Nebraska To Advance to NCAA Volleyball Championship Finals
12/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Dec. 5, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Nebraska earned a place in the NCAA volleyball championship match, after sweeping Valparaiso 30-19, 30-22, 30-21 for a 3-0 victory in the first round of the semi-final tournament at Jenison Field House Friday night.
"We have a lot of young players who are in the NCAA tournament for the first time," said Nebraska head coach John Cook. "We have a lot to build on for tomorrow because half of our goal is accomplished.
Nebraska took the win with a combined 11 blocks and 60 kills over Valparaiso's seven and 29 respectively.
In the first game of the contest, Nebraska achieved a quick victory over Valparaiso, defeating the Crusaders 30-19.
Valaparaiso fought back to take a 22-20 lead in the second game, before the Cornhuskers regained control and stormed through the remainder of the game, earning 10 straight points to seal a 30-22 win.
Nebraska continued to dominate with aggressive, physical play in the third game and won the match 30-21.
"(Nebraska) is a big, physical team," said Valaparaiso head coach Carin Avery. "Their defense made some amazing plays today and they blocked extremely well on our left side attack."
Nebraska senior right side hitter Anna Schrad led her team with an impressive 15 kills, closely followed by impact freshman Dani Mancuso with 14.
Valaparaiso senior outside hitter Michelle Robinson led her squad with 10 kills, while sophomore right side hitter Lauren Moulton posted eight.
Nebraska is slated to face the victor of the second NCAA semi-final match, in which Michigan State will face Dayton. The championship contest at Jenison Field House is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.