The No. 2 Nebraska volleyball team swept Texas A&amp;M Corpus-Christi 25-9, 25-20, 25-15 in its home opener at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Friday night in front of a crowd of 8,956.

NU (2-0) outhit the Islanders (0-1) .427 to .143 in the match. It was the best hitting percentage by the Huskers since Oct. 1, 2021 (.457 vs. Michigan).&nbsp;

The Huskers had a 48-30 advantage in kills, 48-33 in digs and 7.5 to 2 in blocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lindsay Krause led Nebraska with 13 kills on a .478 hitting percentage, while Andi Jackson added seven kills. Rebekah Allick and Merritt Beason each posted six kills, and Taylor Landfair and Harper Murray notched five apiece.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly set the tone for the Huskers with 36 assists, 10 digs, four kills, three blocks and five service aces. All five of Reilly's aces came in the first set, and she started the Huskers off on a 10-0 run to begin the match.&nbsp;

Lexi Rodriguez added nine digs, while Murray had seven. Reilly, Krause and Leyla Blackwell tied for the team lead with three blocks.

Tori Arrington and Kyndal Payne led the Islanders, each with seven kills.

Set 1:&nbsp;The Huskers jumped out to a 10-0 lead to start the match behind three aces from Reilly and three kills each from Krause and Allick. After the Islanders got on the board, Allick and Beason answered with three kills to make it 13-1. Murray put down a pair of kills to give the Huskers a 17-7 lead, and after the Islanders cut it to 19-9, NU went on a 6-0 run to end the set and win 25-9. Reilly served two more aces down the stretch, and Krause finished the set with a pair of kills. Reilly served five aces in the set, and the Huskers hit .433 with 15 kills on 30 swings.

Set 2: The second set started more evenly. Nebraska led 12-11 before going on a 4-0 run to take control, keyed by an ace by Rodriguez and two straight kills by Jackson. A kill apiece from Krause and Beason put the Big Red ahead 20-15. The Islanders kept it close and pulled to within three at 23-20 behind a Payne kill, but a Jackson kill and Reilly/Jackson block closed out the 25-20 set victory for the Huskers.

Set 3: A&amp;M Corpus Christi took a 4-1 lead to start the set, but Rodriguez served seven straight and Landfair notched two kills to help put NU ahead 8-4. Krause posted her 10th and 11th kills of the match and Blackwell registered her first as a Husker to give the Huskers the 15-8 lead heading into the media break. Reilly and Blackwell combined for two blocks to keep Nebraska’s momentum and make the score 18-8. The Big Red never relinquished its lead and took the set 25-15, and the match, 3-0. NU hit .517 in the third set.

Up Next: Nebraska will take on TCU in its final match of the Ameritas Players Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The match will be streamed on B1G+ and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network.

The No. 2 Nebraska volleyball team swept Texas A&amp;M Corpus-Christi 25-9, 25-20, 25-15 in its home opener at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Friday night in front of a crowd of 8,956.NU (2-0) outhit the Islanders (0-1) .427 to .143 in the match. It was the best hitting percentage by the Huskers since Oct. 1, 2021 (.457 vs. Michigan).&nbsp;The Huskers had a 48-30 advantage in kills, 48-33 in digs and 7.5 to 2 in blocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725109600426.jpeg" alt="Courtesty Photo: Nebraska Athletics - Lindsay Krause led Nebraska with 13 kills on a .478 hitting percentage against&nbsp; exas A&amp;M Corpus-Christi" />
 <figcaption>Courtesty Photo: Nebraska Athletics - Lindsay Krause led Nebraska with 13 kills on a .478 hitting percentage against&nbsp; exas A&amp;M Corpus-Christi</figcaption>
 </figure>Lindsay Krause led Nebraska with 13 kills on a .478 hitting percentage, while Andi Jackson added seven kills. Rebekah Allick and Merritt Beason each posted six kills, and Taylor Landfair and Harper Murray notched five apiece.&nbsp;Bergen Reilly set the tone for the Huskers with 36 assists, 10 digs, four kills, three blocks and five service aces. All five of Reilly's aces came in the first set, and she started the Huskers off on a 10-0 run to begin the match.&nbsp;Lexi Rodriguez added nine digs, while Murray had seven. Reilly, Krause and Leyla Blackwell tied for the team lead with three blocks.Tori Arrington and Kyndal Payne led the Islanders, each with seven kills.Set 1:&nbsp;The Huskers jumped out to a 10-0 lead to start the match behind three aces from Reilly and three kills each from Krause and Allick. After the Islanders got on the board, Allick and Beason answered with three kills to make it 13-1. Murray put down a pair of kills to give the Huskers a 17-7 lead, and after the Islanders cut it to 19-9, NU went on a 6-0 run to end the set and win 25-9. Reilly served two more aces down the stretch, and Krause finished the set with a pair of kills. Reilly served five aces in the set, and the Huskers hit .433 with 15 kills on 30 swings.Set 2: The second set started more evenly. Nebraska led 12-11 before going on a 4-0 run to take control, keyed by an ace by Rodriguez and two straight kills by Jackson. A kill apiece from Krause and Beason put the Big Red ahead 20-15. The Islanders kept it close and pulled to within three at 23-20 behind a Payne kill, but a Jackson kill and Reilly/Jackson block closed out the 25-20 set victory for the Huskers.Set 3: A&amp;M Corpus Christi took a 4-1 lead to start the set, but Rodriguez served seven straight and Landfair notched two kills to help put NU ahead 8-4. Krause posted her 10th and 11th kills of the match and Blackwell registered her first as a Husker to give the Huskers the 15-8 lead heading into the media break. Reilly and Blackwell combined for two blocks to keep Nebraska’s momentum and make the score 18-8. The Big Red never relinquished its lead and took the set 25-15, and the match, 3-0. NU hit .517 in the third set.Up Next: Nebraska will take on TCU in its final match of the Ameritas Players Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The match will be streamed on B1G+ and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network.

Strong Start Propels Husker Volleyball Past Texas A&M Corpus-Christi Friday

Aquinas Catholic 7 @ Scotus Central Catholic 14

Bancroft-Rosalie 34 @ TCNE (Tri County Northeast) 20

Bridgeport 8 @ North Platte St. Patrick's 21

Columbus Lakeview 41 @ Omaha Gross Catholic 21

Douglas County West 3 @ Ashland-Greenwood 7

Falls City Sacred Heart 8 vs Lourdes Central Catholic 60

Hastings St. Cecilia 13 vs Grand Island Central Catholic 41

High Plains Community 50 @ Nebraska Christian 14

Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer 14 @ Southern 62

Laurel-Concord-Coleridge 12 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic 39

Lincoln Lutheran 14 vs Lincoln Christian 28

Lincoln North Star 7 @ Lincoln Southwest 6

Lutheran High Northeast 35 @ Wisner-Pilger 52

Omaha Concordia 26 vs Omaha Brownell Talbot 6

Papillion-LaVista South 24 @ Papillion-LaVista 29

Perkins County 16 @ Dundy County Stratton 20

<h2>Friday, August 30, 2024</h2>Ainsworth 34 @ Hartington-Newcastle 54Alliance 28 vs Gordon-Rushville 15Alma 14 vs Ravenna 60Amherst 17 @ Doniphan-Trumbull 20Aquinas Catholic 7 @ Scotus Central Catholic 14Archangels Catholic 54 @ Winside 8Arlington 0 vs Fort Calhoun 13Arthur County 71 vs Wallace 20Aurora 28 vs Pierce 41Bancroft-Rosalie 34 @ TCNE (Tri County Northeast) 20Bayard 38 vs Morrill 32BDS 38 vs Elmwood-Murdock 6Beatrice 6 vs McCook 56Bellevue East 7 vs Fremont 49Bellevue West 28 @ Omaha Central 27Bennington vs WaverlyBertrand 34 vs Kenesaw 40Blair 56 vs Lincoln Standing Bear 12Boone Central 14 vs Cedar Catholic 0Boys Town @ Wilber-ClatoniaBridgeport 8 @ North Platte St. Patrick's 21Cambridge 14 vs Arapahoe 44Centennial 22 @ David City 64Central Valley 50 vs Riverside 42Chadron 28 vs Broken Bow 8Chase County 33 vs Yuma, CO 6Cody-Kilgore 20 vs Stuart 46Columbus Lakeview 41 @ Omaha Gross Catholic 21Conestoga 14 vs Archbishop Bergan 41Creighton 58 vs Niobrara/Verdigre 16Cross County 0 @ Battle Creek 41CWC 46 @ Randolph 28Deshler 8 @ Osceola 22Dorchester @ SterlingDouglas County West 3 @ Ashland-Greenwood 7Elgin Public/Pope John 20 @ Burwell 24Elm Creek 20 @ Pleasanton 45EMF 50 @ Clarkson/Leigh 20Falls City Sacred Heart 8 vs Lourdes Central Catholic 60Fillmore Central 8 vs Raymond Central 28Gering vs Torrington, WYGiltner 0 vs Twin River 54Hampton 72 @ Parkview Christian 28Harvard 0 vs Diller-Odell 37Hastings vs YorkHastings St. Cecilia 13 vs Grand Island Central Catholic 41Hay Springs 28 vs Paxton 14Hershey 14 @ Gibbon 17Hi-Line 15 @ Arcadia-Loup City 26High Plains Community 50 @ Nebraska Christian 14Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer 14 @ Southern 62Kearney Catholic 19 @ St. Paul 7Laurel-Concord-Coleridge 12 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic 39Lawrence-Nelson 8 @ Howells-Dodge 36Lexington 27 vs Holdrege 35Leyton 42 vs Fleming, CO 14Lincoln High 7 @ Omaha Bryan 26Lincoln Lutheran 14 vs Lincoln Christian 28Lincoln North Star 7 @ Lincoln Southwest 6Lincoln Northwest 0 vs Ralston 44Lincoln Pius X 21 @ Elkhorn North 24Lincoln Southeast 35 @ Grand Island 20Loomis 48 vs Blue Hill 6Lutheran High Northeast 35 @ Wisner-Pilger 52Lyons-Decatur Northeast vs HomerMadison 26 @ Omaha Christian Academy 52Maxwell 90 vs Sutherland 6Milford @ SyracuseMillard South 25 @ Basha, AZ 39Millard West 21 vs Millard North 29Mitchell vs Wheatland, WYMount Michael Benedictine 7 @ Auburn 32Mullen 22 @ Sandhills Valley 42Nebraska Lutheran vs East ButlerNeligh-Oakdale 56 @ Humphrey-Lindsay 28NG/SE 8 vs Summerland 60Norfolk 35 vs Columbus 28Norfolk Catholic 28 @ Bishop Neumann 21Norris 13 @ Omaha Skutt Catholic 29North Bend Central @ MalcolmNorth Central vs Boyd CountyNorth Platte 0 @ Kearney 20Northwest vs ScottsbluffOakland-Craig 34 vs Yutan 14Ogallala 22 vs Gothenburg 35Omaha Burke 62 vs Omaha Benson 0Omaha Concordia 26 vs Omaha Brownell Talbot 6Omaha Northwest 0 @ Lincoln Northeast 48Omaha Roncalli Catholic @ WayneOmaha Westview 52 @ Omaha South 16Ord vs Central CityOverton 60 vs Axtell 36Palmer 30 vs Fullerton 32Palmyra 14 vs Falls City 42Papillion-LaVista South 24 @ Papillion-LaVista 29Perkins County 16 @ Dundy County Stratton 20Plainview 32 @ Pender 21Plattsmouth 57 @ Omaha Buena Vista 0Ponca 33 vs Tekamah-Herman 16Sandy Creek 60 vs Johnson-Brock 8Santee 64 vs Lewiston 93Schuyler 7 @ Louisville 33Seward 41 @ Gretna East 24Shelby-Rising City 66 vs Freeman 24Shelton 12 @ Silver Lake 13Sidney 22 vs Cozad 13Sioux County 50 @ Banner County 6South Sioux City 13 @ Sioux City North, IA 21Southwest 71 vs Heartland Lutheran 34St. Mary's 42 @ Twin Loup 33Stanton 42 vs Bloomfield 16Sumner-Eddyville-Miller 52 vs Ansley-Litchfield 20Superior 0 vs Fairbury 14Sutton 30 @ McCool Junction 28Thayer Central 66 vs Heartland 6Tri County 34 vs Johnson County Central 22Valentine 20 @ ONeill 28Wahoo 62 @ Nebraska City 0Walthill vs Cedar BluffsWauneta-Palisade 29 vs South Platte 6Wausa-Osmond 50 vs Wakefield 32Weeping Water 16 vs Mead 14West Point-Beemer 26 @ Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS) 20Wood River 33 vs Centura 20Wynot 12 @ Crofton 36

Friday Night Prep Football Scores (August 30, 2024)

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NEGS4jSD50g"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Kwik Stop pregame @ 6:30 PM with Kickoff @ 7:00 PM</figcaption>
 </figure>

Football - Watch: North Platte High @ Kearney Bearcats

Arthur County def. Hyannis, 25-20, 25-20 (2-0)

Broken Bow def. Hershey, 25-21, 22-25, 25-7, 24-26, 15-7 (3-2)

Chase County def. Ogallala, 20-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-16 (3-1)

Garden County def. Crawford, 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-13, 15-10 (3-2)

Gothenburg def. Cozad, 25-8, 25-15, 25-19 (3-0)

Maxwell def. Medicine Valley, 25-15, 25-15, 25-23 (3-0)

Maywood-Hayes Center def. Paxton, 25-22, 25-15 (2-0)

Maywood-Hayes Center def. Sandhills Valley, 25-14, 25-14 (2-0)

Paxton def. Sandhills Valley, 25-21, 25-16 (2-0)

Perkins County def. Creek Valley, 25-15, 25-18 (2-0)

Perkins County def. Sutherland, 25-22, 25-18 (2-0)

Sandhills/Thedford def. Anselmo-Merna, 20-25, 25-23, 25-22, 23-25, 15-7 (3-2)

Southern Valley def. Hi-Line, 25-13, 25-17, 25-16 (3-0)

Sutherland def. Creek Valley, 25-7, 25-8 (2-0)

<h2>Thursday (08/29/2024)</h2>Arthur County def. Hyannis, 25-20, 25-20 (2-0)Broken Bow def. Hershey, 25-21, 22-25, 25-7, 24-26, 15-7 (3-2)Chase County def. Ogallala, 20-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-16 (3-1)Garden County def. Crawford, 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-13, 15-10 (3-2)Gothenburg def. Cozad, 25-8, 25-15, 25-19 (3-0)Maxwell def. Medicine Valley, 25-15, 25-15, 25-23 (3-0)Maywood-Hayes Center def. Paxton, 25-22, 25-15 (2-0)Maywood-Hayes Center def. Sandhills Valley, 25-14, 25-14 (2-0)Paxton def. Sandhills Valley, 25-21, 25-16 (2-0)Perkins County def. Creek Valley, 25-15, 25-18 (2-0)Perkins County def. Sutherland, 25-22, 25-18 (2-0)Sandhills/Thedford def. Anselmo-Merna, 20-25, 25-23, 25-22, 23-25, 15-7 (3-2)Southern Valley def. Hi-Line, 25-13, 25-17, 25-16 (3-0)Sutherland def. Creek Valley, 25-7, 25-8 (2-0)

Thursday Night Prep Volleyball Scores

Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney defense came up with three second half interceptions, grad transfer quarterback Reagan Jones tossed two first half touchdowns and junior back Isaiah Harris ran for 121 yards to help the Lopers beat longtime rival Chadron State, 18-6, Thursday night in the panhandle.

This was the 73rd all-time between the two in a series that dates to 1921. UNK has now won the past five meetings with the Eagles and, tonight, got to take home the "Good Life" trophy. The award is new to the series with the programs slated to meet next year at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium.

"When you hold a team to six points on the road, in a rivalry game, that's pretty impressive," said UNK head coach Ryan Held. "We won tonight and that's the number one thing, to get that trophy and be 1-0. We now have to find a way to get better as Northwest Missouri is going to be a formidable opponent."

It wasn't a thing of beauty as the Lopers punted on seven straight second half possessions and racked up 105 yards on 10 penalty flags. However, UNK scored on its first possession of the season, held CSC to 213 total yards and led from start to finish.​

"We drove right down (on the season's first possession) and that was big drive. We ran in it well, made some throws," said Held. "We can be good offensively, but we must continue to be aggressive when we need to be aggressive. In the MIAA, scoring 18 points usually won't be good enough."

Redshirt sophomore backer Parker Wise (Kearney), senior safety Jamere Jones (Clayton, N.C.) and grad corner Jabea Tilong (Aurora, Colo.) each picked off passes to help keep the Eagles at bay. Wise's first college pick came at the Loper 20-yard midway through the third quarter with Jones coming a few plays later. Junior Miguel Larios, one of three CSC QB's to play, lofted a ball to the UNK 13-yard line that Jones easily snagged. Finally, Tilong's interception came on 3rd &amp; 6 and at the Lopers 10-yard line. This marks Blue &amp; Gold's first three pick game since a 46-22 win over Fort Hays State in 2022.

Picking up his ninth career win as a college starter, Jones (Wichita) was 12 of 21 for 180 yards and scoring strikes of 24 and 50 yards. He first hit grad transfer Shane Dailey Jr. (Bellevue West) and then found a wide-open Reggie Anderson (Gaithersburg, Md.) late in in the first half. UNK managed an extra point as redshirt freshman kicker Trey Prichard (Monument, Colo.) ran for two points after Anderson's score. He also booted a 25-yard field goal in his first collegiate game.

Harris (Millard South) reached his game-high total on 23 carries with a long effort of 24 yards. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry, he helped start a key fourth quarter drive with an eight-yard run. Four plays later, a scrambling Jones found Anderson along the sidelines for a 17-yard gain and another key first down. That nearly 50-yard drive ate up nearly seven minutes off the clock.

"I thought Isaiah ran well and Reagan did a nice job in game one. We weren't as aggressive in the second half because I didn't want to do anything to help them. As long as the defense was playing well, I just wanted to make sure we found a way to eat clock and get it done," said Held.

​Both Anderson and Dailey Jr. had three catches apiece with redshirt junior Zane Schawang (Waverly) running for 29 yards and Jones having a 17-yard scamper in the second half. On special teams, redshirt freshman Marty Mormino (Omaha Wetside) pinned the Eagles deep in their territory in the first half as four of his nine attempts landed inside the 20-yard line. CSC's avearge first quarter field position was its own 14-yard line and that moved to just its 27-yard line in the second.&nbsp;

"What a deal for a redshirt freshman; he was tremendous," said Held. "We worked on pinning a deep team and forcing them to have to go 95 yards."

Chadron was paced by running back Jake Marschall (18 carries, 78 yards; team-high three catches) punter Brodie Eisenbraun (42.6 avg.) and linebacker Reed Henkel (11 tackles). Larios finished 13 of 19 with three picks and 103 yards while two others were 3 of 8 for 11 yards.

Defensively for UNK, end Quillan Felton (Lithonia, Ga) had a team-best eight tackles with newcomers Jovan Marsh (Robbins, Ill.) and Josh Davies-Balogun (Richmond, Texas) combining for nine more. Davies-Balogun also had the team's lone sack. Next, Wise had four tackles with Jones at three and senior corner Kendall Brewer (Kansas City, Kan.) at two tackles for loss.

"They tackled well and we didn't give up any big pass plays. We made their QB's throw the football and Coach (Tim) Schaffner does a great job…he gives you different looks," said Held. "We're deep along the d-line and I thought this game would be won in the trenches."

UNK hosts 22nd-ranked Northwest Missouri State next Saturday night. The Bearcats lost at home tonight to 13th-ranked Minnesota State, 36-22.

by&nbsp;Peter Yazvac/UNKKearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney defense came up with three second half interceptions, grad transfer quarterback Reagan Jones tossed two first half touchdowns and junior back Isaiah Harris ran for 121 yards to help the Lopers beat longtime rival Chadron State, 18-6, Thursday night in the panhandle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725031929127.jpeg" alt="UNK Footall team poses with 2024 Good Life Tropy after defeating Chadron State College 18-6 Thursday night" />
 <figcaption>UNK Footall team poses with 2024 Good Life Tropy after defeating Chadron State College 18-6 Thursday night</figcaption>
 </figure>This was the 73rd all-time between the two in a series that dates to 1921. UNK has now won the past five meetings with the Eagles and, tonight, got to take home the "Good Life" trophy. The award is new to the series with the programs slated to meet next year at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium."When you hold a team to six points on the road, in a rivalry game, that's pretty impressive," said UNK head coach Ryan Held. "We won tonight and that's the number one thing, to get that trophy and be 1-0. We now have to find a way to get better as Northwest Missouri is going to be a formidable opponent."It wasn't a thing of beauty as the Lopers punted on seven straight second half possessions and racked up 105 yards on 10 penalty flags. However, UNK scored on its first possession of the season, held CSC to 213 total yards and led from start to finish.​"We drove right down (on the season's first possession) and that was big drive. We ran in it well, made some throws," said Held. "We can be good offensively, but we must continue to be aggressive when we need to be aggressive. In the MIAA, scoring 18 points usually won't be good enough."Redshirt sophomore backer Parker Wise (Kearney), senior safety Jamere Jones (Clayton, N.C.) and grad corner Jabea Tilong (Aurora, Colo.) each picked off passes to help keep the Eagles at bay. Wise's first college pick came at the Loper 20-yard midway through the third quarter with Jones coming a few plays later. Junior Miguel Larios, one of three CSC QB's to play, lofted a ball to the UNK 13-yard line that Jones easily snagged. Finally, Tilong's interception came on 3rd &amp; 6 and at the Lopers 10-yard line. This marks Blue &amp; Gold's first three pick game since a 46-22 win over Fort Hays State in 2022.Picking up his ninth career win as a college starter, Jones (Wichita) was 12 of 21 for 180 yards and scoring strikes of 24 and 50 yards. He first hit grad transfer Shane Dailey Jr. (Bellevue West) and then found a wide-open Reggie Anderson (Gaithersburg, Md.) late in in the first half. UNK managed an extra point as redshirt freshman kicker Trey Prichard (Monument, Colo.) ran for two points after Anderson's score. He also booted a 25-yard field goal in his first collegiate game.Harris (Millard South) reached his game-high total on 23 carries with a long effort of 24 yards. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry, he helped start a key fourth quarter drive with an eight-yard run. Four plays later, a scrambling Jones found Anderson along the sidelines for a 17-yard gain and another key first down. That nearly 50-yard drive ate up nearly seven minutes off the clock."I thought Isaiah ran well and Reagan did a nice job in game one. We weren't as aggressive in the second half because I didn't want to do anything to help them. As long as the defense was playing well, I just wanted to make sure we found a way to eat clock and get it done," said Held.​Both Anderson and Dailey Jr. had three catches apiece with redshirt junior Zane Schawang (Waverly) running for 29 yards and Jones having a 17-yard scamper in the second half. On special teams, redshirt freshman Marty Mormino (Omaha Wetside) pinned the Eagles deep in their territory in the first half as four of his nine attempts landed inside the 20-yard line. CSC's avearge first quarter field position was its own 14-yard line and that moved to just its 27-yard line in the second.&nbsp;"What a deal for a redshirt freshman; he was tremendous," said Held. "We worked on pinning a deep team and forcing them to have to go 95 yards."Chadron was paced by running back Jake Marschall (18 carries, 78 yards; team-high three catches) punter Brodie Eisenbraun (42.6 avg.) and linebacker Reed Henkel (11 tackles). Larios finished 13 of 19 with three picks and 103 yards while two others were 3 of 8 for 11 yards.Defensively for UNK, end Quillan Felton (Lithonia, Ga) had a team-best eight tackles with newcomers Jovan Marsh (Robbins, Ill.) and Josh Davies-Balogun (Richmond, Texas) combining for nine more. Davies-Balogun also had the team's lone sack. Next, Wise had four tackles with Jones at three and senior corner Kendall Brewer (Kansas City, Kan.) at two tackles for loss."They tackled well and we didn't give up any big pass plays. We made their QB's throw the football and Coach (Tim) Schaffner does a great job…he gives you different looks," said Held. "We're deep along the d-line and I thought this game would be won in the trenches."UNK hosts 22nd-ranked Northwest Missouri State next Saturday night. The Bearcats lost at home tonight to 13th-ranked Minnesota State, 36-22.

College Football: UNK holds Chadron to 213 yards in Thursday night road victory

Maywood-Hayes Center 19 vs Wilcox-Hildreth 18

Sandhills/Thedford 58 vs Anselmo-Merna 16

North Platte @ Kearney <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/NEGS4jSD50g?si=j_BjxZhSAYvGmnpz">(Watch on NorthPlattePost at 6:30pm CT)</a>

Ogallala vs Gothenburg <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">(Listen on Flatrock 100.7 at 5:30pm MT)</a>

<h2>Thursday, August 29, 2024</h2>Brady 0 vs Hitchcock County 68Crawford 13 @ Garden County 59Hemingford 36 @ South Loup 54Hyannis 30 vs Kimball 12Maywood-Hayes Center 19 vs Wilcox-Hildreth 18Sandhills/Thedford 58 vs Anselmo-Merna 16<h2>AREA GAMES ON Friday, August 30, 2024</h2>Arthur County vs WallaceBeatrice vs McCookBridgeport @ North Platte St. Patrick'sChadron vs Broken BowChase County vs Yuma, COHay Springs vs PaxtonHershey @ GibbonMaxwell vs SutherlandMullen @ Sandhills ValleyNorth Platte @ Kearney <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/NEGS4jSD50g?si=j_BjxZhSAYvGmnpz">(Watch on NorthPlattePost at 6:30pm CT)</a>Ogallala vs Gothenburg <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">(Listen on Flatrock 100.7 at 5:30pm MT)</a>Perkins County @ Dundy County StrattonSidney vs CozadWauneta-Palisade vs South Platte

Prep Football Scores from Thursday night & Friday Football Preview

Story by NU Athletic Communications

The Nebraska soccer team (1-2-0) is looking to bounce back this week as it welcomes Omaha (2-0-2) on Thursday, Aug 28 and Creighton (1-1-0) on Sunday, Sept. 1. Both matches will be played at Hibner Stadium and streamed on Big Ten Plus, while Thursday’s match is set for 7:05 p.m. (CT) and action on Sunday is slated for 1:05 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

Fans can purchase general admission and single match tickets to each game by calling 1-800-8 BIG RED or by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://huskers.com/tickets">Huskers.com/tickets</a>.&nbsp;

The Huskers hit the road for the first time this regular season as they travel to Oregon to face Oregon State on Thursday, Sept. 5 and Portland, Sunday, Sept. 8.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska soccer team (1-2-0) is looking to bounce back this week as it welcomes Omaha (2-0-2) on Thursday, Aug 28 and Creighton (1-1-0) on Sunday, Sept. 1. Both matches will be played at Hibner Stadium and streamed on Big Ten Plus, while Thursday’s match is set for 7:05 p.m. (CT) and action on Sunday is slated for 1:05 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;Fans can purchase general admission and single match tickets to each game by calling 1-800-8 BIG RED or by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://huskers.com/tickets">Huskers.com/tickets</a>.&nbsp;Next UpThe Huskers hit the road for the first time this regular season as they travel to Oregon to face Oregon State on Thursday, Sept. 5 and Portland, Sunday, Sept. 8.&nbsp;Numbers to Watch<ul>
 <li>Sarah Weber, last week’s Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, recorded her first career hat trick on Sunday against Colorado State. It’s the 35th hat trick in school history and the first since Faith Carter accomplished it against Indiana on Sept. 20, 2018.&nbsp;</li><li>Weber is also seventh in school history with 263 total shots, sitting just behind Lindsay Eddleman (265) and Eleanor Dale (267)</li><li>Florence Belzile currently sits in 10th all-time with 24 career assists, just one shy of Jenna Cooper and Morgan Marlborough in ninth.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Quick Notes<ul>
 <li>The Huskers have 10 regular-season home games scheduled for their 10th season at Hibner Stadium in 2024.&nbsp;</li><li>NU returns three of four All-Big Ten performers from last season, seniors Weber, Haley Peterson and Jordan Zade. Nebraska’s all-time all-conference total increased to 110, including 38 honorees since joining the Big Ten in 2011.</li><li>Last season, many Huskers were high in individual standings as Weber tallied 16 total goals, good for fifth in the nation, and midfielder Belzile recorded a team-high 17 assists, which ranked first in the conference and second nationally. Additionally, Belzile’s assists tied for second-most in both conference and Husker history.</li><li>During the 2023 season, the Huskers averaged 1,326 fans per game at Hibner Stadium, third most in Husker history and 15th in the nation. NU garnered 2,318 fans in the NCAA Second Round match versus Tennessee, the most fans in attendance since 2015.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Scouting Omaha<ul>
 <li>Omaha finished the 2023 season with a 7-5-7 record overall and 3-1-4 mark in conference play. The Mavericks won the opening two rounds of the Summit League Championship, but fell in the finals to SDSU, 1-0.</li><li>The Mavericks opened their season with a pair of ties and victories, topping Lindenwood and Southern Utah.&nbsp;</li><li>Head Coach Tim Walters enters his eighth season at the helm of the Omaha soccer program. Walters led Omaha to its second-straight Summit League Championship in 2023, while only dropping one match in conference competition.&nbsp;</li><li>Omaha leads the all-time series 1-0 after the Mavericks topped the Huskers at home in 2021, 1-0.&nbsp;</li><li>Players to Watch</li><li>#12 Alyssa Kellar (Redshirt Junior F): Leads the team with two goals to start the season and scored in both of Omaha’s victories.</li><li>#1 Mia Reedtz Rehde Olesen (Graduate GK): Has started three games this season, while recording five saves and only allowing one goal.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Scouting Creighton<ul>
 <li>Creighton finished the 2023 season with a 4-9-5 record overall and 2-7-1 finish in Big East competition. The Bluejays ended the season with two-straight losses.&nbsp;</li><li>Creighton opened the 2024 season with a 2-1 loss to Minnesota and a 2-1 win over Iowa State. The Bluejays will face Western Michigan on Thursday, Aug. 29 before meeting the Huskers on Sunday.</li><li>Head Coach Jimmy Walker is in his first season at the helm of the Creighton soccer program. Prior to his time in Omaha, Walker was the head coach at Bowling Green State, going 36-19-11 and earning a pair of Mid-American Conference titles in the past four years. He owns a career head coaching record of 176-95-26 in 16 seasons as coach at Tiffin, Duquesne, Findlay and Bowling Green State combined.&nbsp;</li><li>Nebraska owns a 4-3-2 advantage all-time against the Bluejays with NU’s last victory coming in 2005 at home, 0-1. Last season, the teams tied 2-2 at Morrison Stadium in Omaha.&nbsp;</li><li>Players to Watch</li><li>#7 Azumi Manriki (Senior MF): A 2023 Second Team All-Big East, Manriki has started both matches this season, recording two goals on four shots.</li><li>#30 Alyssa Zalac (Junior GK): A transfer from Louisville, she’s started both games this season, tallying seven saves while allowing three finishes.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Huskers welcome Omaha, Creighton this week 

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Yankton, S.D. – The North Platte Community College men's golf team completed play at the Mount Marty Invite in Yankton, S.D. on Tuesday. Knights finished the tournament in 12th place to begin the 2024-25 season.

Sophomore&nbsp;Taytom Timbers&nbsp;led the way as he finished 13th&nbsp;in the field with a 36-hole score of 147. Timbers had his best round on day two totaling two birdies to finish the round 1-under par.

Treyten York&nbsp;carded a 6-over par second round to place 55th&nbsp;in a highly competitive field.&nbsp;Caeson Clarke&nbsp;and&nbsp;Cole Kramer&nbsp;finished the tournament 17-over par after improving upon their day one scores.

Knights will travel to Fort Dodge, Iowa where they will compete in the Iowa Central Fall Kickoff at the Fort Dodge Country Club on Sept. 9.

North Platte13.&nbsp;Taytom Timbers&nbsp;– 76-71 (+3)55.&nbsp;Treyten York&nbsp;– 79-78 (+13)61.&nbsp;Caeson Clarke&nbsp;– 82-79 &nbsp;(+17)63.&nbsp;Cole Kramer&nbsp;– 81-80 (+17)69.&nbsp;Tristen Timbers&nbsp;– 83-80 (+19)72.&nbsp;Layne Smotzer&nbsp;– 84-80 (+20)87.&nbsp;Joseph Villani&nbsp;– 93-94 (+43)Team StandingsMorningside (A) – 581 (+5)Northeast CC – 582 (+6)Doane (A) – 582 (+6)Doane (B) – 593 (+17)Concordia (A) – 598 (+22)Morningside (B) – 601 (+25)Dakota Wesleyan (A) – 603 (+27)Dordt (A) – 604 (+28)Mount Marty (A) – 604 (+28)Briar Cliff – 617(+41)Dordt (B) – 622 (+46)North Platte CC – 626 (+50)Concordia (B) – 633 (+57)Central CC – 649 (+73)Mount Marty (B) – 651 (+75)

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications&nbsp;Yankton, S.D. – The North Platte Community College men's golf team completed play at the Mount Marty Invite in Yankton, S.D. on Tuesday. Knights finished the tournament in 12th place to begin the 2024-25 season.Sophomore&nbsp;Taytom Timbers&nbsp;led the way as he finished 13th&nbsp;in the field with a 36-hole score of 147. Timbers had his best round on day two totaling two birdies to finish the round 1-under par.Treyten York&nbsp;carded a 6-over par second round to place 55th&nbsp;in a highly competitive field.&nbsp;Caeson Clarke&nbsp;and&nbsp;Cole Kramer&nbsp;finished the tournament 17-over par after improving upon their day one scores.Knights will travel to Fort Dodge, Iowa where they will compete in the Iowa Central Fall Kickoff at the Fort Dodge Country Club on Sept. 9.North Platte13.&nbsp;Taytom Timbers&nbsp;– 76-71 (+3)55.&nbsp;Treyten York&nbsp;– 79-78 (+13)61.&nbsp;Caeson Clarke&nbsp;– 82-79 &nbsp;(+17)63.&nbsp;Cole Kramer&nbsp;– 81-80 (+17)69.&nbsp;Tristen Timbers&nbsp;– 83-80 (+19)72.&nbsp;Layne Smotzer&nbsp;– 84-80 (+20)87.&nbsp;Joseph Villani&nbsp;– 93-94 (+43)Team StandingsMorningside (A) – 581 (+5)Northeast CC – 582 (+6)Doane (A) – 582 (+6)Doane (B) – 593 (+17)Concordia (A) – 598 (+22)Morningside (B) – 601 (+25)Dakota Wesleyan (A) – 603 (+27)Dordt (A) – 604 (+28)Mount Marty (A) – 604 (+28)Briar Cliff – 617(+41)Dordt (B) – 622 (+46)North Platte CC – 626 (+50)Concordia (B) – 633 (+57)Central CC – 649 (+73)Mount Marty (B) – 651 (+75)

Knights open season at Mount Marty Invite

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 <figcaption>Kiwk Stop Pregame begins at 4:50 PM with first pitch at 5:00 PM</figcaption>
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Softball - NPHS Bulldogs @ Cozad Haymakers

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte, Neb. – Five local student-athletes signed to continue their athletic careers at North Platte Community College.

Wren Herrick (Gothenburg), Byanka Tyan (McCook), Karlee Denny (North Platte), Afia Hunt (North Platte) and Alieze Moreno (North Platte) were amongst the first signees for head coach Mark Franzen.

“We are going to build this the right way,” said Franzen. “It makes it easier when you have athletes that understand the community and what we are trying to build.”

Denny attended Hershey High School and etched her name into the record books during her tenure. Her resiliency at the plate places her atop the record book in hits, runs batted in, on-base percentage and batting average. She plans to pursue an Associate of Arts degree and transfer to the University of Nebraska – Kearney to major in Communication Disorders.

Moreno played a variety of positions at North Platte High School. She was an honorable mention Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star selection back in 2021. Her talents guided the Bulldogs to a Class A-3 District runner-up finish and a Class B State Championship with the North Platte Sensations 18-and-under team in 2023.

Herrick finished off her high school career as an outfielder and first baseman for the Swedes. She was also part of the North Platte Sensations 18-and-under team that earned a Class B State Championship in 2023 and the National Kansas City World Championship in 2024.

Tyan spent time behind the plate and in the outfield for the McCook Prodigy, while Afia Hunt will add some much-needed depth to the infield for the Knights this upcoming season.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – Five local student-athletes signed to continue their athletic careers at North Platte Community College.Wren Herrick (Gothenburg), Byanka Tyan (McCook), Karlee Denny (North Platte), Afia Hunt (North Platte) and Alieze Moreno (North Platte) were amongst the first signees for head coach Mark Franzen.“We are going to build this the right way,” said Franzen. “It makes it easier when you have athletes that understand the community and what we are trying to build.”Denny attended Hershey High School and etched her name into the record books during her tenure. Her resiliency at the plate places her atop the record book in hits, runs batted in, on-base percentage and batting average. She plans to pursue an Associate of Arts degree and transfer to the University of Nebraska – Kearney to major in Communication Disorders.Moreno played a variety of positions at North Platte High School. She was an honorable mention Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star selection back in 2021. Her talents guided the Bulldogs to a Class A-3 District runner-up finish and a Class B State Championship with the North Platte Sensations 18-and-under team in 2023.Herrick finished off her high school career as an outfielder and first baseman for the Swedes. She was also part of the North Platte Sensations 18-and-under team that earned a Class B State Championship in 2023 and the National Kansas City World Championship in 2024.Tyan spent time behind the plate and in the outfield for the McCook Prodigy, while Afia Hunt will add some much-needed depth to the infield for the Knights this upcoming season.

Five local products join forces at NPCC

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

The Nebraska women's basketball team picked up a big addition inside for the 2024-25 season with the signing of Croatian Petra Bozan, Head Coach Amy Williams announced on Monday, Aug. 26.

Bozan, a 6-3 forward/center, arrived in Nebraska Sunday evening just in time for the start of fall classes on Monday, after a strong performance for her home country at the FIBA U18 Women's Eurobasket in Matosinhos, Portugal (Aug. 3-11).

Bozan led Croatia in both points (113) and rebounds (70) over seven tournament games, ranking sixth among all players in the 16-team tournament in scoring (16.1 ppg) and third in rebounding (10.0 rpg). She added 1.6 blocks and 1.3 assists.

"We are thrilled to be adding Petra to our Husker women's basketball family," Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said. "Her length, skill set and experience make her a perfect complement to our current roster, and we are excited to see her growth and development in a Husker uniform."

Against Turkey (Aug. 8), Bozan erupted for 25 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks in 36 minutes, going 10-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. She added a second double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Poland (Aug. 4), before putting up her first of two 20-point performances in the tournament with 21 points to go with nine rebounds against Belgium (Aug. 5).&nbsp;

For the tournament, Bozan hit 48 percent of her field goal attempts, including 27.3 percent (6-22) of her threes, while knocking down 72.2 percent (13-18) of her free throws.

During the 2023-24 season, Bozan competed for KAZL Split in Croatia's Premier League, averaging 15.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocked shots over 22 games, to earn second-team All-Premier League honors. She hit 54.5 percent of her field goals and 73.6 percent of her free throws, helping KAZL Split to a 17-5 record. Her performances included a season-high 31 points on 14-of-21 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds and seven steals in a win over Zagreb (Oct. 28, 2023). It was one of her 17 double-doubles during the 22-game Premier League regular season. She pulled down a season-high 19 rebounds against Brod na Savi (Nov. 4, 2023).

Last summer, Bozan averaged 12.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists for Croatia at the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championships. Her efforts in Sofia, Bulgaria included double-doubles against Greece and Macedonia before adding a third double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in the title game win over Luxembourg. She earned a spot on the tournament's All-Star Five to propel Croatia to the championship of Division B.

She also represented Croatia at the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championships in Portugal, averaging 13.6 points and a tournament-best 15.0 rebounds over seven games. She led Croatia to a third-place finish, including a 16-point, 13-rebound effort against Spain in the semifinals. She produced six double-doubles, including a 19-point, 15-rebound effort in a win over Italy, and a huge 14-point, 23-rebound performance in a win over Finland. She also averaged 2.4 blocks and 1.7 steals.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;The Nebraska women's basketball team picked up a big addition inside for the 2024-25 season with the signing of Croatian Petra Bozan, Head Coach Amy Williams announced on Monday, Aug. 26.Bozan, a 6-3 forward/center, arrived in Nebraska Sunday evening just in time for the start of fall classes on Monday, after a strong performance for her home country at the FIBA U18 Women's Eurobasket in Matosinhos, Portugal (Aug. 3-11).Bozan led Croatia in both points (113) and rebounds (70) over seven tournament games, ranking sixth among all players in the 16-team tournament in scoring (16.1 ppg) and third in rebounding (10.0 rpg). She added 1.6 blocks and 1.3 assists."We are thrilled to be adding Petra to our Husker women's basketball family," Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said. "Her length, skill set and experience make her a perfect complement to our current roster, and we are excited to see her growth and development in a Husker uniform."Against Turkey (Aug. 8), Bozan erupted for 25 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks in 36 minutes, going 10-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. She added a second double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Poland (Aug. 4), before putting up her first of two 20-point performances in the tournament with 21 points to go with nine rebounds against Belgium (Aug. 5).&nbsp;For the tournament, Bozan hit 48 percent of her field goal attempts, including 27.3 percent (6-22) of her threes, while knocking down 72.2 percent (13-18) of her free throws.During the 2023-24 season, Bozan competed for KAZL Split in Croatia's Premier League, averaging 15.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocked shots over 22 games, to earn second-team All-Premier League honors. She hit 54.5 percent of her field goals and 73.6 percent of her free throws, helping KAZL Split to a 17-5 record. Her performances included a season-high 31 points on 14-of-21 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds and seven steals in a win over Zagreb (Oct. 28, 2023). It was one of her 17 double-doubles during the 22-game Premier League regular season. She pulled down a season-high 19 rebounds against Brod na Savi (Nov. 4, 2023).Last summer, Bozan averaged 12.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists for Croatia at the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championships. Her efforts in Sofia, Bulgaria included double-doubles against Greece and Macedonia before adding a third double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in the title game win over Luxembourg. She earned a spot on the tournament's All-Star Five to propel Croatia to the championship of Division B.She also represented Croatia at the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championships in Portugal, averaging 13.6 points and a tournament-best 15.0 rebounds over seven games. She led Croatia to a third-place finish, including a 16-point, 13-rebound effort against Spain in the semifinals. She produced six double-doubles, including a 19-point, 15-rebound effort in a win over Italy, and a huge 14-point, 23-rebound performance in a win over Finland. She also averaged 2.4 blocks and 1.7 steals.

Huskers add Croatian star Bozan to 2024-25 roster

• Nebraska will take part in a primetime season-opening event, the AVCA First Serve Showcase, on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.

• No. 2 Nebraska will play the first match of the Division I season, taking on No. 9 Kentucky at 6 p.m. (CT). Wisconsin will face Louisville in the second match of the doubleheader. All four teams participating in the AVCA First Serve Showcase are ranked in the top 10 of the AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll.

• Nebraska finished the 2023 season at 33-2 (19-1 Big Ten) and reached the NCAA Championship match, falling 3-0 to Texas in Tampa, Fla.

• The Huskers won the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2017, and head coach John Cook was named AVCA National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year.

• With four freshmen in the lineup, the Huskers won their first 27 matches of the season and held the No. 1 ranking from Oct. 23 through the end of the regular season.

• The Huskers, who had no seniors on their roster in 2023, return 10 letterwinners, including every starter.

• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason (first team), libero Lexi Rodriguez (first team), setter Bergen Reilly (second team) and outside hitter Harper Murray (third team) were AVCA All-America selections in 2023.

• Beason was the AVCA North Region Player of the Year, and Murray was both the AVCA North Region and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Reilly was the Big Ten Setter of the Year, and Rodriguez was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.

• The Huskers bring back 86.5 percent of their kills from 2023, 99.7 percent of their assists, 100 percent of their service aces, 96.2 percent of their digs and 79.4 percent of their blocks.

• Nebraska brought in two new additions via the transfer portal in the offseason in Minnesota outside hitter Taylor Landfair and San Diego middle blocker Leyla Blackwell. Landfair, a 6-5 outside hitter from Plainfield, Ill., is a senior for the Huskers but has two years of eligibility remaining after receiving a medical hardship for the 2021 season. Landfair was the Big Ten Player of the Year and an AVCA first-team All-American in 2022 at Minnesota after 4.36 kills per set on .257 hitting with 1.63 digs per set. Blackwell, a 6-4 middle blocker from San Diego, Calif., was a three-time All-WCC selection at San Diego and averaged 2.25 kills and 1.24 blocks per set with a .329 hitting percentage last season. Blackwell guided the Toreros to the NCAA semifinals in 2022 by shattering the school record for single-season block assists (152), and she finished sixth nationally at 1.50 blocks per set.

• Nebraska has two freshmen on the roster who enrolled in January and played during the beach volleyball season. Skyler Pierce is a 6-2 outside hitter from Lenexa, Kan., and Olivia Mauch is a 5-6 libero from Bennington, Neb. Both Pierce and Mauch tied for the team lead with 18 wins during the beach volleyball season.

• Kentucky finished last season with a 21-8 record and 17-1 mark in the SEC, which earned them the conference title. The Wildcats’ season ended in Lincoln in a 3-2 NCAA regional semifinal loss to Arkansas.&nbsp;

• Kentucky was picked third in the SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll behind Texas and Florida. Eleanor Beavin, Brooklyn DeLeye and Emma Grome were all Preseason-All SEC selections. Grome led the NCAA with 12.10 assists per set last season and was an AVCA second-team All-American for the third time in her career. DeLeye was the SEC Freshman of the Year last year, averaging a team-high 3.69 kills per set. Beavin averaged 4.09 digs per set and was an All-SEC selection last year.&nbsp;

• Kentucky took a foreign tour trip to Japan in May.

• Nebraska is 11-2 against Kentucky all-time. The Huskers have won 10 matches in a row in the series, including a 3-1 win in Lincoln last year.

• Kentucky’s last win against Nebraska was in 1983.

• Nebraska head coach John Cook has faced off against Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner, a Nebraska assistant from 2000-04, six times. The Huskers have won all six matches, three in sweeps and three in four sets.

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

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

• Cook has 850 career wins and is one of the all-time winningest coaches in NCAA history. Since taking over the program in 2000, Cook has led the Huskers to a nation-leading .873 win percentage (689-100).

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

• In 2023, Cook was voted AVCA National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading a young Nebraska team with no seniors to its first Big Ten title since 2017. The Huskers finished the regular season 28-1 overall, their best regular season record since going 28-1 in 2005. After going 26-6 last year and missing the NCAA regional finals for the first time since 2011, the Huskers started over with a starting lineup featuring four true freshmen and a junior transfer (Beason). Cook’s Huskers won their first 27 matches of the season and held the No. 1 ranking from Oct. 23 through the end of the regular season. Despite having no seniors on the roster for just the second time in Cook’s 24 years at Nebraska - as well as starting a true freshman at setter for only the second time in Cook’s tenure - the Huskers earned the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 and the sixth time overall under Cook.

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

RODRIGUEZ AMONG ALL-TIME GREAT NU LIBEROS

• Lexi Rodriguez is in her final year of a stellar career as the Huskers’ libero. A four-year starter and a three-year team captain, Rodriguez will go down in history as one of the all-time greats in Nebraska volleyball history.

• Rodriguez is a three-time AVCA All-American, earning first-team honors in 2021 and 2023, and second-team honors in 2022. She will look to join Kadie Rolfzen (2013-16) and Sarah Pavan (2004-07) as the only four-time All-Americans in program history.

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

• Rodriguez enters the 2024 season with 1,424 career digs, which ranks fifth in school history. U.S. Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes is the career leader in assists at NU with 1,890.

BEASON BACK TO LEAD HUSKER ATTACK AGAIN

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

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

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

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

KRAUSE LOOKING TO PICK UP WHERE SHE LEFT OFF

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

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

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

DIFFERENT NAME, SAME GAME FOR ALLICK

• Junior middle blocker Rebekah Allick, who went by Bekka&nbsp; during her first two seasons as a Husker, decided after time spent praying in the offseason to go by Rebekah, the name her dad always called her.

• Allick is a two-time AVCA All-Region and All-Big Ten second-team selection. Last season, she averaged 1.76 kills per set with a team-high 1.50 blocks per set, which ranked second among Big Ten players and seven in the nation. Her 1.50 blocks per set was also the No. 2 mark in school history in the rally scoring era.

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

• Over the final six matches of last season, Allick posted 2.40 blocks per set.

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

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

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

• Middle blocker Andi Jackson showed enormous athleticisim and potential the first time she stepped on the floor as a Husker, and she followed through with a strong debut season that included AVCA All-Region, All-Big Ten Second Team, and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. Jackson averaged 2.01 kills per set and 1.09 blocks per set with a .399 hitting percentage, which ranked third in the Big Ten and 19th in the nation. Her hitting percentage was the best ever by a Husker freshman and ranked seventh all-time in the rally scoring era. Along with Reilly, Jackson helped the U.S. U21 National Team win the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto this summer, hitting .654 throughout the tournament with 39 kills and 10 blocks.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsMATCH PREVIEW• Nebraska will take part in a primetime season-opening event, the AVCA First Serve Showcase, on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.• No. 2 Nebraska will play the first match of the Division I season, taking on No. 9 Kentucky at 6 p.m. (CT). Wisconsin will face Louisville in the second match of the doubleheader. All four teams participating in the AVCA First Serve Showcase are ranked in the top 10 of the AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll.ABOUT THE HUSKERS• Nebraska finished the 2023 season at 33-2 (19-1 Big Ten) and reached the NCAA Championship match, falling 3-0 to Texas in Tampa, Fla.• The Huskers won the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2017, and head coach John Cook was named AVCA National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year.• With four freshmen in the lineup, the Huskers won their first 27 matches of the season and held the No. 1 ranking from Oct. 23 through the end of the regular season.• The Huskers, who had no seniors on their roster in 2023, return 10 letterwinners, including every starter.• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason (first team), libero Lexi Rodriguez (first team), setter Bergen Reilly (second team) and outside hitter Harper Murray (third team) were AVCA All-America selections in 2023.• Beason was the AVCA North Region Player of the Year, and Murray was both the AVCA North Region and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Reilly was the Big Ten Setter of the Year, and Rodriguez was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.• The Huskers bring back 86.5 percent of their kills from 2023, 99.7 percent of their assists, 100 percent of their service aces, 96.2 percent of their digs and 79.4 percent of their blocks.• Nebraska brought in two new additions via the transfer portal in the offseason in Minnesota outside hitter Taylor Landfair and San Diego middle blocker Leyla Blackwell. Landfair, a 6-5 outside hitter from Plainfield, Ill., is a senior for the Huskers but has two years of eligibility remaining after receiving a medical hardship for the 2021 season. Landfair was the Big Ten Player of the Year and an AVCA first-team All-American in 2022 at Minnesota after 4.36 kills per set on .257 hitting with 1.63 digs per set. Blackwell, a 6-4 middle blocker from San Diego, Calif., was a three-time All-WCC selection at San Diego and averaged 2.25 kills and 1.24 blocks per set with a .329 hitting percentage last season. Blackwell guided the Toreros to the NCAA semifinals in 2022 by shattering the school record for single-season block assists (152), and she finished sixth nationally at 1.50 blocks per set.• Nebraska has two freshmen on the roster who enrolled in January and played during the beach volleyball season. Skyler Pierce is a 6-2 outside hitter from Lenexa, Kan., and Olivia Mauch is a 5-6 libero from Bennington, Neb. Both Pierce and Mauch tied for the team lead with 18 wins during the beach volleyball season.SCOUTING REPORT: KENTUCKY• Kentucky finished last season with a 21-8 record and 17-1 mark in the SEC, which earned them the conference title. The Wildcats’ season ended in Lincoln in a 3-2 NCAA regional semifinal loss to Arkansas.&nbsp;• Kentucky was picked third in the SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll behind Texas and Florida. Eleanor Beavin, Brooklyn DeLeye and Emma Grome were all Preseason-All SEC selections. Grome led the NCAA with 12.10 assists per set last season and was an AVCA second-team All-American for the third time in her career. DeLeye was the SEC Freshman of the Year last year, averaging a team-high 3.69 kills per set. Beavin averaged 4.09 digs per set and was an All-SEC selection last year.&nbsp;• Kentucky took a foreign tour trip to Japan in May.SERIES HISTORY• Nebraska is 11-2 against Kentucky all-time. The Huskers have won 10 matches in a row in the series, including a 3-1 win in Lincoln last year.• Kentucky’s last win against Nebraska was in 1983.• Nebraska head coach John Cook has faced off against Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner, a Nebraska assistant from 2000-04, six times. The Huskers have won all six matches, three in sweeps and three in four sets.HALL OF FAME COACH COOK IN YEAR 25 at NU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Nebraska head coach John Cook is in his 25th season as the Nebraska volleyball head coach in 2024. He has led the Huskers to four national championships, 11 final fours, 13 conference championships and 22 top-10 final rankings since 2000.• Cook has 850 career wins and is one of the all-time winningest coaches in NCAA history. Since taking over the program in 2000, Cook has led the Huskers to a nation-leading .873 win percentage (689-100).• Under Cook, the Huskers have achieved 68 AVCA All-Americans and 20 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, both among the best in the nation. He is a three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year, earning the prestigious honor in 2000, 2005 and 2023, and an eight-time conference coach of the year, including Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2023.• In 2023, Cook was voted AVCA National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading a young Nebraska team with no seniors to its first Big Ten title since 2017. The Huskers finished the regular season 28-1 overall, their best regular season record since going 28-1 in 2005. After going 26-6 last year and missing the NCAA regional finals for the first time since 2011, the Huskers started over with a starting lineup featuring four true freshmen and a junior transfer (Beason). Cook’s Huskers won their first 27 matches of the season and held the No. 1 ranking from Oct. 23 through the end of the regular season. Despite having no seniors on the roster for just the second time in Cook’s 24 years at Nebraska - as well as starting a true freshman at setter for only the second time in Cook’s tenure - the Huskers earned the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 and the sixth time overall under Cook.• Cook was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2017, joining former Husker volleyball coach Terry Pettit in the hall.RODRIGUEZ AMONG ALL-TIME GREAT NU LIBEROS• Lexi Rodriguez is in her final year of a stellar career as the Huskers’ libero. A four-year starter and a three-year team captain, Rodriguez will go down in history as one of the all-time greats in Nebraska volleyball history.• Rodriguez is a three-time AVCA All-American, earning first-team honors in 2021 and 2023, and second-team honors in 2022. She will look to join Kadie Rolfzen (2013-16) and Sarah Pavan (2004-07) as the only four-time All-Americans in program history.• Rodriguez made her mark instantly as a freshman in 2021, earning AVCA National Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Over the last two seasons, Rodriguez has guided the Huskers to the No. 1 defense in the country, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year again in 2023 to become the fifth player in Big Ten history to receive the honor twice in a career.• Rodriguez enters the 2024 season with 1,424 career digs, which ranks fifth in school history. U.S. Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes is the career leader in assists at NU with 1,890.BEASON BACK TO LEAD HUSKER ATTACK AGAIN• Opposite hitter Merritt Beason made an instant impact on the Nebraska volleyball program after transferring from Florida in 2023, and she will look to take the next step in her senior season as a second-year captain.• Last year, Beason put together a sensational season, earning AVCA first-team All-America honors and AVCA North Region Player of the Year, becoming just the second Husker (Kelly Hunter) to earn that honor.• Beason averaged a team-leading 3.76 kills per set on .282 hitting with 2.05 digs per set. She was named Big Ten Player of the Week four times and was the AVCA National Player of the Week on Oct. 23 after averaging 4.25 kills per set and 1.75 digs per set in wins against Northwestern and top-ranked Wisconsin.• Beason was the MVP of the NCAA Lincoln Regional after 19 kills, 11 digs and a career-high eight blocks in a regional final win over Arkansas.KRAUSE LOOKING TO PICK UP WHERE SHE LEFT OFF• Outside hitter Lindsay Krause was having the best year of her Husker career in 2023 before it ended in mid-October with an ankle injury. At the time of her injury, Krause was averaging 2.50 kills per set and was hitting .285 for the season.• Not only that, Krause was putting up 2.82 kills per set on .366 hitting through six Big Ten matches, which led all Big Ten outside hitters in conference action at the time.• Krause was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Oct. 9 following a season-high 15 kills on .519 hitting at Michigan and nine kills on .381 hitting at Michigan State.&nbsp;DIFFERENT NAME, SAME GAME FOR ALLICK• Junior middle blocker Rebekah Allick, who went by Bekka&nbsp; during her first two seasons as a Husker, decided after time spent praying in the offseason to go by Rebekah, the name her dad always called her.• Allick is a two-time AVCA All-Region and All-Big Ten second-team selection. Last season, she averaged 1.76 kills per set with a team-high 1.50 blocks per set, which ranked second among Big Ten players and seven in the nation. Her 1.50 blocks per set was also the No. 2 mark in school history in the rally scoring era.• Allick was at her best at the end of the 2023 season, registering a career-high 12 blocks in the NCAA regional final win over Arkansas and 10 blocks in the NCAA semifinal sweep of Pittsburgh.• Over the final six matches of last season, Allick posted 2.40 blocks per set.FRESHMEN TURNED SOPHOMORES• Nebraska relied on four true freshmen in the 2023 season and all four are back as sophomores ready to elevate their games to new levels.• Setter Bergen Reilly was the Big Ten Setter of the Year in 2023, becoming the first freshman to win the award since it originated in 2012. Reilly was also an AVCA second-team All-American and an All-Big Ten first-team selection. Reilly led all Big Ten setters with 10.51 assists per set and received four Big Ten Setter of the Week honors and two Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolades.• Outside hitter Harper Murray is coming off a freshman season that included being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team, AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year and AVCA All-America Third Team. Murray finished second on the team with 3.23 kills per set, the highest kills per set average by a Husker freshman since Kadie Rolfzen (3.46) in 2013. One of the Big Ten’s best six-rotation players, Murray also added 2.07 digs per set with a team-high 36 aces. She was a three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week.• Middle blocker Andi Jackson showed enormous athleticisim and potential the first time she stepped on the floor as a Husker, and she followed through with a strong debut season that included AVCA All-Region, All-Big Ten Second Team, and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. Jackson averaged 2.01 kills per set and 1.09 blocks per set with a .399 hitting percentage, which ranked third in the Big Ten and 19th in the nation. Her hitting percentage was the best ever by a Husker freshman and ranked seventh all-time in the rally scoring era. Along with Reilly, Jackson helped the U.S. U21 National Team win the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto this summer, hitting .654 throughout the tournament with 39 kills and 10 blocks.

Husker game notes vs. Kentucky  

(North Platte, Nebraska, 08/26/2024) On October 14th and 15th, the best of Nebraska High School Class C girls’ golfers will unite in North Platte for the state championship tournament. 

The event is expected to draw 95-115 golfers from across the state to the Lake Maloney Golf Course. Along with the participants, we are expecting many friends and family to travel alongside their girls to support them. 

There is a need for volunteers to assist with the NSAA Class C Girls State Golf Championship. Volunteer positions include scoring monitors, spotters, score card checkers, and alternates. 

Volunteering is a great way to get involved with the community, and you’ll be able to help showcase what a spectacular area North Platte is! For more information regarding descriptions of volunteer positions, please visit https://form.jotform.com/232004695990157. This link will also allow you to sign up! 

While it is helpful for our volunteers to have a basic knowledge of golf, it is by no means necessary. Each day, we will need over 50 volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Taylor Salas at Visit North Platte, 308-532-4729 or email tsalas@visitnorthplatte.com. You can also visit&nbsp; https://form.jotform.com/232004695990157. 

Priority is given to volunteers who can work both days of the tournament. Volunteers will receive coffee and snacks in the morning, lunch, and an official NSAA jacket. The deadline to volunteer is September 27th.

Visit North Platte(North Platte, Nebraska, 08/26/2024) On October 14th and 15th, the best of Nebraska High School Class C girls’ golfers will unite in North Platte for the state championship tournament. The event is expected to draw 95-115 golfers from across the state to the Lake Maloney Golf Course. Along with the participants, we are expecting many friends and family to travel alongside their girls to support them. There is a need for volunteers to assist with the NSAA Class C Girls State Golf Championship. Volunteer positions include scoring monitors, spotters, score card checkers, and alternates. Volunteering is a great way to get involved with the community, and you’ll be able to help showcase what a spectacular area North Platte is! For more information regarding descriptions of volunteer positions, please visit https://form.jotform.com/232004695990157. This link will also allow you to sign up! While it is helpful for our volunteers to have a basic knowledge of golf, it is by no means necessary. Each day, we will need over 50 volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Taylor Salas at Visit North Platte, 308-532-4729 or email tsalas@visitnorthplatte.com. You can also visit&nbsp; https://form.jotform.com/232004695990157. Priority is given to volunteers who can work both days of the tournament. Volunteers will receive coffee and snacks in the morning, lunch, and an official NSAA jacket. The deadline to volunteer is September 27th.

Volunteers sought for NSAA Class C Girls State Golf Championship 

Receiving Votes: Papillion-La Vista (0-0); Omaha Central (0-0); Lincoln Southeast (0-0)

Receiving Votes: Adams Central (0-0); Columbus Scotus (0-0)

Receiving Votes: North Platte St. Patrick’s (0-0); Thayer Central (0-0); Bridgeport (0-0)

Receiving Votes: Hitchcock County (0-0); Ainsworth (0-0); Lawrence-Nelson (0-0); South Loup (0-0); Lyons Decatur Northeast (0-0); Osceola (0-0); Loomis (0-0)

Story by&nbsp;Hurrdat Sports<h2>Class A&nbsp;(Record)</h2>1. Omaha Westside (0-0)2. Millard South (0-0)3. Omaha North (0-0)4. Kearney (0-0)5. Elkhorn South (0-0)6. Millard North (0-0)7. Lincoln East (0-0)8. Bellevue West (0-0)9. Millard West (0-0)10. Creighton Prep (0-0)Receiving Votes: Papillion-La Vista (0-0); Omaha Central (0-0); Lincoln Southeast (0-0)<h2>Class B&nbsp;</h2>1. Bennington (0-0)2. Waverly (0-0)3. Elkhorn North (0-0)4. Skutt Catholic (0-0)5. Gretna (0-0)6. Norris (0-0)7. Seward (0-0)8. Hastings (0-0)9. Gretna East (0-0)10. York (0-0)Receiving Votes: Grand Island Northwest<h2>Class C-1&nbsp;</h2>1. Wahoo (0-0)2. Aurora (0-0)3. Ashland-Greenwood (0-0)4. Auburn (0-0)5. Pierce (0-0)6. Sidney (0-0)7. Columbus Lakeview (0-0)8. DC West (0-0)9. Cozad (0-0)10. Central City (0-0)Receiving Votes: Adams Central (0-0); Columbus Scotus (0-0)<h2>Class C-2&nbsp;</h2>1. Norfolk Catholic (0-0)2. Battle Creek (0-0)3. Hartington Cedar Catholic (0-0)4. Oakland-Craig (0-0)5. Wahoo Neumann (0-0)6. Ord (0-0)7. Boone Central (0-0)8. Fillmore Central (0-0)9. Malcolm (0-0)10. Yutan (0-0)Receiving Votes: Doniphan-Trumbull (0-0)<h2>Eight Man-1</h2>1. Stanton (0-0)2. Sandy Creek (0-0)3. Crofton (0-0)4. Shelby-Rising City (0-0)5. Plainview (0-0)6. Dundy County Stratton (0-0)7. Arapahoe (0-0)8. Summerland (0-0)9. Elkhorn Valley (0-0)10. Exeter-Milligan/Friend (0-0)Receiving Votes: North Platte St. Patrick’s (0-0); Thayer Central (0-0); Bridgeport (0-0)Eight Man-2&nbsp;(Record)1. Sandhills/Thedford (0-0)2. Central Valley (0-0)3. Archangles Catholic (0-0)4. Howells-Dodge (0-0)5. Riverside (0-0)6. Bruning-Davenport/Shickley (0-0)7. Neligh-Oakdale (0-0)8. Axtell (0-0)9. Elmwood-Murdock (0-0)10. Weeping Water (0-0)Receiving Votes: Hitchcock County (0-0); Ainsworth (0-0); Lawrence-Nelson (0-0); South Loup (0-0); Lyons Decatur Northeast (0-0); Osceola (0-0); Loomis (0-0)Six Man&nbsp;(Record)1. Sumner-Eddyville-Miller (0-0)2. Hay Springs (0-0)3. Pawnee City (0-0)4. Stuart (0-0)5. Arthur County (0-0)6. Shelton (0-0)7. Potter-Dix (0-0)8. Red Cloud (0-0)9. Cody (0-0)10. Hampton (0-0)

High School Football Preseason rankings

McCook, Neb. – North Platte Community College fell in straight sets to Laramie County Community College and Casper College to open the season at the McCook Community College Tournament on Friday.

“We played two tough teams to start the season,” said head coach Alexa McCall. “We learned a lot and are ready to make the adjustments tomorrow.”

Sophomore Jaelyn Dicke notched her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 10 digs against the Golden Eagles. EmiLee Walnofer registered 10 digs, while Zoe Maher and Fatima Gomez each notched four kills.

Knights started strong taking the first two points of the opening set. The Golden Eagles marched back with a 4-1 run as teams continued to swap points. Laramie County made the most of their rallies late and took set one, 25-20.

The Golden Eagles took the lead early, but North Platte stormed back to take the 14-13 advantage midway through the second set. Laramie County made a few short runs in the closing stages to hold off the Knights and claim set two.

Laramie County jumped out to a four-point advantage midway through set three. North Platte managed to trim the margin to 22-19, but the Golden Eagles rallied to secure the match.&nbsp;

In the second game, the Knights squared off with No. 16 Casper College. Dicke once again led the way with six kills, while Walnofer tallied 16 digs in the match.

The Thunderbirds leapt out to a 13-6 lead in opening set as they generated the momentum early. North Platte cut the margin to four with a 5-2 run, but Casper once again found their rhythm to pull away for the opening set win.

North Platte countered in set two with an early 5-3 lead, before six straight points shifted the momentum in favor of the Thunderbirds. Knights narrowed the margin to one midway through the set, but Casper regained control of the momentum and took a two set advantage.

North Platte looked poised to take their first set of the season with an early 9-6 lead in set three. Casper fired back with an 11-1 run to position themselves out front late in the set. Knights managed to trim the margin to six, but the tough Thunderbirds block helped secure the match.

Knights return to the court on Saturday for the second day of the McCook Community College Tournament. First serve against Highland Community College is set for 10 a.m. North Platte will also square off with Otero Junior College at 2 p.m.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsMcCook, Neb. – North Platte Community College fell in straight sets to Laramie County Community College and Casper College to open the season at the McCook Community College Tournament on Friday.“We played two tough teams to start the season,” said head coach Alexa McCall. “We learned a lot and are ready to make the adjustments tomorrow.”Laramie County 3, North Platte 0Sophomore Jaelyn Dicke notched her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 10 digs against the Golden Eagles. EmiLee Walnofer registered 10 digs, while Zoe Maher and Fatima Gomez each notched four kills.Knights started strong taking the first two points of the opening set. The Golden Eagles marched back with a 4-1 run as teams continued to swap points. Laramie County made the most of their rallies late and took set one, 25-20.The Golden Eagles took the lead early, but North Platte stormed back to take the 14-13 advantage midway through the second set. Laramie County made a few short runs in the closing stages to hold off the Knights and claim set two.Laramie County jumped out to a four-point advantage midway through set three. North Platte managed to trim the margin to 22-19, but the Golden Eagles rallied to secure the match.&nbsp;Casper 3, North Platte 0In the second game, the Knights squared off with No. 16 Casper College. Dicke once again led the way with six kills, while Walnofer tallied 16 digs in the match.The Thunderbirds leapt out to a 13-6 lead in opening set as they generated the momentum early. North Platte cut the margin to four with a 5-2 run, but Casper once again found their rhythm to pull away for the opening set win.North Platte countered in set two with an early 5-3 lead, before six straight points shifted the momentum in favor of the Thunderbirds. Knights narrowed the margin to one midway through the set, but Casper regained control of the momentum and took a two set advantage.North Platte looked poised to take their first set of the season with an early 9-6 lead in set three. Casper fired back with an 11-1 run to position themselves out front late in the set. Knights managed to trim the margin to six, but the tough Thunderbirds block helped secure the match.Knights return to the court on Saturday for the second day of the McCook Community College Tournament. First serve against Highland Community College is set for 10 a.m. North Platte will also square off with Otero Junior College at 2 p.m.

Knights fall to Golden Eagles and Thunderbirds to open season

Story by Set the Bar Communications

OMAHA, NE – With women’s sports on an all-time high, local business leaders Molly Huyck and Amy Hannesson, are announcing bringing a sports bar focused on women’s sports to Omaha. Launching this winter, SET The Bar will be a welcoming place for all, dedicated to women’s sports with an inclusive culture and housed in Omaha’s Benson business district, off 62nd &amp; Maple Street. SET The Bar will be the seventh women’s sports bar to launch in the U.S. and the first in Nebraska.

Co-Founder Molly Huyck said, “Omaha is the perfect community to celebrate women’s sports, and we are setting the bar high in bringing a new home for women’s sports to our city. Being one of the first few women’s sports bars in the U.S. is a special honor, and we know Omaha will show up and make us proud. I am thrilled for the launch!”

Fellow Co-Founder Amy Hannesson said, “When you look at the business side of SET The Bar, it all makes sense, but SET The Bar is about embracing and growing women’s sports in an environment that welcomes all. We know that everyone watches women’s sports and now Omaha will have a physical space to gather and celebrate the momentum of women’s sports, together. This movement is amazing for all sports fans and the Omaha area.”

SET The Bar will be a new type of sports bar with an array of craft cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, beers, a healthy and delicious food menu, and all in an environment that is not the typical sports bar feel – a place where the cofounders say that patrons will feel welcomed in the environment that is being designed for them. This week marks another milestone for the project with the Omaha City Council having approved the liquor license yesterday, unanimously.

Omaha City Council President, Pete Festersen, shared, “The first women’s sports bar in Nebraska, SET The Bar, is an exciting development for Benson and for Omaha. As the father of girls, I know how important supporting women’s sports is and to be early in the Nation in creating this gathering place for such celebration is awesome. I look forward to the grand opening of SET The Bar in a few short months.” President Festersen knows the area well and has been instrumental in Benson’s growth, working in the areas of the Benson Business Improvement District, Benson Creative District, Benson First Friday, and the Benson Neighborhood Association.

Targeting an early December grand opening, SET The Bar will be located at 6121 Maple St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68104.

SET the Bar is a local sports bar and restaurant with a unique mission: to support and elevate women’s sports. Our values of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration will drive our mission, helping build a community around shared passions through food and drink.&nbsp;In the simplest sense SET will serve high quality food and drinks and show women’s sports, but that is just the foundation. It is a place where everyone is welcome, and fans of women’s sports will come together to connect in an intentional and meaningful way.

We will uplift female athletes locally and from across the world, celebrate the momentum and innovation in women’s sports, and highlight issues of equity and equality both in-person and through social media platforms. SET will also connect with the local community – inviting them to be a part of SET in meaningful ways, positively impacting the community, Omaha, and the world of women’s sports.&nbsp;

Story by Set the Bar CommunicationsOMAHA, NE – With women’s sports on an all-time high, local business leaders Molly Huyck and Amy Hannesson, are announcing bringing a sports bar focused on women’s sports to Omaha. Launching this winter, SET The Bar will be a welcoming place for all, dedicated to women’s sports with an inclusive culture and housed in Omaha’s Benson business district, off 62nd &amp; Maple Street. SET The Bar will be the seventh women’s sports bar to launch in the U.S. and the first in Nebraska.Co-Founder Molly Huyck said, “Omaha is the perfect community to celebrate women’s sports, and we are setting the bar high in bringing a new home for women’s sports to our city. Being one of the first few women’s sports bars in the U.S. is a special honor, and we know Omaha will show up and make us proud. I am thrilled for the launch!”Fellow Co-Founder Amy Hannesson said, “When you look at the business side of SET The Bar, it all makes sense, but SET The Bar is about embracing and growing women’s sports in an environment that welcomes all. We know that everyone watches women’s sports and now Omaha will have a physical space to gather and celebrate the momentum of women’s sports, together. This movement is amazing for all sports fans and the Omaha area.”SET The Bar will be a new type of sports bar with an array of craft cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, beers, a healthy and delicious food menu, and all in an environment that is not the typical sports bar feel – a place where the cofounders say that patrons will feel welcomed in the environment that is being designed for them. This week marks another milestone for the project with the Omaha City Council having approved the liquor license yesterday, unanimously.Omaha City Council President, Pete Festersen, shared, “The first women’s sports bar in Nebraska, SET The Bar, is an exciting development for Benson and for Omaha. As the father of girls, I know how important supporting women’s sports is and to be early in the Nation in creating this gathering place for such celebration is awesome. I look forward to the grand opening of SET The Bar in a few short months.” President Festersen knows the area well and has been instrumental in Benson’s growth, working in the areas of the Benson Business Improvement District, Benson Creative District, Benson First Friday, and the Benson Neighborhood Association.Targeting an early December grand opening, SET The Bar will be located at 6121 Maple St., Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68104.--About SET The Bar&nbsp;SET the Bar is a local sports bar and restaurant with a unique mission: to support and elevate women’s sports. Our values of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration will drive our mission, helping build a community around shared passions through food and drink.&nbsp;In the simplest sense SET will serve high quality food and drinks and show women’s sports, but that is just the foundation. It is a place where everyone is welcome, and fans of women’s sports will come together to connect in an intentional and meaningful way.We will uplift female athletes locally and from across the world, celebrate the momentum and innovation in women’s sports, and highlight issues of equity and equality both in-person and through social media platforms. SET will also connect with the local community – inviting them to be a part of SET in meaningful ways, positively impacting the community, Omaha, and the world of women’s sports.&nbsp;

Women’s Sports Bar “SET The Bar” coming to Omaha

Former Husker men’s basketball assistant coach Jimmy Williams passed away on Monday at the age of 77.

Williams, a longtime college assistant coach, spent seven seasons at Nebraska and played a major role in the Huskers making seven straight postseason appearances in that span, including the 1994 Big Eight Tournament title and the 1996 NIT Championship.

Willliams coached the Husker big men, including 1999 Big 12 Player of the Year Venson Hamilton, as well as longtime NBA performer Mikki Moore and Derrick Chandler during his tenure. Williams, who served as NU’s Associate Head Coach in his final three years in Lincoln, played a significant role in the Huskers recruiting efforts under Nee, including players such as Hamilton, Tyronn Lue, Cookie Belcher and Larry Florence.

Williams played collegiately at Ashland College, helping the school win a national title in 1970 before going into coaching. He coached at Minnesota, Tulsa, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Memphis along with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Former Husker men’s basketball assistant coach Jimmy Williams passed away on Monday at the age of 77.Williams, a longtime college assistant coach, spent seven seasons at Nebraska and played a major role in the Huskers making seven straight postseason appearances in that span, including the 1994 Big Eight Tournament title and the 1996 NIT Championship.Willliams coached the Husker big men, including 1999 Big 12 Player of the Year Venson Hamilton, as well as longtime NBA performer Mikki Moore and Derrick Chandler during his tenure. Williams, who served as NU’s Associate Head Coach in his final three years in Lincoln, played a significant role in the Huskers recruiting efforts under Nee, including players such as Hamilton, Tyronn Lue, Cookie Belcher and Larry Florence.Williams played collegiately at Ashland College, helping the school win a national title in 1970 before going into coaching. He coached at Minnesota, Tulsa, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Memphis along with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.