Nebraska vs. Pittsburgh: 2023 NCAA volleyball semifinals | FULL REPLAY

Nebraska the number one overall season overall seed for the sixth time they have only lost one match on the season that was to Wisconsin who will play in our other semi-final meanwhile for the pit Panthers drama for them in the regional final facing their rival surviving the reverse sweep to get back to the semis but what a rewarding way to be able to get to a national semifinal down two sets To None on your home court and you find a way to gut it out you win three straight sets in a reverse sweep over your arch nemesis and Louisville I think Rachel Fairbanks for pit said it best she said we are on a business trip we are here to win a National Championship and this pit team is on a mission they have been so close it's tonight the night they break through no surprise though ladies there's a lot of red in the stands in Emily Arena here in Tampa Nebraska travels well sold out how many months ago and I think that was in part because of Nebraska fans a long time ago backside and there goes Olivia bcot her first swing in the semi-finals and for pit a freshman passed that ball freshman terminated 31 of 33 matches led by freshman for [Applause] pick Olivia Babcock the number 43 overall player newer to the sport of volleyball but Dan Fischer convinced her that volleyball was her calling not soccer and that'll be a service error for p point for Nebraska could you imagine if she was in a goalie somewhere I'm glad she's not well she also said she didn't like the Running part of soccer here's Harper Murray for Nebraska the Big 10 freshman of the Year Vasquez Gomez Amy clicka steps up to bump set that to Tory Stafford another outstanding freshman for pit Meritt B the floorida transfer Fairbanks back to Stafford and Lexi Rodriguez is there Harper Murray out of the back row bcck Bergen Riley calling on Meritt B again the leader the captain of Nebraska we're going to see a lot of extended rallies like that working from pin to pin finally Meritt be finds a seam in that pit block with such good defense as it stresses you mentally can you remain focused during a long rally and keep that ball in [Applause] play throws it up for batc Rodriguez will set up Ali baon hor and she is blocked by Olivia Babcock get that hand up there with such big blocks on both sides the two Setters that you're watching today they have to be really precise with their location if they leave the ball inside Holly you're leaving them in a closet against these Big Blocks definitely an Olivia Babcock number five on the right side for pit is a monster [Applause] block cat flood serving she goes after Harper Murray and it's an ace for flood Dan fer in his 11th season they are the only team in the last three semi-finals they have six players that are playing in their third National semi-final you have to imagine that experience being able to draw on being on this stage so many times has to be helpful here tonight they go back at Murray she handles it better m off hands cat flood steps in to set up Babcock and she'll take a piece of the block with her Olivia Babcock does not look fced well pit is likes to go high and it doesn't need to be fast for Olivia bcot because she is so high her point of contact working the outside hand of the block down the [Applause] line keep going after Harper Murray and serve receive be Banks to Tor staer and she's stoed Becca Alec and Mir Nebraska returning the [Applause] favor hit has been going after Harper Murray in serve receive they really want to test her [Applause] [Music] out so now Lexi Rodriguez the two-time Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year back to serve for Nebraska [Applause] fairings on the move up to batc Andy Jackson one of the true freshmen that have stepped up for Nebraska really nice job by Nebraska forcing Pittsburgh out of system this set is low and tight and it leaves Olivia Badcock with not very many options great job blocking really nice job by Andy Jackson Working to get out to close that block don't you think in these first few points we're going to see these teams feel each other out because of the big block on both Sid definitely the court is shrunk when you're playing a great defensive team you it's hard to find open floor Tory stapper tipping just Wide Point Nebraska well John Cook was named the ABCA coach of the year for the third time in his career so welld deserved guys he has no seniors on this roster he has six new players five of them are freshman and they have only lost one match all season and I think he's having a lot of fun this year coaching he's got a young group but he's got two amazing assistant coaches you see Olivia bathcock Elevate on the right side and Crush that ball versus Nebraska defense I agree with you he might not look it but we swear he's having a ton of fun and that's because of the youth on this Nebraska team he said he's been a lot more patient you have to be right with young players who are who are learning this for the first time B trying to fire off the big serve and it's a service error she already has three kills hitting 400 a true freshman Olivia Badcock out of Los Angeles she's also the best server so far in the NCA tournament with 50 Aces actually not 50 Aces on the season but she does lead the NCA tournament yeah 10 aces in the tournament Fairbanks gets it out of the net Stafford tips it over Bon [Applause] horse Andy Jackson with the slam and here comes Badcock out of the back row and Nebraska could challenge this I think the ball hit the antenna yeah when Rachel Fairbanks went up to the net and dug that ball out it almost looked like the ball grazed the antenna and Jaylen Reyes went over and picked the green challenge card up and handed it to John Cook and said him begged him to make that challenge he was certain that ball hit the [Applause] antenna [Music] and so Nebraska has used that challenge you get two challenges per match unless we go to a fifth set each team will get an additional challenge if you're correct in your challenge you get to keep [Applause] it I don't think it hit the antenna there from that angle it did not appear that it did no and I think what messes with your eyes if you're Jaylen Reyes across the court is that antenna is already wobbling back and forth right I also don't see pit being in the net there that's another thing they could look at on this [Applause] challenge yeah I think the net was already moving cuz the ball grabbed it on the way [Applause] down they can look for it hitting the antenna and also a player in the net also just really good Pursuit by Pittsburgh by the way yes to get that point that's the defense we're talking about right there's going to be Scrappy plays on both sides a lot of bumps and bruises a lot of ice packs needed after this [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] one so Dy Nelson is our R2 she is the one taking a look and making the decision on this and again Nebraska thought it hit the antenna you can see there it does not if the ball did hit the antenna it would be out and I think we have a decision so the call is confirmed Nebraska will go down to one challenge unless we go to a fifth set they'll get an additional [Applause] challenge here's Tori Stafford she was number 12 overall recruit in this class a true freshman all ACC first team selection and a third team allam Andy Jackson on the slide dug up by pit Fairbanks and Valeria Vasquez Gomez got tripped up on the pit side seemed to be okay Ali baiton H saved by Stafford Andy Jackson by herself stuffed it the work by Andy Jackson The Freshman number 15 in white look at her see that ball go the other direction get out and over the net to block that ball for Nebraska what did Dan fiser tell us we asked him about Nebraska he said Andy Jackson is a bad matchup for us she's a problem she's a problem for everybody because she is so Dynamic and so fast service error Point [Applause] pit seven all we're going to [Applause] 25 Dylan Griffin checking in to serve for the pit [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Panthers Lexi R guys with the layout mer beast in front of a triple [Applause] block Bergen Riley calling on Harper Murray her fellow [Applause] freshman BC Riley back to Harper Murray through the block of Rachel Fairbanks really nice job by Harper Murray tracking that set feeling that there was a gap between Rachel Fairbanks and the net and she's able just to push this ball through nice strong tip so Kennedy or who has shifted into that serving specialist role for Nebraska will Sub in also a cter for the cor Huskers Fairbanks going to the Middle with Emma monks Becca Alec making her case to her coaches that she didn't touch it but remember they've already lost a challenge early on in set one yeah it's hard to pull this second challenge card right you're down to one challenge I know unless we go to a fifth he was definitely reluctant to get up he's going to do it again look at John Cook gambling I love it if Nebraska is incorrect In This challenge they will have no challenges until the fifth set Becca Alec was demonstrative when she came down from that block pleading to John Cook that she did not touch that ball so the original call was that it was touched well she was very late on the Block to begin with so she was on her way up Emma monks number nine in the middle for pit attacking through that Gap here's another look at it watch number five in white her hands I don't see a touch I don't either that ring finger and that pinky of the right hand of backa Alex she's late unfortunately so she's on her way up does it possibly hit no that shows you that Bergen Riley definitely has no touch on the play that's a good angle right there I do not see a touch great look you don't see any of number five that's Becca Alex fingers moving and she's hitting away from number two that's Bergen Riley so if they're seeing what we're seeing this call should be [Applause] [Applause] overturned no touch and it was out so Nebraska keeps its challenge they have one remaining unless we go to a fifth set it's a lot of trust there with John Cook and back this is a rotation for pit where the center Rachel Fairbanks is in the front row two hitters stack Emma mons Fairbanks has to get it up with one hand to Valeria Vasquez Gomez and she'll terminate and a nice job Cy by Rachel Fairbanks on the run here one hand just gets her out of trouble and then Vasquez Gomez is in a one-on-one situation because of the save nice job by Fairbanks there really athletic move to get under and lift that so her hitter can attack that the role has changed for Rachel Fairbanks this is the first time this season in her career that she is setting in the front row as pit is running a 5-1 and not a 6-2 system she grew up playing in a 6-2 offense that's where she would hit across the front row set from the back row except for the Summers when she trained with USA she was able to run a 51 and get some experience there but with the Personnel on pit with a right Sider like Olivia Babcock you need Rachel Fairbanks in a 51 we did ask her do you miss attacking she goes man I do love it but it is really exciting to set up my great hitters and they get a kill it's a different kind of satisfaction having two Setters sitting next to me I'm sure you know that's like Harper Murray drops it in the corner Harper Murray loves the big stage you see the Dig here and then the push out to the pin Harper Murray deep Corner Love That Swing Harper Murray has carried a very big load for Nebraska All Season playing all six rotations true freshman Vasquez Gomez Riley back to Murray clicker steps in to set up [Applause] backcock Vasquez Gomez had to reach behind her to get it and couldn't get it all the way over the [Applause] [Applause] net [Applause] in flies Murr and she is shut down Emma mon so Nebraska's a little out of system here you got to go to a bump set from Lexi Rodriguez it's a little bit tight and look at that block between Emma monks and Olivia Babcock it's an absolute wall maybe recycle that tip into the block play it back she had nowhere to go no absolutely abely two blocks now for pit three for Nebraska in this [Applause] match and Meritt B tooling the block and hit the block and then the antenna so the point goes to Nebraska Meritt beas showing her versatility attacking on the left side Olivia BC's really high over the net she needs to be disciplined with pressing over the net keeping her hands on the opponent's [Applause] side Fairbanks to Tory Stafford Point Nebraska Tor Stafford telling Dan fiser yes that ball touched me on the way out got her shoulder right off her shoulder yep good eyes Stafford off hands and P having to do this Fairbanks is on the move a lot right now but she is so good at setting her team in system even though she's on the Run look at the tempo and the pace of this ball out to Tory Stafford really nice job by Rachel Fairbanks On The Run keeping her team in system and that's what makes her special she has a wide range where she can keep pit in system running that Tempo in system meaning they have all three attacking options they can go [Applause] to Ali bit HST dug up by flood Stafford crushing it down the line we talk about Harper Murray carrying a big load for Nebraska but Tory Stafford does this same thing for pit she passes six rotations look at her cross body down the line for pit that's a big kill and the passion too it's contagious her teammates love feeding off of her joy and her energy and her Poise D fer told us she competes from a place of joy and that's definitely something that's contagious right to the donut the middle of the floor cat sled a little bit tentative number three in yellow she was looking at that instead of laying down to dig that for pit you cannot be [Applause] tentative [Applause] Fairbanks backside to backcock and Ali baor wins the battle Nebraska's block prevailing and the Corn Huskers the first to 15 points our first semifinal of the night pits and Nebraska Corin Huskers on top by three not an easy Road for either of these teams pit having to go through its rival Nebraska one of its biggest tests of the season was facing Arkansas in that Regional semi that Regional final where they really had to battle but both are back in the semi-finals pit for a third straight year we talked about defense at the top of the show and both teams hold their opponents to low numbers and both teams right now hitting one pit is hitting negative and Nebraska's hitting 87 what are you seeing at a pit right now that's giving them problems well I think they did a nice job at the net getting block touches and that's a really nice swing from Stafford to get the kill they're playing sloppy they've got eight airs eight kills so they're literally hitting zero for the match similar to the way they started against Louisville weekend ago they were a little bit sloppy took them a little bit to get going if they play clean High Lev volleyball we could be seeing a different score here and against Louisville they were down two sets to nine and got the reverse sweep they won three sets in a row to punch their ticket to Tampa B coock back row yes Olivia Babcock said when she came to pitch she was not a very good defensive player and she's really worked on it look at her control that ball and then big transition kill deep in the court for pit looked like Harper Murray couldn't decide if that was in her out and service error by bcck for second tonight she'll tell you my greatest strength is my serve my greatest weakness is my serve if it's on it is on I will tell you they're watching both of these teams ladies they never Panic we've seen them both tested they don't hit the Panic Buton that is six blocks for Nebraska and we are in the first set Alli baiten horse is long it's 6'5 she comes in from left front and helps Andy Jackson to block that ball Nebraska's on such a nice job of staying home always tracking Babcock out of the back row so what is the adjustment the hit for pit have to [Applause] make Courtney why you always got to ask the hard questions hey it's the question everybody wants to know if you're a pit fan for starters for starters they got to start passing the ball a little bit better so Rachel Fairbanks has all of her options at her disposal they become one-dimensional because they're out of system so you know the ball's going to the back row makes it easier on the Block decent handles that beautifully Alli ba hor is going to get hands beautiful pass by Mar beas and then obviously baiten horse going flat and high off the hands Bergen Riley The Freshman Setter for Nebraska locates that ball perfectly for her outside hitter Alli baon horse just had to step up when lindsy crowy went down with injury back in October she has taken over ba horse has that other outside hitter spot no touch that one Sails Long on Olivia backcock one of the things Dan fiser talked about he said look we're both great defensive teams but we're more aggressive offensively Nebraska up 1915 in this first set over pit and it started with a world record volleyball day in Nebraska 9203 fans packed into the football stadium to watch Nebraska play a volleyball match they won the Big 10 title for the first time since 2017 number one overall seed for the sixth time in program history they've won two national titles as the number one overall seed and six all big 10 selections that was the most in program history Nebraska has only lost one match all season and that was to Wisconsin and John Cook told us the players told us that took the pressure off heading into the tournament they had the 27 match winning streaks so yeah you want to lose if you're going to lose during the season not during the NCA [Applause] tournament long serve out of the timeout by Lany choboy and a point for [Applause] pit so pit called that last time out they are hitting zero right now with 10 attacking errors here in set one what's Wild Nebraska only has six kills in this first set I mean they've done this defensively and also because Pittsburgh right now is beating themselves six blocks for Nebraska two for [Applause] pit Harper Murray off speed in the middle of the Court really nice job by Harper Murray she's already showed you a couple of her Tools in her toolkit that she can go hard crosscourt she can tip the ball through the block and then she can just finesse you with a nice roll shot to the donut of the Corp Harper Murray the Gatorade National player of the year was the number one overall [Applause] recruit Fairbanks to Emma monks and Fairbanks didn't have to move very much no perfect pass and then Emma monks is long number nine in yellow just a paintbrush kill to the middle of the Court so Fairbanks pit Setter rotates to the back the back row she'll have three attacking options in the front row to set still serving at Harper Murray to make her pass she's going to to there block for a kill Nebraska the race to 25 points joh John Cook talked about Harper Murray the load that she carries for this team teams serve her and then she's got a swing high off the hand she's got all the offensive tools going off the inside hand of Emma monks the pit middle blocker and look at her numbers right now in their last match against Arkansas she hit 163 she is at 375 right now and pit runs out of contacts they can't get it back over I love what John Cook told us about Harper Murray he said she is one of the best if not the best player in the country after 20 points he said watch when we get to 20 she is involved in almost every single point point that gets us to a set win and we've seen that thus [Applause] far Harper Murray she told us Jaylen Reyes recruited her early and she absolutely loves the coaching staff loves the the support that Nebraska volleyball gets Harper is such a great story the Gatorade National player of the year she won the 9 PanAm cup and 27 it's an interesting number to wear but her dad V Murray who passed away from L cancer when Harper was 6 years old he wore number 277 playing football at Michigan and she texted John Cook in the recruiting process after she committed and said I want to wear 27 and he goes I think that's the perfect number for you she is such a special player she can do it all and you know what I love she got a little sass to her she's not afraid to go back at Jaylen Reyes and John Cook respectfully of course you never did that right no not at all not respectfully I'm just kidding well don't miss the NCAA division one Volleyball championship for the first time ever Sunday at 3 Eastern on ABC we are so excited for more information on all 90 NCAA championships visit ncaa.com this is just our first of two semi-finals tonight Texas and Wisconsin will start about 35 minutes after this match concludes Texas of course the defending national champions [Music] [Applause] Nebraska's defense and poys has served them well here in set one three points away from taking the opening set speaking of poise you were just looking at it Bergen Riley almost is a a statue in terms of the way that she plays you never know what she's thinking how she's feeling she is so even keeled and steady for this team well she told us yesterday she's like look I've played up my whole life so I'm not intimidated by this stage when she was in eighth grade she was playing on Varsity when she was 13 she was setting for the 18 teams she is used to playing in the big moment with older players with a lot of experience it's a good sign for pit that looks really good coming out of the hand of Valeria Vasquez Gomez her second [Applause] kill Vasquez Gomez was part of Pit's first round of eight team back in 2020 and she's been to the last two semi-finals with them now in her third Tory Stafford on the chase Riley to Meritt B Meritt be sneaking it through the seam on the Block Olivia backck is high and that allows that ball to sneak through you have to press that inside hand either Emma monks or Olivia Babcock to close that scene for for the pit [Applause] block raising the tape and Emy clicka gets it up Stafford is long and it's Set Point Nebraska Pit's going to make a substitution they'll sub out valyri Vasquez Gomez and bring in Logan MO ly a defensive specialist to pass in the back row Stafford puts it right on the head of Fairbanks and drops it in the corner second set Point Nebraska we talked about the Poise of Tori Stafford she pass thises passes this ball perfectly and then look at that smart swing deep to the corner to avoid the Nebraska [Applause] defense Rodriguez will have to set baon H cuts it too sharp third Set Point Nebraska it has consistently gone after Harper Murray number 27 in white for Nebraska yeah and I think it's a a fair strategy right you want to test her you want to wear her down especially if this goes into extra sets but Holly you know better than most sometimes passing can actually put you in a rhythm when you're attacking there are outside hitters right side hitters who like to pass the ball and then immediately go into their approach and Harper Murray's did a nice job that tonight well I think pit wants to avoid Lexi Rodriguez the three-time allamerican in the back court too so that's another reason to serve away from her so Nebraska calls this time out here they'll have their third set point want to let you know bow season begins Saturday seven games on ESPN ABC and ESPN plus here's the ABC triple header starting at noon Eastern Howard and Florida A&M in the cricket celebration Bowl then Miami of Ohio takes on App State in the avocados from Mexico pure Bowl we finish up with UCLA in boisey state in the LA bowl at Sofi Stadium that's coming up on Saturday our championship match Sunday at 3 Eastern for the first time it will be on ABC one of these teams will be there facing either Texas or Wisconsin who will be our second semi-final later tonight Texas coming off the bus what timing Ellis Swindle the two The Freshman Setter for this Texas team who won a national championship last season they're a two- seed in this year's tournament and upset Stamford on the Cardinals home floor to get here they're big underdogs yes defending national champions and big underdogs for set number two coming up later this evening third set point Corn Huskers Harper Murray struggles with the pass baiton [Applause] H what a save Nebraska gets a free ball backside to Meritt Bon inli Stafford three blockers in front of her Nebraska's block has formed a wall in Tampa eight blocks in the first first set unbelievable start defensively eight blocks and it was unbelievable defense by Nebraska to win the first set well pit hitting zero in the first I mean they they're averaging 300 in the NCA tournament that's a big drop but we've also seen pit have slow starts I mean two reverse sweeps to come back against Great opponents Dan fiser told us only one time this season against BYU did he feel like his team did not respond or flip the switch when needed this is a team that is used to responding so let's see how they fa here in set two and you know Nebraska is going to be ready for that they're a team that also has been challenged and when challenges come up they haven't been rattled the great thing about volleyball you get to the next set it's a clean slate you start over and they can be so different it's so frustrating it is so frustrating one time you have the momentum oh momentum swings back and forth pretty loud Holly mCP and Katy George with you the start of set two here after Nebraska one set one 2520 in our first semi-final of the night har Murray with the tip Fairbanks to Valeria Vasquez [Applause] Gomez out of the back row Meritt B Olivia Babcock and that is block number nine the discipline of Nebraska's block and I think they have a very good Scouting Report they know exactly where that Ball's going in transition and it goes to Olivia Babcock Austin you see Harper Murray and Becca Alec with the Nebraska block Nebraska's coming off a season High 17 blocks against Arkansas they already have nine and Vasquez Gomez finding the Court nice job by Gomez they're falling away from that set able to drop that into the middle of the court she has three kills hitting 333 also five digs and she will step back to [Music] [Applause] serve still going after Harper Murray Becca Alec is long Point pit and John Cook is going to pull the green challenge card for a third time tonight just want it clear assistant coaches are not able to challenge calls but jayen Reyes makes the case to John Cook almost every time John Cook's the CEO Jaylen Rey is making things happen you see him he's up during every play talking to his team but John Cook has the last choice on that and you see a big touch off number nine in yellow see all the blue fingernails for pit yeah no question that's a fantastic look by our crew love those slow-mo cameras yeah that index finger is wobbling back and forth really nice catch by the camera [Applause] [Music] crew and so for the second time tonight Nebraska is correct in their challenge they still have one challenge remaining unless we go to a fifth set and John Cook's shaking his head I think he's a little frustrated that he's had to challenge that many times three three already this early in the [Applause] match to Stafford take two Riley backside to B Ali baon horse as they try the left side great pick up off the block here by Lexi Rodriguez a good push from Bergen Riley but look at this all the way out into the antenna Ali baon horse has all the shots she can work herself around that block great swing Stafford into the Nebraska block right back into Meritt B welcome to my block party party I love watching Becka Alec Patrol the net side to side Meritt beas gets all of that but Becca Alec gets there to close and you're right Nebraska having a field day at the net that is a song right yes it is okay you're good okay I just sure don't sing anymore I have to pay a rights fee [Applause] but ladies double figure blocks for Nebraska for the 13th time this season they have 10 we are in the second set we talked about it Kelly Sheffield said hey you can win in a lot of different ways we didn't think it was going to be all about blocks because Nebraska has fantastic backourt defense but that's been the story so far we have yet to see pit make the [Applause] adjustment but having watched them this season you know it's coming at some [Applause] point pit answering with a block of its own by Olivia Babcock well pit was able to get Nebraska out of system in their huge block just camping out on that right side and it pays off these blocks that we're seeing it really tests you as an attacker to be creative right and to really focus your eyes on what you're seeing in front of you that you can use the block to your advantage it's got to be hard to not be frustrated though right [Applause] absolutely Rodriguez diving this will be a free ball back to pit a great opportunity for the Panthers to terminate and shamaka woko will first time we have called her name the veteran the captain of this pit team and I love watching choko play great job in a free ball situation running a quick one set out of the middle woko able to beat that block go strong crosscourt shot she was working in a law office when Dan fiser took her to coffee and said please come back you'll have to earn your spot on the court but you 100% will be our captain and she has done both mer be into the back line one CA into another Meritt be has worked on her approach from that right side and watch her hit with range she loves that sharp angle but this time going high deep down that line for the kill [Applause] five kills for beon to lean the cour Huskers fairbank's going quickly to Walo Murray out of the back [Applause] row onehanded save by Harper Murray and it was touch the effort pays off from Murray in the back row look at the range that you from Harper Murray as she plays middle back for Nebraska this ball is cut down the line she's able to run it down with one hand Lexi Rodriguez sets up baon horse for the kill Nebraska hitting 333 in the [Music] set stapper tooling the block this time there you go there's that creativity you need to see you have to manage your swings and change it up that time using the outside hand of Meritt [Applause] beas Stafford out of the negative but hitting zero right now six kills six [Applause] errors and a third service era tonight from Olivia Babcock I saw Olivia Babcock yesterday working on that and she kept reminding herself to reach high and and hit that ball deep we've seen her hit a couple into the net already [Applause] it was passed really tight Rachel Fairbanks just trying to save that set in her middle blocker but just a misconnect there oh drop it in Mary B welcome to the semifinals talk about threading a needle Down the Line Line to Line Meritt be is able to get this past Tory Stafford's outside shoulder what a serve from Meritt B Nebraska with a four-point lead here in set two he said what do you envision when you hit the transfer portal and you came to Nebraska and she said ABS this this is what I envisioned coming to the semi-finals and she just dropped in an ace in some of her skills won her voice and building relationships and that's why she's a leader on this young Nebraska team there are no seniors on Nebraska's team so it's Merritt B and Lexi Rodriguez who are the captains Andy Jackson just Soares when I hear you say no seniors on this Nebraska team that's scary to think every single player is going to be returning next season for this team and better exactly a 6 to1 run now for senior list [Applause] Nebraska just long you put the numbers with the underclassmen look at the percentage the underclassman make up 55% of their kills 52% of their digs 44% of their blocks by underclassman this [Applause] season Andy Jackson underclassman give her another kill and this is the match up that head coach of pit Dan fiser was worried about Andy Jackson her length look at her high point of contact going high off the hands a pit she can hit with so much range for Nebraska that's her second kill you know we talk about the youth of Nebraska a key for them all five freshmen arrived in January they all graduated early and John Cook said that has been the Difference Maker it has brought in Lexus AO to set number one in the back [Music] row I think it's a great Point Courtney the fact that they all arrived early they were able to build chemistry they were able to learn about each other build that Rapport that certainly we are seeing being here tonight but actually it makes it even more impressive that you've got two freshman on Pittsburgh that are just as impactful they arrived at the end of June and are playing at this level the way that they are in less time good [Applause] point for Murray off hands and Vasquez Gomez hits into the [Applause] net pit has two Setters on the floor they are now in a 62 Rachel Fairbanks is going to be a hitter it looks like a KO number one for pit will be the other Setter on the floor not something they're unfamiliar with pit ran a 62 most of last season with these two settings so there's Lexus AO and Becca Alec was ready Becca Alec just owns the net for Nebraska that is her part of the Court stay out of her way watch her eye work she is not fooled all over that ball good hand workk to throw it back down so going back to the 62 that means the setter is always in the back row there's always three attacking options in the front row how can this help pit in this situation just gives you a couple more options to be able to swing especially when you're out of system great dig there by Pittsburgh off of the block into the antenna Point pit worth mentioning though Rachel Fairbanks was forced into a 5-1 for Pittsburgh because she was dealing in the midseason with an AB injury and now she's going to be asked to attack when she moves up to the front row will be interesting to watch her production as an attacker now not just as what she does as a center so she is now rotated to the back row to set for pit and [Music] serve M be triple blocks Vasquez Gomez pit puts up a triple block they're ready for this ball in this rotation going to Meritt beas and they are all over that Valaria Vasquez Gomez number two closing that block for pit I appreciate the switch by Dan fiser trying to provide a spark change things up make it a little bit more difficult for Nebraska's block now you've got three hitters at all times that you have to be able to focus on I appreciate trying to change something here chess match and they've also had trouble scoring offensively so why not put another [Applause] arm twice into the block they go fast to Harper Murray everybody on the Nebraska side holds up their hand for a touch and a for a fourth time tonight John Cook will pull the green challenge card incredible this ball gets pushed out pretty fast looks like a fingertip Olivia Babcock she's High over the net that gives Harper Murray some hands to attack you can see right there the pinky I just love how disgusted John cooking he has to get up no I mean this is a lot of challenges early in this match four times and he's been correct three times including this one and the first one he wasn't correct on he can blame Jaylen Reyes correct largest lead for Nebraska and a footfall on Bergen Riley on her serve very rare air by Bergen Riley she's really upped her service game left foot just toes touch that line free point for Pittsburgh can you go on a run with fast guys Gomez's surf [Applause] here Murray will swing from the right side Fairbanks to monks Laney CH booy flying and Meritt B is blocked by monks and bcck pit finding ways to score and it's all about their defense Emma monks and Olivia bathcock huge block for pit on the right side Nebraska is going to take a [Applause] timeout so Nebraska takes a timeout is pit starting to see signs of life a little spark after flipping to this 62 this is a pit Panthers team that's a number one seed in this year's tournament and back in the semi-finals for the third straight year the coac Champions they win backto back ACC Conference titles beat their rival in a reverse sweep for the second time this season on the biggest stage in that Regional final to get to Tampa they're the only team that has been in the semi-finals each of the last three seasons a program record seven All Conference selections two of those there Olivia Babcock not just the ACC freshman of the year but the national freshman of the year and we talked about the Freshman coming in early to Nebraska the pit freshman came in June but Olivia bathcock had some back issues so she wasn't even able to play until the pre-season started and she was a little bit down on herself like maybe I should red shirt but as soon as she was able to be cleared and healthy to train with this team she knew she was ready to go and boy has she had an amazing season she is one of several fabulous freshman that we have in this match on both sides of the N Net Olivia bathcock Tory Stafford for pit and then Bergen Riley who has been the starter from day one at Setter for Nebraska Harper Murray Andy Jackson lady Choy so much young Talent on this floor I can't wait to see their games grow I think it's terrifying for their opponents because they're going to be here for a very long time [Applause] agreed Badcock makes sure that hits the floor what a serve from vasque Gomez this ball just absolutely drops on Lane Choy Becca Alex steps into set a little bit too tight which allows Babcock to throw down that starts at the service line for pit and Vasquez Gomez offensively has been big for pit in this set too three kills just one error hitting 250 all coming in set number two [Applause] here back at CH booy better pass Harper Murray off the block and get Harper Murray her sixth kill to lead Nebraska and you see the versatility of Harper Murray that time swinging on the right we saw her also block on the right in a couple different [Applause] rotations Harper Murray the second Big 10 freshman of the year at Nebraska the first was Matty [Applause] cubic that coock dug by Murray B looking down the line two Wide Point pit Mar going for that line swing again just turning it a little bit too much told her Center that she liked that set [Applause] killed by Ali baon hor perfect pass from Lexi Rodriguez right on top of Bergen Riley's head here she's got all three options at her disposal she pushes a nice in Tempo set gets baon horse oneon-one [Applause] that one just died going across the net okay Olivia Babcock off the head of the Nebraska block the athleticism in length of Olivia bathcock gives her the ability to go high off those hands watch her just hang she's a little bit on the way down looks like it got some head I'd say we'd all we've all been there but Holly I don't think you and I definitely have never had a ball over the net come close to my head no neither have I laser beam that's the serve that's the serve we're used to seeing from Olivia Babcock and you talk about Swagger Harper Murray's got it but so does Olivia Babcock and now really getting after it reaching High look at that angle on that serve what an ace closest since it was s to5 in this set pit is on a 6-2 run and a service eror for Babcock highrisk High reward [Applause] serve six service errors for pit pits back to the 5-1 Rachel Fairbanks in the front row running the [Applause] offense Bergen Riley going over on two catching pit off guard I love a good two shoot you don't expect it she goes up like she's about to set up one of her hitters Andy Jackson in particular and just tosses this ball over right to the donut and no matter what's happening in the match Bergen Riley looks the same she is a Silent [Applause] [Music] Assassin well bull season begins Saturday with this ESPN quadruple header starting at 11:00 a.m. eastern Georgia Southern battles Ohio and then Jacksonville State taken on Louisiana followed by New Mexico state and Fresno State will cap the day with Cal and Texas Tech in the radiance Technologies Independence Bowl that's coming up on Saturday well Nebraska one set one 25 to 2 they had eight blocks in the first set they are up to 11 for the match but pit you're starting to see them figure things out slowly but surely they're still down four here in set two and and it's tough to have a slow start against a team like Nebraska I mean they've jumped all over some teams you can come back against not sure Nebraska wants to let this pit team back [Music] in a appearance in the championship is on the line pit has been to this round the last three years but they have never broken through to the championship match Nebraska 10 appearances in the national title match they have five national championships the last coming in 2017 one of these teams will advance to Sunday to face either Texas or Wisconsin that'll be our second and final semi-final of the night [Applause] Pete hor took a piece she's up to five [Applause] kills [Applause] Olivia Babcock she looks like she was just hitting that out of the front row yeah unbelievable lead by Rachel Fairbanks look where she starts her jump and where she finishes right behind that line and at the net unbelievable angle from Babcock and I don't even think she's at the height of her reach I think she's a little bit on the way down the Jou goes on the pit side Nebraska able to get it out of the net three ball back to the Panthers Fairbanks to wo still going vquez [Applause] Gomez biten horse broke through Scrappy Scrappy Play Ellie banur is working hard with her feet this is a tough set to hit it's off the net it's coming over your shoulder but she stays aggressive for Nebraska and it pays off Corn Huskers four points [Applause] away backcock out of the back row [Applause] again that puts her at eight kills to lead pit she's got a full stat line three digs and six blocks to go along with [Applause] that this is Dylan [Applause] Griffin and hit the antenna no the up official waves it off but Emma monks puts it on the middle of the floor the L's judge wav the flag in the air signaling it hit the antenna Valeria Vasquez Gomez huge block on Andy Jackson That's the matchup that Nebraska wanted pit didn't but it pays off for pit [Applause] there uper Murray and a misconnection looking for the roll shot pit going for a little run trying to get momentum and this is an important time Laney choboy upset with herself knows she can put together a better pass out of serve re for her team and Nebraska will call timeout [Applause] here well this pit team they know what it means to fight to have your backs against the wall they were down two two sets to their rival and came back and won their Regional [Applause] [Music] final you know Louisville Came Out Swinging played extremely well in the first two sets at Pittsburgh last weekend what I absolutely love about this story is you had three players after they were down two sets To None run into a public bathroom at the arena hold hands and scream into the mirror scaring the people in the Stalls just needed to scream yell get all of their frustration out reenter themselves and that was Tory Stafford that was Olivia Babcock and Valeria Vasquez Gomez who went into that bathroom whatever they did in there worked it did in the third set they came out and hit a blistering 600 I believe at some point in that third set and it really turned things around for them I don't know if they're yelling in that huddle over there but if you come out and you put it on Nebraska from the service line you could possibly even this thing up one a piece that's a great way to go into the locker room pit pit is on a three run right now you see the difference between the first set and the second set the errors have come way down from 13 in set one to four here in the second set they've gone on a 10 to six run since trailing by six here in set two Marie has to re adjust and that's going to be an attacking error there was a touch called so it will be a point for Nebraska did look like Harper Murray got her feet quite to that ball but was able to swing and get a P of the pit [Applause] Block it's a huge side out by Nebraska so in comes Kennedy [Applause] [Music] or Harper Murray off the block saved by [Music] [Applause] clicker mie again out of system and the hustle never stops for the courn Huskers you want back row play they've got it and this dig made possible by Kennedy or sticks her right hand under that ball lifts it and then Harker Murray with a big impressive swing in transition Rachel Fairbanks looks a little shaken up in the front row for Pittsburgh she's trying to test that [Applause] ankle Fairbanks fighting through still jump setting Olivia Babcock out of the back row and what a great run by Pittsburgh perfect pass Fairbanks sets the bck right up the middle to Olivia Babcock who's able to fight her way through that block textbook run from Pittsburgh and I like that Tempo better than that high ball I think that allows Nebraska's block to get out and on those hitters [Applause] herper Murray Vasquez Gomez gets the block touch m a cannon Set Point Nebraska her fifth kill in this set Harper Murray is having a great great match but look at this one-on-one situation Bergen Riley is able to put her in she holds the middle blocker with her Harper Murray's got that entire scam to work with raising the tape but making it over Fairbanks backside to Babcock second set point Corn Huskers good isolation to Babcock on the right side by Rachel Fairbanks she is definitely limping all is not right right now with Rachel Fairbanks a pit here shaking out that left leg Murray on the right side backcock dug by Bergen [Applause] Riley Tory Stafford coming to get it near it beaston off hands what a rally through the block Tori Stafford third Set Point Nebraska in pit that last rally had some great block touches that kept them in the rally and then Tory Stafford cross body working through the ne Nebraska block and scene a wall but that ball I believe it touched Meritt beas on the way out this thing is straight down off the body of beas for the pit point what a response from Emma monks and Olivia Babcock going to have to have it moment forth set point you have to win by [Applause] two and a service eror hand set two to Nebraska they lead two sets To None here in the semifinal 11 blocks for Nebraska in this match through two sets keep in mind their season high is 17 we've helped Pittsburgh to hitting 105 for the match a team that's third in the nation in attacking percentage pit usually hits over 300 and we're joined Now by Nebraska head coach John Cook coach 11 blocks already in this match what do you attribute that to I I just think uh good preparation and uh you know our our blockers are being pretty disciplined we get got a little squirly there a few times but uh they're being really disciplined and staying with the game plan John I know you love your freshman class what's impressed you about Harper Murray's play so far uh those guys are competing it's it's not the prettiest volleyball but they're competing we're finding a ways to win those long rallies and uh you know I hope we could continue to kind of get better as this match goes on thanks coach Cook we appreciate it thanks John Cook the national coach of the year for the third time in his career his Nebraska Corn Huskers up two sets to none in the semifinal so close to Sunday they can feel it what's the response from pit we'll find out when you come back to [Music] Tampa also worth noting Rachel Fairbanks Setter for Pittsburgh she's still trying to work out that left leg we noticed her favoring it towards the end of set two on the other side of the net what's been the best thing that you've seen out of Nebraska so far they're blocked I mean it's been a block party and they're very disciplined their Scout plan Jaylen Ray the assistant coach for Nebraska has really managed this defense perfectly John R in his six season does Nebraska keep its foot on the gas can pit respond here here we [Applause] go Fairbanks to Valeria Vasquez Gomez and hello Nebraska block it didn't go anywhere that's [Applause] 12 unbelievable and Becca Alec owning that net side to side laterally closing that block for Nebraska Becca Alec eight blocks today service eror gives pit its first point Alec by the way coming off a career high 12 blocks against Arkansas in the regional final and Arkansas ran such a fast tempo offense John Cook said that helped prepare them for Pittsburgh who also runs a very fast [Applause] offense one-handed set by Bergen Riley and Becca Alec will terminate how about the athleticism of Becca Al Bergen Riley pushes this ball one hand but Becca Alec goes and gets it with her left hand throws it down John Cook has talked about how this team has challenged him to be patient to enjoy the ride with him it's something that Meritt be has had to remind him of but Lexi Rodriguez told us this team has learned to trust its training and that's paying off in big moments like this and leading into leaning in to one another we heard that every time we talked to a Nebraska player yesterday leaning into the training trusting the [Applause] process wow something is going on now with Becca Alec and Bergen Riley dangerous nice job by Nebraska Lexi Rodriguez puts this right on Bergen Riley's head she's got all of her options and she goes a quick Gap 31 set to Becca Alec who's absolutely loving it I think you want to keep the serve away from Lexi Rodriguez she keeps them in system yeah I would say so the two-time Big 10 defensive player of the year an All-American a captain that's the libero for Nebraska Nice Try by Stafford to try to save that ball Emy clicker just sends it a little bit too long and tight there on the second contact Nebraska has dominated the this match pit has only LED for four points [Applause] tonight Tory Stafford there you go and I love the eye contact from Tory Stafford to her Center Rachel Fairbanks after that she says come on let's go that's the set Tory Stafford is not playing like a freshman not at all she looks unfazed by this stage Tor Stafford and her fellow freshman Olivia Babcock they played club together now playing in the National semifinals together for the first time as [Applause] freshman M Bon turns it on the [Applause] [Music] angle [Applause] Stafford to the back row it's an inside set to Tori Stafford off this pass but my goodness she goes in hard able to bypass all three blockers what a kill Nine Kills five digs for Stafford Andy Jackson soaring Andy Jackson 15 and white cross body kill attacking that right back Defender Olivia Babcock for [Applause] pit we seeing Nebraska's going to the middle a lot more in this set early on Becca Alec and Annie Jackson because they're passing the ball and serve reive putting it wenberg in Riley's hands and that's a higher percentage [Applause] play hers behind her to Walo th shot by Murray oh what a Play What a save Bergen Riley with the tip Vasquez gz to the floor what a play from Pittsburgh everybody was in getting UPS keeping that Play Alive Bergen Riley likes that deep tip Tory Stafford runs it down and then the throw down down the line by Valeria Vasquez Gomez number two in yellow Dylan Griffin rotates in Emma monks now in the middle for pit a must-win set for the pit Panthers as Nebraska won the first two a spot in the championship match on the [Applause] line arer Murray goes wide unforced hitting there for Nebraska but that Ball's going to Lexi Rodriguez and she's taking care of that pass that's a good first Contact for Nebraska we're tied at [Applause] six that's the Harper Murray we've seen all night puts her in double figures with 10 kills we talk about the importance of first Contact Laney chowboy The Freshman puts it right in Bergen Riley's hands and that's a fast tempo ball to the left pin to Harper Murray good isolation 10 kills for Harper Murray five of those came in set two she only had one error in set two as well see the kill leaders for the Corn Huskers [Applause] [Music] the dump by fairb saved by CH [Applause] booy pit keeps going Becca Alex sends it right back she's relentless at the net how about this ball Rachel Fairbanks aggressive at the net but CH booy all over it and then Becca Alex saying get out of my [Applause] kitchen let her cook over [Applause] there going for the aim goal there was a touch point for pit Dan Fischer had grabbed the green challenge card and puts it back I just want to point out you've got three attackers on this court that all have 10 kills they're three true freshmen Harper Murray from Nebraska Tory Stafford and Olivia bathcock 10 a piece for Pittsburgh the future is bright in the world of [Applause] volleyball service error for Fairbanks puts Nebraska up by two pit trying to get something going [Applause] so Nebraska rotates so that Bergen Riley is serving this is one of their strongest rotations and Vasquez Gomez is going to drop in the tip really nice job by Pittsburgh heads up play from Basquez Gomez to drop in that tip over top of that block BL recognizing that the defense was on their heels you got to be able to side out efficiently here in set three and get out of that serving rotation with Bergen riy behind the service line not sure if there's blood on Meritt beas's knee they're going to put a little WRA on it Qui visit by the training staff gives teams time to huddle up [Applause] here what have you seen different from pit in this set better offense I mean they're hitting 273 in the set we have not seen those kind of offensive numbers from pit all night long and I think it started at the end of set to yeah Olivia Babcock had five kills in set two she started to come on strong Tori Stafford has been strong all evening long the offense has been great here in set three it's got to continue well both season begins Saturday seven games on ESPN ABC and ESPN plus ABC triple header starting at noon EAS Howard and Florida A&M in Miami of Ohio takes on App State finishing up with UCLA and Boise State in La at s Stadium so they're looking on the court now mer B's right knee has been wrapped up and they'll get a swab to come out and clean up the court little alcohol not the good gu no depends [Applause] they want to make sure there's not a wet spot on the floor now so they brought another towel out yeah let's get this going come on uh vasus Gomez has had to think about the serve for a long time I think the court is [Applause] clean back Alec saved by Fairbanks m b off of the Block tax foot tool by beas off the right hand of Badcock she gave her a little bit line and Meritt be took advantage of it be's been really efficient when she's had to hit on that outside pin before she can rotate over to the right side it's where she started her career at Florida on the outside before switching over to become an opposite the first time in her life playing opposite was when she went to Florida her first two seasons they moved her over there it's worked out pretty well and a miss hit by Ali baiton h when Mar B went in the portal she had played USA volleyball with Lexi Rodriguez and Becca Alex so she talked to both of them about what is John Cook like what is the coaching staff like in the program at Nebraska and they had nothing but good things to say she said shoot me straight what am I walking into be honest with me and she said it's been everything and more that she dreamed [Applause] of hor gets another swing dug up by Vasquez Gomez Here Comes [Applause] Badcock baon horse on the angle really nice job from baon horse she had a swing to forget a point ago certainly and then in an out of system situation again she betters that ball goes crosscourt angle to zone four really nice placement and responds from baiton H and when she gets her feet to that ball she's a very effective long attacker for Nebraska at [Applause] 6'5 Tory Stafford coming in Andy Jackson in the middle clicka saves [Applause] it be on the right side and he clicka there again she got a piece of to the block yes she did great set from Fairbanks but what a dig from Harper Murray just throwing her hands up to keep this ball [Applause] alive and baon hor is able to tool that block at the last [Applause] second they serve it Stafford bcck inside the court rejected monster stop Bon H Andy Jackson and Ali B baon horse right there look at baon horse she sets up that block turns it in closes that seam nowhere to go ladies that is 14 blocks for Nebraska 17's the record right yeah in their last match against Arkansas which went four [Applause] sets [Applause] pieing off hands so that tells me right 17 blocks highest of the Season against Arkansas a weekend ago they get better every time they step on the floor and they are certainly peing at the right time it's evident from their play so far tonight I feel like they're dialed in a 5 to one run will force Pit to call a time out Nebraska one set win away from our championship match obviously this is a very fastpac offense that Pittsburgh runs but they've just been so steady from the start of this match until now 31 blocks in their last seven sets and then the ace out of the timeout we've talked a lot about defense but what sets up your defense it's a tough serve attacking from the service line Lexi Rodriguez enough Pace on that ball to get away from the pit passer 0 run for Nebraska jalo breaks through the block and I love this run from Rachel Fairbank she's on the 10 foot line so you don't think she's going to go to the middle and yet she pushes this ball so fast to woko woko is able to sneak it through Serve by [Music] Babcock W on the slide Andy Jackson in the middle four kills no errors four blocks for Andy Jackson transition offense for Nebraska not only are they digging a lot of balls but they're attacking that high percentage ball to their middle blockers are paying off out of and pit is going to be out of rotation pit calls timeout you have to line up in certain spots on the floor for each rotation and if you're not in those correct spots it's out of rotation and a point for the other team and that's a mental error right that's something pit cannot afford to give up to this Nebraska team who's putting enough pressure on this pit team you can see Dan fiser telling his team we have to wake up your back is against the wall in this moment you don't want to leave Tampa not playing your best not laying it all on the line ladies even more impressive is watching this Nebraska team under pressure and remembering the youth and how the season started the new faces into the Corn Husker family you started the year with six new ears of corn if you will and these would all play a critical part in this season and of course it's not going to be an easy Road they start out with tough non-conference matches on the road at Stanford where they get a sweet they go they face Kentucky then they go through the Big 10 schedule they have been tested time and time again they've lost one match and they never looked unfaced they didn't look faced I love that they lost the one match to Wisconsin I I truly think that it took the pressure off they had already wrapped up the Big 10 championship at that point and players were tell you yes you want to win every single game when you step on the floor but it was nice to kind of have the pressure off before they went into the NCAA tournament and they haven't looked back since and John C talks about his team and how they respond to getting pushed he said look they're unbothered and I like that about this team only the only Champion with no seniors on the roster was Pacific in 1986 Nebraska is trying to be the second right now just trying to get to Sunday they can do that with a win in this [Applause] set ECE Four Aces from Nebraska pit does not have any timeouts left in this set backto back you're seeing Meritt B play a little game of Yoyo deep serve followed by a short drop serve right over the net and drops it right in front of Tori Stafford great serve Four Aces for Merritt B [Applause] alone woko in the middle that's what pit needed for pit Chia woko is their emotional leader they need to get her involved whether it's offense or defense and and they're just trying to get something going you saw coach fiser make a substitution put Valeria Vasquez Gomez back in the game Juliana Dalton the transfer from Washington state has subed in for the first time to serve for [Applause] pit and it's in coming in hot off the bench with an Ace and that's why he went to her off the bench she is so tall where she's able to attack and hit this ball it's such a high angle that it allows that ball to drop in right on the line excellent serve coming off the bench cold by the way it's her third Ace of the [Applause] season they run Andy Jackson off of one foot and Nebraska has hit 20 points Cory Stafford back in the [Applause] match backcock out of the back row toing a triple block pit able to run that big set to Babcock and it pays [Applause] off Olivia Babcock what a special talent 11 kills seven blocks four digs she has been so fun to watch all [Applause] season Harper Murray has been two that's 11 for her I just think the production you're seeing from true freshman is remarkable on both sides of the Court quite frankly Harper Murray and this Nebraska team hitting 500 in set three right now pit has a front row Setter and Rachel Fairbanks look for Babcock out of the back row for [Applause] [Music] pit there she is Nebraska knew it was coming as well I'm not the only one I was going to say you were looking for it they were looking for it 15 blocks for the Huskers [Applause] [Music] Vasquez Gomez dug by chowboy pit in the net trying to block that ball and Nebraska's got all the momentum right now with Kennedy or on the service line Rachel Fairbanks was running from crosscourt trying to get back in time to go up for the block just a little bit late Harper Murray feasts Nebraska needs two more points to make it to Sunday in the championship Fairbanks to Vasquez Gomez off the block Bergen Riley back to Harper Murray [Applause] Long Pit's third straight appearance in the semifinals they have never been to the championship match and they have a hole to dig out of to get there [Applause] tonight there is a touch match Point Nebraska but Dan fiser will Challenge and he was quick to it too I agree but I'm not sure Babcock agrees with it and I think it was on [Applause] Bath no it was on monks in the middle watch that right in inside hand for monks ring finger pinky finger there but this is an an extra chance for Coach fiser a pit to talk to his team yeah he did not have a timeout so use the challenge here the call will be confirmed and it is Match Point Nebraska they can feel Sunday [Applause] here [Applause] P we play on Olivia Babcock tipping over the block some defense in transition offense out to bathcock on the left and pit trying to stay [Music] [Applause] alive it's coming over imma monks ready third Match Point coming up really nice job by Emma monks in the middle for Pittsburgh recognizing overpass swings at this cing John Cook will take a timeout here third Match Point coming up for Nebraska I think plenty of time obviously for Nebraska to regroup but John Cook doesn't want to let pit back in this match he knows how dangerous they are a good opportunity to settle your young team down can we say they're young anymore I feel like they're experienced now we've made it through through a whole season they are experienced and they gained experience every time they step on the court I thought it was interesting John Cook said I don't have to motivate them in practice this is a self-motivated team they want to train they want to get better and we have improved with every single month of this season and it shows quite frankly and I think they hold each other accountable if one player is hitting the floor everybody's with them supporting them and that's contagious on the defensive end no doubt [Music] Nebraska started the year 27 and0 this is after losing four starters adding six new players no seniors they played the 17th toughest schedule in the nation and only lost one match a point away from their 33rd win of the season and a spot in the national championship [Music] third Match Point [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Nebraska Harper Murray Stafford off the block Riley with to be on the tip and a fourth match point for Nebraska and I like the idea from Harper Murray to tip this ball over the block the only problem is Olivia Babcock's got some serious Hang Time look at her on the way down but still able to catch that ball for a [Applause] block a net violation and number one Nebraska marching into to the championship but we have a challenge Dan fiser will pull the green challenge [Applause] card the call was a net violation on [Applause] pit and it's her hair that does not count your hair can be in the net your clothing in your body cannot so Emma mons does not touch the net with her body parts when she turns it's that braid that catches the net and you see that movement there solid Challenge from Dan fer it was that is allowed [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] has been wow they stick with the call I'm shocked by that quite frankly it looks like her braid is the only thing that touches a net and hair is not a net violation I'm very surprised by that but regardless a dominant performance from Nebraska from start to finish tonight Nebraska comes in 15 blocks they hold a pit team who was third in the nation in attacking percentage to hitting 137 on the night we talked about defense at the start defense was the difference dialed in they had a game plan they knew exactly what they wanted to do and they were able to achieve that holding a team like pit that hit 300 on the season to 137 in the match that's pretty impressive Olivia Babcock tor Stafford they're going to be better because of the experience that they just gained playing in a national semi-final stage what pit has done over the last few years incredible three straight semi-final appearances but once again they will not move forward Nebraska sends the Panthers home a sweep and now the Corn Huskers looking ahead to their 11th appearance in the championship match the first since 2021 they will face either Wisconsin or Texas that will start in about 35 minutes here on ESPN don't go anywhere Eric Freed and Missy have you covered in the studio we will hear from Nebraska who is moving on to the championship the Corn Huskers looking dominant their 33rd win of the season they are on to the ship on Sunday with a sweep of pits [Music]