In-State Rivalries & Ranked Showdowns

With conference play less than a week away, Nebraska took down an in-state rival and faces another ranked opponent this weekend. Meanwhile, Penn State clashes with an SEC foe. 

Huskers sweep Creighton in front of historic crowd 

In front of the largest indoor home crowd in program history, No. 1 Nebraska swept No. 20 Creighton (25-13, 25-15, 25-19) at Pinnacle Bank Arena to add another ranked win to its resume. 

With 15,405 in attendance, the Huskers held the Bluejays to a season-low .033 hitting percentage; Andi Jackson led the way with nine kills, along with Harper Murray, Kenna Cogill and Virginia Adriano all having eight. Nebraska moved to 25-0 all-time against Creighton with the win.  

After the Huskers picked up their third win against a ranked opponent this season, Jackson said there’s more room to grow. 

“I don't even think we're even close to our ceiling,” Jackson said. “Which is very awesome that we’re in that position. There's still a ton of room for improvement.”  More from the Huskers here.  

This weekend, there are some more big matchups with conference play approaching. 

Nebraska vs. UNC 

Fresh off their in-state showdown, the Cornhuskers host No. 25 North Carolina at the Bob Devaney Sports Center Friday night (8 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network). Reigning Big Ten Player of the Week Manaia Ogbechie will look to continue her strong play for the Huskers. Ogbechie entered the week 11^th in the country with a .471 hitting percentage. 

The Tar Heels have a pair of veterans leading the way in senior Safi Hampton and graduate student Chelsea Thorpe, along with sophomore Bridget Malone, who are all over 60 points on the year.  

Penn State vs. Tennessee 

Two national brands collide on Sunday when No. 9 Penn State welcomes No. 16 Tennessee to Rec Hall in its final non-conference game of the season. Both teams enter the weekend with a 7-1 record. 

Penn State begins this weekend on a four-match win streak with star hitter Kennedy Martin and redshirt senior setter Alexis Stucky powering one of the nation's most formidable offensive attacks alongside graduate transfer Whitney Lauenstein, and libero Ava Falduto anchoring the defense. Tennessee counters with veteran setter Caroline Kerr, who continues to orchestrate the Lady Vols' high-powered offense that entered the week leading the NCAA with 15.14 kills per set. The Nittany Lions will need to keep a close eye on sophomore Kennedi Rogers, who went into this week third in the nation in kills per set at 4.89. 

Those matchups headline a weekend where teams across the conference are in action. Check out the complete schedule  here.  

Photo courtesy of  huskers.com