarks from Head Coaches Fred Hoiberg and Amy Williams, practices from both programs, contests with members of both programs and more.

Fans can start registering for tickets on Huskers.com/Tickets beginning on&nbsp;Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a limit of four tickets per person. In addition, a limited number of premium student seats will be held for 2023-24 RedZone season-ticket holders, and information on how to reserve tickets for the event will be communicated directly to student season-ticket holders.

DDG is a rapper, singer and YouTuber who also founded his own record label, Zooted Music, in 2020. Since his rise, he's gained 1 billion streams and has worked with G-Eazy and Lil Yachty. His single “Moonwalking in Calabasas" went double platinum and has gained over 200 million streams. In 2022, DDG was recognized by Forbes on its 30 Under 30 List, honoring young entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and entertainers making a difference in their chosen field.

“Opening Night is something that our players and staff look forward to every year,” Nebraska Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “It’s a chance to get our guys under the lights at PBA and practice in front of our fans and allows our players to showcase their personalities. This group has worked extremely hard all summer, and I know they are anxious to be in front of our fans.”

“We are so excited to get back into Pinnacle Bank Arena for Opening Night with Huskers fans,” Nebraska Women’s Basketball Coach Amy Williams said. “We are looking forward to a competitive season and it all starts on the 29th."

The Husker men welcome back five of its top eight scorers from a team that went 16-16 and won six of its final eight Big Ten contests in 2022-23. The group is headlined by senior All-Big Ten guard Keisei Tominaga, who represented his native Japan in the FIBA World Cup. NU also welcomes back three other players who made at least 12 starts in 2022-23 in Juwan Gary, C.J. Wilcher and Jamarques Lawrence. Nebraska adds seven recruits (five transfers and two freshmen) including one of the nation’s top transfer classes. NU’s transfer class is a five-player group which includes all-conference performers Jarron Coleman (Ball State), Rienk Mast (Bradley) and Brice Williams (Charlotte).

All-Big Ten guard Jaz Shelley and All-Big Ten center Alexis Markowski lead the Nebraska women’s basketball team into the 2023-24 season. The Big Red also welcome the return of starters Allison Weidner and Maddie Krull, along with veterans Annika Stewart, Kendall Moriarty, Kendall Coley and Callin Hake. Coach Amy Williams’ Huskers will be bolstered in their pursuit of a fourth consecutive postseason tournament appearance by graduate transfer guard Darian White along with freshmen Logan Nissley, Jessica Petrie and Natalie Potts.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsBasketball and music come together to start the 2023-24 season as the Husker programs will celebrate Opening Night with Husker Hoops on Friday, Sept. 29.The free event gives Husker fans their first opportunity to see the 2023-24 Nebraska men’s and women’s basketball programs while Epic Records recording artist DGG will perform to close the event’s festivities.The event will begin at 7 p.m. with PBA doors opening at 6 p.m. that evening. The event will feature introductions of both the Husker men and women’s squads, remarks from Head Coaches Fred Hoiberg and Amy Williams, practices from both programs, contests with members of both programs and more.Fans can start registering for tickets on Huskers.com/Tickets beginning on&nbsp;Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a limit of four tickets per person. In addition, a limited number of premium student seats will be held for 2023-24 RedZone season-ticket holders, and information on how to reserve tickets for the event will be communicated directly to student season-ticket holders.DDG is a rapper, singer and YouTuber who also founded his own record label, Zooted Music, in 2020. Since his rise, he's gained 1 billion streams and has worked with G-Eazy and Lil Yachty. His single “Moonwalking in Calabasas" went double platinum and has gained over 200 million streams. In 2022, DDG was recognized by Forbes on its 30 Under 30 List, honoring young entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and entertainers making a difference in their chosen field.“Opening Night is something that our players and staff look forward to every year,” Nebraska Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “It’s a chance to get our guys under the lights at PBA and practice in front of our fans and allows our players to showcase their personalities. This group has worked extremely hard all summer, and I know they are anxious to be in front of our fans.”“We are so excited to get back into Pinnacle Bank Arena for Opening Night with Huskers fans,” Nebraska Women’s Basketball Coach Amy Williams said. “We are looking forward to a competitive season and it all starts on the 29th."The Husker men welcome back five of its top eight scorers from a team that went 16-16 and won six of its final eight Big Ten contests in 2022-23. The group is headlined by senior All-Big Ten guard Keisei Tominaga, who represented his native Japan in the FIBA World Cup. NU also welcomes back three other players who made at least 12 starts in 2022-23 in Juwan Gary, C.J. Wilcher and Jamarques Lawrence. Nebraska adds seven recruits (five transfers and two freshmen) including one of the nation’s top transfer classes. NU’s transfer class is a five-player group which includes all-conference performers Jarron Coleman (Ball State), Rienk Mast (Bradley) and Brice Williams (Charlotte).All-Big Ten guard Jaz Shelley and All-Big Ten center Alexis Markowski lead the Nebraska women’s basketball team into the 2023-24 season. The Big Red also welcome the return of starters Allison Weidner and Maddie Krull, along with veterans Annika Stewart, Kendall Moriarty, Kendall Coley and Callin Hake. Coach Amy Williams’ Huskers will be bolstered in their pursuit of a fourth consecutive postseason tournament appearance by graduate transfer guard Darian White along with freshmen Logan Nissley, Jessica Petrie and Natalie Potts.

Opening night with Husker hoops set for Sept. 29

Softball- Hastings St. Cecilia @ NPHS Bulldogs

Coach Rhule sat with the media to discuss the upcoming opponent Colorado

The 16th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team got past St. Martin's College (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/saint-martins-wa-/boxscore/7537" target="_blank">-20, 24-26, -15, -16</a>) and Westminster College (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/saint-martins-wa-/boxscore/7538" target="_blank">-18, -18, -12</a>) Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah.The Lopers finished the weekend 4-0 at the Westminster Invitational presented by UFirst Credit Union.Against the Saints from Lacey, Wash. (2-2), UNK got 18 kills from Alliance outside&nbsp;Emersen Cyza&nbsp;and 11 more from Lincoln graduate&nbsp;Jaden Ferguson.&nbsp;The Lopers had advantages in blocks (13.5-9), digs (66-54) and hitting percentage (.269-.106) while the Saints served up eight aces.They finished the second set on a 5-3 run that featured an ace and a UNK service error. The Lopers righted the ship by getting out to 15-5 lead in the third set. Finally, Georgia senior libero&nbsp;Celeste Friesen&nbsp;had 23 digs, one assist and posted a .909 serve receive percentage.Against the host Griffins (1-3), UNK hit .345 and had seven different players record a kill. Kansas outside&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;(13) and Ferguson (10) led the way with Minden senior DS&nbsp;Jensen Rowse&nbsp;at 13 digs and going 11 for 11 in serve receive. Finally, Colorado sophomore middle&nbsp;Trista Marx&nbsp;had seven kills, and hit .385.UNK hosts Peru State on Wednesday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsThe 16th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team got past St. Martin's College (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/saint-martins-wa-/boxscore/7537" target="_blank">-20, 24-26, -15, -16</a>) and Westminster College (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/saint-martins-wa-/boxscore/7538" target="_blank">-18, -18, -12</a>) Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah.The Lopers finished the weekend 4-0 at the Westminster Invitational presented by UFirst Credit Union.Against the Saints from Lacey, Wash. (2-2), UNK got 18 kills from Alliance outside&nbsp;Emersen Cyza&nbsp;and 11 more from Lincoln graduate&nbsp;Jaden Ferguson.&nbsp;The Lopers had advantages in blocks (13.5-9), digs (66-54) and hitting percentage (.269-.106) while the Saints served up eight aces.They finished the second set on a 5-3 run that featured an ace and a UNK service error. The Lopers righted the ship by getting out to 15-5 lead in the third set. Finally, Georgia senior libero&nbsp;Celeste Friesen&nbsp;had 23 digs, one assist and posted a .909 serve receive percentage.Against the host Griffins (1-3), UNK hit .345 and had seven different players record a kill. Kansas outside&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;(13) and Ferguson (10) led the way with Minden senior DS&nbsp;Jensen Rowse&nbsp;at 13 digs and going 11 for 11 in serve receive. Finally, Colorado sophomore middle&nbsp;Trista Marx&nbsp;had seven kills, and hit .385.UNK hosts Peru State on Wednesday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UNK hosts Peru State on Wednesday night

The No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team rolled on with its fifth straight sweep to start the season after a 25-21, 25-15, 25-19 win over Kansas State in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,044 at the new Morgan Family Arena.&nbsp;

The Huskers (5-0) hit .277 and held Kansas State to .056 hitting for the match. Merritt Beason had 10 kills and six blocks to lead the Big Red. Eight of her kills came in the first set. Andi Jackson also had 10 kills and hit .750 to go with five blocks.&nbsp;

Lindsay Krause added nine kills and four blocks, and Harper Murray had nine kills.&nbsp;

The Huskers finished with 12 blocks in the match. Bekka Allick had a team-high seven.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly had 29 assists and 12 digs, and Lexi Rodriguez added 11 digs.&nbsp;

Nebraska had 42 kills to 31 for Kansas State. The Huskers also had advantages in digs (46-36) and blocks (12-7).&nbsp;

Aliyah Carter led Kansas State (4-1) with nine kills.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;Kansas State took an 11-9 lead, but a kill by Krause and back-to-back blocks by Krause and Jackson put the Huskers up 12-11. Jackson and Beason then made it three blocks in a row for a 13-11 Husker lead. Jackson terminated and Beason served an ace to put NU up 15-12 at the media timeout. The Huskers led 17-14, but two kills by Carter and an ace by Izzi Szulczewski tied the score at 17-17. Beason recorded two kills in a row to put NU back up 19-17. A pair of kills by Murray kept NU in front, 21-18, and the Huskers won a lengthy rally with a kill by Krause to take their biggest lead of the set, 22-18. Beason added two more kills - giving her eight for the set - to make it 24-20, and Krause finished it off at 25-21 with her fourth kill.

Set 2:&nbsp;A dump by Reilly and two kills by Murray sparked the Big Red to a 5-0 start. NU led 7-1, but K-State scored a 4-0 run to pull within 7-5. Beason and Allick ended the run with a block, and Krause hit off the block and down to make it 9-5 Huskers. Jackson had a solo block and a kill as the Huskers went up 13-9. Murray posted another kill, and Beason and Allick combined on a block that had NU back up by five, 15-10. Beason tacked on her 10th kill and teamed with Allick for another block, and the Huskers were back up by six, 17-11. Kansas State cut the lead in half with a 3-0 spurt, but Krause answered for the Big Red to start a 5-0 run that made it 22-14 Huskers. With Rodriguez serving, Jackson and Krause had kills during that stretch. The Huskers held on to win 25-15, holding K-State to -.121 hitting in the second set.

Set 3:&nbsp;Kansas State led throughout the early part of the set, going up 9-5 after back-to-back kills. Murray and Allick answered with kills to cut it to 9-7, but the Wildcats answered with a 3-0 run to build the lead to five, 12-7. Allick earned sideout with a kill, and Reilly served an ace before a block by Allick and Beason quickly trimmed the deficit to 12-10. The Wildcats then hit wide and called a timeout as the Huskers were suddenly within one, 12-11. NU evened the score at 13-13 after a pair of Wildcat errors and then took its first lead, 14-13, on a block by Allick and Krause. But K-State came right back with a 3-0 run to reclaim a 16-14 advantage. After a K-State service error, Krause killed a ball and Jackson sent an overpass down to the floor for a 17-16 Husker lead. A free ball led to another Krause kill and an 18-16 lead, and a K-State hitting error gave the Huskers a three-point edge, 19-16. The teams traded service errors before a kill by Murray made it 21-17 Huskers. Jackson put down back-to-back kills for a 23-18 Husker lead. Reilly and Jackson combined for a block for match point, and NU finished the job at 25-19 on Jackson's 10th kill.&nbsp;

Up Next:&nbsp;The Huskers return home to face Creighton on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on BTN.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team rolled on with its fifth straight sweep to start the season after a 25-21, 25-15, 25-19 win over Kansas State in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,044 at the new Morgan Family Arena.&nbsp;The Huskers (5-0) hit .277 and held Kansas State to .056 hitting for the match. Merritt Beason had 10 kills and six blocks to lead the Big Red. Eight of her kills came in the first set. Andi Jackson also had 10 kills and hit .750 to go with five blocks.&nbsp;Lindsay Krause added nine kills and four blocks, and Harper Murray had nine kills.&nbsp;The Huskers finished with 12 blocks in the match. Bekka Allick had a team-high seven.&nbsp;Bergen Reilly had 29 assists and 12 digs, and Lexi Rodriguez added 11 digs.&nbsp;Nebraska had 42 kills to 31 for Kansas State. The Huskers also had advantages in digs (46-36) and blocks (12-7).&nbsp;Aliyah Carter led Kansas State (4-1) with nine kills.&nbsp;Set 1:&nbsp;Kansas State took an 11-9 lead, but a kill by Krause and back-to-back blocks by Krause and Jackson put the Huskers up 12-11. Jackson and Beason then made it three blocks in a row for a 13-11 Husker lead. Jackson terminated and Beason served an ace to put NU up 15-12 at the media timeout. The Huskers led 17-14, but two kills by Carter and an ace by Izzi Szulczewski tied the score at 17-17. Beason recorded two kills in a row to put NU back up 19-17. A pair of kills by Murray kept NU in front, 21-18, and the Huskers won a lengthy rally with a kill by Krause to take their biggest lead of the set, 22-18. Beason added two more kills - giving her eight for the set - to make it 24-20, and Krause finished it off at 25-21 with her fourth kill.Set 2:&nbsp;A dump by Reilly and two kills by Murray sparked the Big Red to a 5-0 start. NU led 7-1, but K-State scored a 4-0 run to pull within 7-5. Beason and Allick ended the run with a block, and Krause hit off the block and down to make it 9-5 Huskers. Jackson had a solo block and a kill as the Huskers went up 13-9. Murray posted another kill, and Beason and Allick combined on a block that had NU back up by five, 15-10. Beason tacked on her 10th kill and teamed with Allick for another block, and the Huskers were back up by six, 17-11. Kansas State cut the lead in half with a 3-0 spurt, but Krause answered for the Big Red to start a 5-0 run that made it 22-14 Huskers. With Rodriguez serving, Jackson and Krause had kills during that stretch. The Huskers held on to win 25-15, holding K-State to -.121 hitting in the second set.Set 3:&nbsp;Kansas State led throughout the early part of the set, going up 9-5 after back-to-back kills. Murray and Allick answered with kills to cut it to 9-7, but the Wildcats answered with a 3-0 run to build the lead to five, 12-7. Allick earned sideout with a kill, and Reilly served an ace before a block by Allick and Beason quickly trimmed the deficit to 12-10. The Wildcats then hit wide and called a timeout as the Huskers were suddenly within one, 12-11. NU evened the score at 13-13 after a pair of Wildcat errors and then took its first lead, 14-13, on a block by Allick and Krause. But K-State came right back with a 3-0 run to reclaim a 16-14 advantage. After a K-State service error, Krause killed a ball and Jackson sent an overpass down to the floor for a 17-16 Husker lead. A free ball led to another Krause kill and an 18-16 lead, and a K-State hitting error gave the Huskers a three-point edge, 19-16. The teams traded service errors before a kill by Murray made it 21-17 Huskers. Jackson put down back-to-back kills for a 23-18 Husker lead. Reilly and Jackson combined for a block for match point, and NU finished the job at 25-19 on Jackson's 10th kill.&nbsp;Up Next:&nbsp;The Huskers return home to face Creighton on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on BTN.&nbsp;

Huskers sweep Kansas State on the road

Senior Eleanor Dale scored twice in the first half as the Nebraska soccer team recorded its second-straight shutout with the 4-0 victory over Kansas State on Sunday evening.

Today’s win marks the first time since 2000 that the Huskers are undefeated through the first six games of the season, and the 22 goals combined to start the season ties for the most since 2011.

Senior goalie Sami Hauk recorded six saves, as she combined with Cece Villa (one save) for the Huskers’ third shutout victory in six contests. With the win, NU improved to 5-0-1, while the Wildcats fell to 2-2-2.&nbsp;

The Big Red took control early against the Wildcats, as Dale, the Big Ten leader in goals, netted her seventh and eighth finishes of the season and third-straight game with a brace. In the 15th minute, junior Sarah Weber headed a cross from Jordan Zade, which was saved by the Kansas State goalie, rebounded by Dale and shot into the back of the net. Then in the 28th minute, Abbey Schwarz shot a pass across the pitch into the penalty box, which Dale met and sent past the diving Wildcat goalie for the score and the 2-0 advantage.

NU continued its strong offensive attack and tallied two more goals to take a commanding 4-0 lead into the break. In the 35th minute, Husker junior forward Maggie Altman came off the bench and netted her first career goal of a pass from Sadie Waite, marking her second career assist. Five minutes later, Weber headed a cross from Altman into the net for her second finish of the season and 18th career.

Both teams were scoreless in the second half, but the Huskers held the advantage in shots (13-6) and corners (8-1).

In all, the Huskers outshot the Wildcats (30-14), and led in shots on goal (11-7) and corners (11-2).

Up next, NU returns to action Thursday, Sept. 7, when the Huskers host UC Davis. Action is slated to begin at 7:05 p.m. CT and will air on BIG+.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior Eleanor Dale scored twice in the first half as the Nebraska soccer team recorded its second-straight shutout with the 4-0 victory over Kansas State on Sunday evening.Today’s win marks the first time since 2000 that the Huskers are undefeated through the first six games of the season, and the 22 goals combined to start the season ties for the most since 2011.Senior goalie Sami Hauk recorded six saves, as she combined with Cece Villa (one save) for the Huskers’ third shutout victory in six contests. With the win, NU improved to 5-0-1, while the Wildcats fell to 2-2-2.&nbsp;The Big Red took control early against the Wildcats, as Dale, the Big Ten leader in goals, netted her seventh and eighth finishes of the season and third-straight game with a brace. In the 15th minute, junior Sarah Weber headed a cross from Jordan Zade, which was saved by the Kansas State goalie, rebounded by Dale and shot into the back of the net. Then in the 28th minute, Abbey Schwarz shot a pass across the pitch into the penalty box, which Dale met and sent past the diving Wildcat goalie for the score and the 2-0 advantage.NU continued its strong offensive attack and tallied two more goals to take a commanding 4-0 lead into the break. In the 35th minute, Husker junior forward Maggie Altman came off the bench and netted her first career goal of a pass from Sadie Waite, marking her second career assist. Five minutes later, Weber headed a cross from Altman into the net for her second finish of the season and 18th career.Both teams were scoreless in the second half, but the Huskers held the advantage in shots (13-6) and corners (8-1).In all, the Huskers outshot the Wildcats (30-14), and led in shots on goal (11-7) and corners (11-2).Up next, NU returns to action Thursday, Sept. 7, when the Huskers host UC Davis. Action is slated to begin at 7:05 p.m. CT and will air on BIG+.

Dale scores twice as Huskers shut out Kansas State

Nebraska's defense provided an outstanding effort, but a 47-yard walk-off field goal by Minnesota's Dragan Kesich lifted the Golden Gophers to a 13-10 come-from-behind victory over the Huskers at Huntington Bank Stadium on Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.

Minnesota capitalized on a pair of Nebraska turnovers in the final five minutes after the Huskers built a 10-3 lead and the ball near midfield late in the fourth quarter after outscoring the Gophers 10-0 in the first 25 minutes of the second half.

Nebraska finished the night with 181 rushing yards and 114 passing yards, while holding the Gophers to just 55 on the ground and 196 through the air. The Huskers outgained Minnesota 295-261 on the night, but a 4-1&nbsp; turnover edge by the Gophers was enough to doom the Big Red.

Quarterback Jeff Sims finished the night 11-of-19 through the air for 114 yards, while adding a team-best 91 rushing yards on 19 carries. Gabe Ervin Jr. added 55 yards on seven carries, while Anthony Grant contributed nine carries for 27 yards.

Alex Bullock led the Husker receivers with three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown, while Marcus Washington added three catches for 31 yards.&nbsp;

Daishon Singleton and Omar Brown led a gritty Blackshirt defensive effort with seven tackles apiece, while Brown added an interception. Nash Hutmacher, Blaise Gunnerson and Luke Reimer all contributed sacks for the Husker defense to just 251 yards on 69 offensive plays.

The decisive turnover came with less than one minute left and Nebraska moving the ball in hopes of a walk-off score of its own. A Sims pass over the middle intended for Nate Boerkircher was intercepted by Minnesota's Tyler Nuben - his second of the game - at the Gopher 35 with 58 seconds remaining.

Minnesota then moved the ball quickly to the Nebraska 35, hoping to push the ball a few yards closer for the strong leg of Kesich. But the Gophers were flagged for a false start to set up 3rd-and-13 at NU 40 with 17 seconds left. The Gophers overcame the mistake with an 11-yard run by Sean Tyler to set up Kesich's 47-yard field goal as time expired. Tyler finished with 10 carries for 41 yards to lead to the Minnesota running game.

The whole exchange may have been impossible had the Big Red not suffered a lost fumble from Anthony Grant with 4:53 left that was forced by Justin Walley and recovered Aidan Gousby at the Minnesota 47.

Just over two minutes later, quarterback Aithan Kaliakmanos kept Minnesota's hopes alive by connecting with Daniel Jackson on a spectacular 13-yard touchdown on the left side of the end zone to convert on 4th-and-10 with 2:32 remaining in the game. Kesich's PAT tied the score at 10.&nbsp;

Kaliakmanos finished the night 24-of-44 passing for 196 yards with one touchdown and one interception while being sacked three times. Jackson led the Gopher receivers with nine receptions for 68 yards while Corey Crooms added seven receptions for 63 yards.

In a low-scoring Big Ten slugfest, Nebraska scored its first touchdown of the season on back-to-back huge plays to open the second half.

Rahmir Johnson electrified the thousands of Nebraska fans who followed the Big Red on the road to Minneapolis on with a 63-yard kickoff return to start the half after going to halftime trailing 3-0.

On the first play from scrimmage following Johnson's return, Sims pitched the ball to the right to Grant, who threw a lateral back to Sims in the left flat that bounded to the turf. Sims gave chase, gathered the ball and then threw deep for a 34-yard touchdown to an uncovered Alex Bullock standing alone in the end zone.

Freshman place-kicker Tristan Alvano then connected on the first PAT of his career to give Nebraska a 7-3 lead less than 20 seconds into the third quarter.

Nebraska's defense continued to play lights out for the rest of the quarter, including a crucial interception by cornerback Omar Brown late in the period after the Golden Gophers threatened the Husker red zone.

The Big Red moved the ball effectively late in the period and took the 7-3 edge to fourth quarter after penetrating the Minnesota red zone.

The Huskers pushed inside the Gopher 5, but could not punch it in the end zone. Alvano came on to boot the first field goal of his career, connecting from 27 yards with 12:42 left to extend NU's edge to 10-3.

The Husker defense continued to out-physical the Minnesota offense for the next 10-plus minutes until the turnovers came back to cost the Cornhuskers.&nbsp;

In a low-scoring first half, Minnesota's offensive was able to maintain possession by converting on repeated 3rd-and-long situations. But the Blackshirt defense limited the damage by surrendering just a 34-yard, second-quarter field goal to Kesich with 12:41 remaining the first half.

After Kesich missed a second field goal attempt for the Gophers from 54 yards out with 3:34 left in the second quarter, Sims march Nebraska down to the goal line. In fact, the Huskers appeared to have a go-ahead touchdown from Gabe Ervin Jr. on a 1st-and-Goal blast from the Minnesota 4, but Ervin was ruled short of the goal line. Upon review, it appeared that the nose of the ball cross the front of the goal line before Ervin's right elbow hit the ground, but the call on the field stood.

The review after Nebraska quickly gathered to try and pound the ball into the end zone on 2nd-and-Goal in the closing seconds before time expired, but the Huskers were flagged for a false start to move the ball back to the 6.&nbsp; After a Nebraska timeout to avoid a 10-second runoff, a Sims pass was intercepted by Nuben in the end zone.

Nebraska missed a golden opportunity to take a lead to the halftime when a short Sims pass was intercepted in the end zone.&nbsp;

The Huskers return to road action next Saturday when they travel Colorado to take on the Buffaloes. Kick-off at Folsom Field is set for 11 a.m. (CT) with live national television coverage on FOX.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska's defense provided an outstanding effort, but a 47-yard walk-off field goal by Minnesota's Dragan Kesich lifted the Golden Gophers to a 13-10 come-from-behind victory over the Huskers at Huntington Bank Stadium on Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.Minnesota capitalized on a pair of Nebraska turnovers in the final five minutes after the Huskers built a 10-3 lead and the ball near midfield late in the fourth quarter after outscoring the Gophers 10-0 in the first 25 minutes of the second half.Nebraska finished the night with 181 rushing yards and 114 passing yards, while holding the Gophers to just 55 on the ground and 196 through the air. The Huskers outgained Minnesota 295-261 on the night, but a 4-1&nbsp; turnover edge by the Gophers was enough to doom the Big Red.Quarterback Jeff Sims finished the night 11-of-19 through the air for 114 yards, while adding a team-best 91 rushing yards on 19 carries. Gabe Ervin Jr. added 55 yards on seven carries, while Anthony Grant contributed nine carries for 27 yards.Alex Bullock led the Husker receivers with three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown, while Marcus Washington added three catches for 31 yards.&nbsp;Daishon Singleton and Omar Brown led a gritty Blackshirt defensive effort with seven tackles apiece, while Brown added an interception. Nash Hutmacher, Blaise Gunnerson and Luke Reimer all contributed sacks for the Husker defense to just 251 yards on 69 offensive plays.The decisive turnover came with less than one minute left and Nebraska moving the ball in hopes of a walk-off score of its own. A Sims pass over the middle intended for Nate Boerkircher was intercepted by Minnesota's Tyler Nuben - his second of the game - at the Gopher 35 with 58 seconds remaining.Minnesota then moved the ball quickly to the Nebraska 35, hoping to push the ball a few yards closer for the strong leg of Kesich. But the Gophers were flagged for a false start to set up 3rd-and-13 at NU 40 with 17 seconds left. The Gophers overcame the mistake with an 11-yard run by Sean Tyler to set up Kesich's 47-yard field goal as time expired. Tyler finished with 10 carries for 41 yards to lead to the Minnesota running game.The whole exchange may have been impossible had the Big Red not suffered a lost fumble from Anthony Grant with 4:53 left that was forced by Justin Walley and recovered Aidan Gousby at the Minnesota 47.Just over two minutes later, quarterback Aithan Kaliakmanos kept Minnesota's hopes alive by connecting with Daniel Jackson on a spectacular 13-yard touchdown on the left side of the end zone to convert on 4th-and-10 with 2:32 remaining in the game. Kesich's PAT tied the score at 10.&nbsp;Kaliakmanos finished the night 24-of-44 passing for 196 yards with one touchdown and one interception while being sacked three times. Jackson led the Gopher receivers with nine receptions for 68 yards while Corey Crooms added seven receptions for 63 yards.In a low-scoring Big Ten slugfest, Nebraska scored its first touchdown of the season on back-to-back huge plays to open the second half.Rahmir Johnson electrified the thousands of Nebraska fans who followed the Big Red on the road to Minneapolis on with a 63-yard kickoff return to start the half after going to halftime trailing 3-0.On the first play from scrimmage following Johnson's return, Sims pitched the ball to the right to Grant, who threw a lateral back to Sims in the left flat that bounded to the turf. Sims gave chase, gathered the ball and then threw deep for a 34-yard touchdown to an uncovered Alex Bullock standing alone in the end zone.Freshman place-kicker Tristan Alvano then connected on the first PAT of his career to give Nebraska a 7-3 lead less than 20 seconds into the third quarter.Nebraska's defense continued to play lights out for the rest of the quarter, including a crucial interception by cornerback Omar Brown late in the period after the Golden Gophers threatened the Husker red zone.The Big Red moved the ball effectively late in the period and took the 7-3 edge to fourth quarter after penetrating the Minnesota red zone.The Huskers pushed inside the Gopher 5, but could not punch it in the end zone. Alvano came on to boot the first field goal of his career, connecting from 27 yards with 12:42 left to extend NU's edge to 10-3.The Husker defense continued to out-physical the Minnesota offense for the next 10-plus minutes until the turnovers came back to cost the Cornhuskers.&nbsp;In a low-scoring first half, Minnesota's offensive was able to maintain possession by converting on repeated 3rd-and-long situations. But the Blackshirt defense limited the damage by surrendering just a 34-yard, second-quarter field goal to Kesich with 12:41 remaining the first half.After Kesich missed a second field goal attempt for the Gophers from 54 yards out with 3:34 left in the second quarter, Sims march Nebraska down to the goal line. In fact, the Huskers appeared to have a go-ahead touchdown from Gabe Ervin Jr. on a 1st-and-Goal blast from the Minnesota 4, but Ervin was ruled short of the goal line. Upon review, it appeared that the nose of the ball cross the front of the goal line before Ervin's right elbow hit the ground, but the call on the field stood.The review after Nebraska quickly gathered to try and pound the ball into the end zone on 2nd-and-Goal in the closing seconds before time expired, but the Huskers were flagged for a false start to move the ball back to the 6.&nbsp; After a Nebraska timeout to avoid a 10-second runoff, a Sims pass was intercepted by Nuben in the end zone.Nebraska missed a golden opportunity to take a lead to the halftime when a short Sims pass was intercepted in the end zone.&nbsp;The Huskers return to road action next Saturday when they travel Colorado to take on the Buffaloes. Kick-off at Folsom Field is set for 11 a.m. (CT) with live national television coverage on FOX.

Huskers fall as time expires to Minnesota 

The Central Oklahoma&nbsp;Bronchos&nbsp;ran 29 more offensive plays, had a 54-yard pick six and used a last-minute roughing the punter penalty to hold off Nebraska-Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&amp;id=7439" target="_blank">24-21</a>, Thursday night in Edmond.This was the season-opener for both squads with UCO stopping a two-game losing streak to UNK. They now lead the all-times series by a 7-5 margin."Obviously we're disappointed. There are three or four plays in the game – which is every game – that you look back at," said head coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;in his UNK debut. "I think we'll be in a lot of these kind of games this year. And I've been through a lot of these games the last three, four years. Just got to find a way to get it done."The&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;were hoping to end the game the way they started. Thanks to a roughing the quarterback flag,&nbsp;UNK's&nbsp;opening drive stayed alive and&nbsp;TJ Davis&nbsp;(Colorado Springs) guided the offense on a 12-play, 75-yard march. A 29-yard pitch-and-catch to junior receiver&nbsp;Cole Brown&nbsp;(Dallas, Ga.) made it 7-0 halfway through the first quarter.&nbsp;

However, that was the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;last lead of the night as UCO played keep away, converting 8 of 20 third downs and 3 of 4 fourth downs to have a 17-minute time of possession advantage. Finishing with a 417-273 yard advantage, the 'Chos led 17-7 at the half and 24-14 halfway through the fourth. &nbsp;"We knew that's exactly what they were going to do (run the ball). They would try and "ugly" the game and milk it. But, as crazy as it all was, we still had a chance to win in the end and that's all you can ask," said Held.Midway through the fourth, the Loper defense stuffed UCO on 4th &amp; 1 from the four-yard line. While the next offensive possession didn't yield points, an eight-yard sack from end&nbsp;Delonte Dickey&nbsp;(Greenwood Village, Colo.) kept hope alive. This time the offense responded as Davis hit junior receiver&nbsp;Zorian Stanton&nbsp;(Jacksonville) from 26 yards out to make it 24-21 with less than three minutes left. On the play, Standon busted several tackles to reach the end zone."We didn't get many possessions but once we got going, TJ was feeling comfortable in the offense. Some of those short yard plays (3rd &amp; 1, 4th &amp; 1) … we should've got those. We've got to get more possessions, we've got be more efficient on third down and we've got to run the ball better," said Held. &nbsp;UNK stopped QB Stephon Brown on 3rd &amp; 4 with less than three minutes left and it looked like Davis &amp; Co. would get a shot to tie or win the game. However, the Blue &amp; Gold was called for roughing punter David Vargas."I made the call to go for the punt block at the end. I have to own that … we almost blocked it the (punt) before. I felt like if we could just go after him, sometimes a punter can get lackadaisical," said Held. "I went after it and now I've got to kick myself in the shorts for that one because I took the ball out of the best player in the country hands and we didn't get a chance at the end."The ball also didn't bounce the Lopers way when it was 24-14 late in the third. UCO rolled the dice and went for it on 4th &amp; 1 from its own 31-yard line. Both teams were subbing players in and out quickly with a run into a pile not only going for no gain but also a fumble recovery by the Lopers. However, UNK was dinged for having 12 men on the field.

​To make it 24-14, sophomore defensive back JK Moore stepped in front of a ball thrown to the far sidelines and returned it 54-yards for a two-score lead and a momentum change. UNK started the second half strong on both sides of the ball, getting a nifty four-yard run from Davis to make it 17-14 five minutes into the third.Brown, formerly of TCU, finished 13 of 24 for 170 yards and a score while rushing 13 times for 50 yards. Backs Trevon Woolfolk (12 carries, 101 yards, one TD) and Payton Scott (11 carries, 41 yards) powered the ground game with tight end Oscar Hammond at seven catches for 95 yards and a TD.UNK saw Davis go 16 of 23 for 185 yards, those two TD's and one INT. He also rushed 11 times for a team-best 61 yards. The new look receiving corps was paced by Brown (three receptions, 84 yards), Maryland junior&nbsp;Reggie Anderson&nbsp;(four receptions, 36 yards) and Lincoln grad student&nbsp;Severyn Foster&nbsp;(three receptions, 19 yards).The defense settled in and allowed no points after the break. All-MIAA safety&nbsp;Tre O'Guinn&nbsp;(Peoria, Ariz.) had a team-best 10 tackles (six solo), Mullen super senior&nbsp;Tell Spies&nbsp;was at nine stops (four solo) with junior newcomer and linebacker&nbsp;Joko Willis&nbsp;(LaGrange, Ga.) recording eight tackles (1.5 TFL's). Finally, All-American punter&nbsp;Hunter Kraus&nbsp;(Taylor) had a 43.8 average over four attempts with two boots of at least 50 yards."There's a lot of positives to look at in this game," said Held. "But at the end of the day we didn't get it done."UNK hosts Northeastern State on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium/Foster Field. NSU hosted Fort Hays State tonight and lost, 56-0.

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsThe Central Oklahoma&nbsp;Bronchos&nbsp;ran 29 more offensive plays, had a 54-yard pick six and used a last-minute roughing the punter penalty to hold off Nebraska-Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&amp;id=7439" target="_blank">24-21</a>, Thursday night in Edmond.This was the season-opener for both squads with UCO stopping a two-game losing streak to UNK. They now lead the all-times series by a 7-5 margin."Obviously we're disappointed. There are three or four plays in the game – which is every game – that you look back at," said head coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;in his UNK debut. "I think we'll be in a lot of these kind of games this year. And I've been through a lot of these games the last three, four years. Just got to find a way to get it done."The&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;were hoping to end the game the way they started. Thanks to a roughing the quarterback flag,&nbsp;UNK's&nbsp;opening drive stayed alive and&nbsp;TJ Davis&nbsp;(Colorado Springs) guided the offense on a 12-play, 75-yard march. A 29-yard pitch-and-catch to junior receiver&nbsp;Cole Brown&nbsp;(Dallas, Ga.) made it 7-0 halfway through the first quarter.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693579761660.jpeg" alt="Quillan Felton" />
 <figcaption>Quillan Felton</figcaption>
 </figure>However, that was the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;last lead of the night as UCO played keep away, converting 8 of 20 third downs and 3 of 4 fourth downs to have a 17-minute time of possession advantage. Finishing with a 417-273 yard advantage, the 'Chos led 17-7 at the half and 24-14 halfway through the fourth. &nbsp;"We knew that's exactly what they were going to do (run the ball). They would try and "ugly" the game and milk it. But, as crazy as it all was, we still had a chance to win in the end and that's all you can ask," said Held.Midway through the fourth, the Loper defense stuffed UCO on 4th &amp; 1 from the four-yard line. While the next offensive possession didn't yield points, an eight-yard sack from end&nbsp;Delonte Dickey&nbsp;(Greenwood Village, Colo.) kept hope alive. This time the offense responded as Davis hit junior receiver&nbsp;Zorian Stanton&nbsp;(Jacksonville) from 26 yards out to make it 24-21 with less than three minutes left. On the play, Standon busted several tackles to reach the end zone."We didn't get many possessions but once we got going, TJ was feeling comfortable in the offense. Some of those short yard plays (3rd &amp; 1, 4th &amp; 1) … we should've got those. We've got to get more possessions, we've got be more efficient on third down and we've got to run the ball better," said Held. &nbsp;UNK stopped QB Stephon Brown on 3rd &amp; 4 with less than three minutes left and it looked like Davis &amp; Co. would get a shot to tie or win the game. However, the Blue &amp; Gold was called for roughing punter David Vargas."I made the call to go for the punt block at the end. I have to own that … we almost blocked it the (punt) before. I felt like if we could just go after him, sometimes a punter can get lackadaisical," said Held. "I went after it and now I've got to kick myself in the shorts for that one because I took the ball out of the best player in the country hands and we didn't get a chance at the end."The ball also didn't bounce the Lopers way when it was 24-14 late in the third. UCO rolled the dice and went for it on 4th &amp; 1 from its own 31-yard line. Both teams were subbing players in and out quickly with a run into a pile not only going for no gain but also a fumble recovery by the Lopers. However, UNK was dinged for having 12 men on the field.​To make it 24-14, sophomore defensive back JK Moore stepped in front of a ball thrown to the far sidelines and returned it 54-yards for a two-score lead and a momentum change. UNK started the second half strong on both sides of the ball, getting a nifty four-yard run from Davis to make it 17-14 five minutes into the third.Brown, formerly of TCU, finished 13 of 24 for 170 yards and a score while rushing 13 times for 50 yards. Backs Trevon Woolfolk (12 carries, 101 yards, one TD) and Payton Scott (11 carries, 41 yards) powered the ground game with tight end Oscar Hammond at seven catches for 95 yards and a TD.UNK saw Davis go 16 of 23 for 185 yards, those two TD's and one INT. He also rushed 11 times for a team-best 61 yards. The new look receiving corps was paced by Brown (three receptions, 84 yards), Maryland junior&nbsp;Reggie Anderson&nbsp;(four receptions, 36 yards) and Lincoln grad student&nbsp;Severyn Foster&nbsp;(three receptions, 19 yards).The defense settled in and allowed no points after the break. All-MIAA safety&nbsp;Tre O'Guinn&nbsp;(Peoria, Ariz.) had a team-best 10 tackles (six solo), Mullen super senior&nbsp;Tell Spies&nbsp;was at nine stops (four solo) with junior newcomer and linebacker&nbsp;Joko Willis&nbsp;(LaGrange, Ga.) recording eight tackles (1.5 TFL's). Finally, All-American punter&nbsp;Hunter Kraus&nbsp;(Taylor) had a 43.8 average over four attempts with two boots of at least 50 yards."There's a lot of positives to look at in this game," said Held. "But at the end of the day we didn't get it done."UNK hosts Northeastern State on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium/Foster Field. NSU hosted Fort Hays State tonight and lost, 56-0.

UNK falls to Central Oklahoma to start the season

Football - Scottsbluff Bearcats Vs. NPHS Bulldogs

Senior forward Eleanor Dale scored her second brace of the season to help the Nebraska soccer team top Missouri, 5-0, at Hibner Stadium on Thursday night.

The Huskers’ (4-0-1) combined 18 goals through the first five matches of the season is the most since also scoring 18 in 2011. Additionally, this is the second time this season NU has netted four or more goals in the second half.

Dale started the scoring for the Huskers as she tallied the lone goal in the first half for both teams. In the 19th minute, Dale continued her impressive senior showing as she recorded her fifth goal of the season and third-straight game with a finish. Dale gathered the ball from a top the penalty box and punched the ball into the top left corner of the net for the game-winner.

After the break, junior Florence Belzile netted her second goal of the season off the assist from Abbey Schwarz in the 49th minute. Then, in the 53rd minute, Dale scored her second goal of the game and sixth in 2023 off the assist from defender Jordan Zade, her fourth assist of the season.

In the 74th minute, senior defender Nicola Hauk recorded her third finish of the season and third-straight game with a score. Sophomore Sadie Waite shot a pass into the penalty box which was headed by Hauk into the back of the net.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To secure the 5-0 victory over Missouri (2-1-1), freshman Kayma Carpenter recorded her first career goal in the 81st minute as she dribbled through the defense and scored past the diving Missouri goalie.

Overall, the Husker offense topped Missouri in shots 14-5 and 11-1 in shots on goal.

In the goal, senior Sami Hauk and Cece Villa combined for the Huskers’ second shutout of the season.

Up next, the Huskers travel to Manhattan, Kan., to face Kansas State on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. (CT). Action will be aired on ESPN+.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior forward Eleanor Dale scored her second brace of the season to help the Nebraska soccer team top Missouri, 5-0, at Hibner Stadium on Thursday night.The Huskers’ (4-0-1) combined 18 goals through the first five matches of the season is the most since also scoring 18 in 2011. Additionally, this is the second time this season NU has netted four or more goals in the second half.Dale started the scoring for the Huskers as she tallied the lone goal in the first half for both teams. In the 19th minute, Dale continued her impressive senior showing as she recorded her fifth goal of the season and third-straight game with a finish. Dale gathered the ball from a top the penalty box and punched the ball into the top left corner of the net for the game-winner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693570315731.jpeg" alt="Lauryn Anglim" />
 <figcaption>Lauryn Anglim</figcaption>
 </figure>After the break, junior Florence Belzile netted her second goal of the season off the assist from Abbey Schwarz in the 49th minute. Then, in the 53rd minute, Dale scored her second goal of the game and sixth in 2023 off the assist from defender Jordan Zade, her fourth assist of the season.In the 74th minute, senior defender Nicola Hauk recorded her third finish of the season and third-straight game with a score. Sophomore Sadie Waite shot a pass into the penalty box which was headed by Hauk into the back of the net.&nbsp;&nbsp;To secure the 5-0 victory over Missouri (2-1-1), freshman Kayma Carpenter recorded her first career goal in the 81st minute as she dribbled through the defense and scored past the diving Missouri goalie.Overall, the Husker offense topped Missouri in shots 14-5 and 11-1 in shots on goal.In the goal, senior Sami Hauk and Cece Villa combined for the Huskers’ second shutout of the season.Up next, the Huskers travel to Manhattan, Kan., to face Kansas State on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. (CT). Action will be aired on ESPN+.

Huskers shut out Tigers, 5-0

The Nebraska volleyball team delighted a crowd of more than 92,000 by never trailing during a 3-0 sweep of Omaha on Wednesday night in an outdoor match at Memorial Stadium.

While Nebraska (4-0) was dominant in its fourth straight sweep to start the season, it was Husker Nation who stole the show on Volleyball Day in Nebraska. The announced crowd of 92,003 surpassed the previous world record crowd for a women’s sporting event of 91,648 fans for a 2022 soccer match between Barcelona and Wolfsburg. Nebraska also drew the largest crowd in the 100-year history of Memorial Stadium for Wednesday’s match.

In a day of celebration for Nebraska’s affinity for the sport, the Huskers’ dominant performance was yet another reason why There is No Place Like Nebraska when it comes to volleyball.

Nebraska won all three sets by double digits in its 25-14, 25-14, 25-13 sweep. The Huskers hit .263 for the match while holding Omaha (0-3) to a -.080 attack percentage. Nebraska’s defense limited the Mavericks to only 18 kills on 88 attacks. The Huskers recorded seven blocks while forcing Omaha into 25 attack errors.

Seven Huskers had multiple kills on the historic night. Andi Jackson led the way with eight kills on 12 swings, while Harper Murray put down six kills on 15 swings. Lindsay Krause added five kills on 13 swings. Bergen Reilly had 19 assists, seven digs and three kills while Merritt Beason had eight digs, four blocks and a pair of aces to go along with three kills. Lexi Rodriguez added 15 digs and three service aces.

Set One:&nbsp;Nebraska used a 6-0 run to break an early tie and grab a 10-4 lead. Murray and Krause contributed to the lead by combining for six kills on seven swings. The teams traded sideouts until a Murray ace forced Omaha to call its second timeout with the Huskers on top 15-8. Nebraska then went on a 6-1 spurt to take a 23-10 lead en route to a 25-14 win. Nebraska hit .286 in the opening set while limiting Omaha to a .034 mark. Nebraska’s freshmen combined for seven of the Huskers’ 11 kills in set one – on only 15 swings – while Krause added the other four kills on just seven swings. NU also had three service aces and Rodriguez recorded five digs.

Set Two:&nbsp;Set two was similar to set one, as it was tied early until Nebraska won six straight rallies to take a 10-4 lead and force an Omaha timeout. The Huskers won four of the six rallies after the timeout before the Mavericks called another timeout at 14-6. Nebraska’s lead quickly grew to double digits, and the Huskers closed out a 25-14 on Jackson’s fourth kill of the set and seventh of the match (on 10 swings). NU hit .229 in the second set but the Husker defense limited Omaha to a -.048 attack percentage, as the Mavericks had only six kills on 42 swings with eight errors, including three Nebraska blocks.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska volleyball team delighted a crowd of more than 92,000 by never trailing during a 3-0 sweep of Omaha on Wednesday night in an outdoor match at Memorial Stadium.While Nebraska (4-0) was dominant in its fourth straight sweep to start the season, it was Husker Nation who stole the show on Volleyball Day in Nebraska. The announced crowd of 92,003 surpassed the previous world record crowd for a women’s sporting event of 91,648 fans for a 2022 soccer match between Barcelona and Wolfsburg. Nebraska also drew the largest crowd in the 100-year history of Memorial Stadium for Wednesday’s match.In a day of celebration for Nebraska’s affinity for the sport, the Huskers’ dominant performance was yet another reason why There is No Place Like Nebraska when it comes to volleyball.Nebraska won all three sets by double digits in its 25-14, 25-14, 25-13 sweep. The Huskers hit .263 for the match while holding Omaha (0-3) to a -.080 attack percentage. Nebraska’s defense limited the Mavericks to only 18 kills on 88 attacks. The Huskers recorded seven blocks while forcing Omaha into 25 attack errors.Seven Huskers had multiple kills on the historic night. Andi Jackson led the way with eight kills on 12 swings, while Harper Murray put down six kills on 15 swings. Lindsay Krause added five kills on 13 swings. Bergen Reilly had 19 assists, seven digs and three kills while Merritt Beason had eight digs, four blocks and a pair of aces to go along with three kills. Lexi Rodriguez added 15 digs and three service aces.Set One:&nbsp;Nebraska used a 6-0 run to break an early tie and grab a 10-4 lead. Murray and Krause contributed to the lead by combining for six kills on seven swings. The teams traded sideouts until a Murray ace forced Omaha to call its second timeout with the Huskers on top 15-8. Nebraska then went on a 6-1 spurt to take a 23-10 lead en route to a 25-14 win. Nebraska hit .286 in the opening set while limiting Omaha to a .034 mark. Nebraska’s freshmen combined for seven of the Huskers’ 11 kills in set one – on only 15 swings – while Krause added the other four kills on just seven swings. NU also had three service aces and Rodriguez recorded five digs.Set Two:&nbsp;Set two was similar to set one, as it was tied early until Nebraska won six straight rallies to take a 10-4 lead and force an Omaha timeout. The Huskers won four of the six rallies after the timeout before the Mavericks called another timeout at 14-6. Nebraska’s lead quickly grew to double digits, and the Huskers closed out a 25-14 on Jackson’s fourth kill of the set and seventh of the match (on 10 swings). NU hit .229 in the second set but the Husker defense limited Omaha to a -.048 attack percentage, as the Mavericks had only six kills on 42 swings with eight errors, including three Nebraska blocks.Set Three:&nbsp;Nebraska led 5-2 early in set three before Omaha quickly cut the lead to one. But the Huskers answered with a 5-0 run to take a 12-6 lead, as the Mavericks called a timeout. UNO pulled to within four at 15-11 before Nebraska won nine of the final 11 rallies to close out the match with a 25-13 win on a Maggie Mendelson kill.&nbsp;Up Next:&nbsp;Nebraska plays its first road match of the season on Sunday, when the Huskers travel to Manhattan, Kansas, to take on the Kansas State Wildcats. First serve is set for 4 p.m. and the match will be streamed on ESPN+ with radio coverage provided by the Huskers Radio Network.