Nebraska Cornhuskers Advance to NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have secured their spot in the NCAA women’s volleyball final four, joining the top-ranked teams from this year’s competition. Nebraska and Penn State emerged victorious in their regional finals on Sunday, completing the lineup alongside Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Louisville, who advanced on Saturday. This year’s semifinal features all four No. 1 seeds, underscoring the strength of the top-tier teams.

Semifinal Showdowns Set for Louisville

The national semifinals will take place on Thursday in Louisville, where the hometown Louisville Cardinals will face the Pitt Panthers at 6:30 p.m. ET. Following this match, Nebraska will compete against Big Ten rival Penn State Nittany Lions. Both semifinals will be broadcast on ESPN, while the championship match is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.

Conference Rivalries in the Spotlight

This year’s final four is unique, pitting rivals from the ACC and the Big Ten against each other. The ACC showdown between Louisville and Pitt represents a quest for a first-ever national volleyball title for both teams. On the other side of the bracket, Nebraska and Penn State bring a storied history to the court, with a combined 12 NCAA championships and nine runner-up finishes.

During the regular season, Pitt defeated Louisville in both of their matchups, while Penn State triumphed over Nebraska in their lone meeting.

Nebraska Dominates Wisconsin to Reach Semifinals

The Huskers made a commanding statement on Sunday, sweeping Wisconsin in straight sets with scores of 26-24, 25-17, and 25-21. Senior standout Taylor Landfair, who transferred to Nebraska from Minnesota, led the team with 11 kills. This victory marks Nebraska’s 18th appearance in the NCAA final four, a testament to the program’s sustained excellence. Notably, Nebraska also swept Wisconsin during their two Big Ten regular-season meetings.

Penn State Overcomes Creighton in a Thriller

For Penn State, the journey to the final four was far from easy. The Nittany Lions faced a fierce challenge from No. 2 seed Creighton, who aimed to make its first-ever final four appearance. The thrilling match went to five sets before Penn State clinched victory with a decisive 15-7 win in the fifth set. Star player Jess Mruzik led the Nittany Lions with 20 kills, ensuring their 14th final four appearance in program history.

Historic Opportunity for Women Coaches

This year’s final four presents an opportunity for history to be made. No woman head coach has ever won the NCAA Division I volleyball championship since its inception in 1981. However, with Dani Busboom Kelly of Louisville and Katie Schumacher-Cawley of Penn State leading their respective teams, there is a chance for a breakthrough this year.

Among the four semifinal coaches, Nebraska’s John Cook is the only one with prior championship experience. Cook has guided Nebraska to four titles, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches. Meanwhile, Penn State’s seven championships all came under legendary coach Russ Rose, who retired in 2021.

Anticipation Builds for a Thrilling Championship

As the final four approaches, volleyball fans are gearing up for a thrilling weekend of competition. With powerhouse programs like Nebraska and Penn State battling for supremacy and up-and-coming teams Louisville and Pitt seeking their first titles, this year’s NCAA women’s volleyball championship promises to be a showcase of elite talent and fierce rivalries.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers, backed by their deep history and stellar performance this season, are poised to make a strong bid for another championship. The stage is set for a memorable conclusion to the 2023 NCAA volleyball season.