The Nebraska Volleyball team clinched another win on Saturday, toppling Indiana to seize the Big Ten title with two games still to play. The Huskers entered as clear favorites, but the Hoosiers battled fiercely, pushing each set to the brink. Nebraska ultimately prevailed with scores of 25-19, 25-16, and 25-22.
Nebraska head coach Dani Busboom Kelly remains undefeated since taking over from John Cook in January, continuing her quest to grab the program’s first NCAA Championship since 2017.
What Did Nebraska Volleyball’s Dani Busboom Kelly Say About Indiana’s Performance?
It’s challenging to pinpoint moments where the Huskers have struggled this season, given their perfect record. The closest they’ve come to a loss was in a few matches that went to five sets, including their 3-2 victories over Kentucky and Creighton. Despite Nebraska landing a three-set sweep over Indiana, Busboom Kelly heaped praise on their performance.
“That’s a really tough team to play. They’re always throwing different things at you, and it’s pretty easy to get caught up in that. I thought we played our game and did some really good things,” the Huskers head coach stated, as per Sports Illustrated.
Indiana came into the game against Nebraska in good form, winning three games in a row. They currently sit in fourth place in the standings, posting a 13-5 conference record. The Huskers, meanwhile, will round off their regular season campaign with games against Penn State and Ohio State, already keeping one eye on the NCAA tournament.
Nebraska Volleyball Star Virginia Adriano Reacts To Winning Big Ten Title
Nebraska opposite hitter Virginia Adriano, who was recruited by Busboom Kelly this year, has already managed to earn her first share of silverware in NCAA Volleyball. The 21-year-old joined from Italy’s top volleyball league, Serie A1, where she played for Bergamo. It hasn’t taken her long to adapt to her new home, already recording kills in 27 matches.
According to Sports Illustrated, Adriano spared no emotion regarding winning the Big Ten title, saying, “It’s a big accomplishment. It is one of the main goals that we had, and it’s really good to be able to get this.”
The Italian finished with nine kills on a .412 hitting percentage and six blocks against the Hoosiers, also adding that despite moments where they struggled during the game, they focused on what the team did in practice, ultimately leading them to victory. As the team gears up for the NCAA tournament, one has to wonder: Will Adriano’s skills and determination be a game-changer for Nebraska when the stakes are the highest?
