Nebraska Volleyball Secures Big Ten Title, Eyes NCAA Tournament Dominance
Nebraska has once again asserted its dominance in the Big Ten, clinching at least a share of the conference championship for the third consecutive season – a feat unmatched since 2004-2008. The No. 1 ranked team sealed their victory with a decisive sweep of rival Iowa on Thursday night at John Cook Arena, marking the program’s 37th overall conference title and sixth within the Big Ten.
Huskers’ Championship Run
The 2025 Big Ten title is the second for Nebraska in the past three years, solidifying their position as a perennial powerhouse in collegiate volleyball. The team’s performance against Iowa was particularly impressive, highlighted by strong individual contributions. Andi Jackson led the charge with a .571 hitting percentage, recording 10 kills and three blocks, while Harper Murray topped all players with 11 kills. This victory also extends Nebraska’s remarkable streak to 350 consecutive regular-season sellouts.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, senior Taylor Landfair surpassed 1,500 career kills, adding seven to her total with a .438 clip during the match. With this win, Nebraska became the first team in the nation to lock up an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament. A victory in their upcoming match against Indiana will secure the outright conference championship.
Scouting the Hoosiers: A Rising Program
As Nebraska prepares to face Indiana, it’s clear the Hoosiers are no longer the program they once were. Head coach Steve Aird has guided Indiana to their most wins since 2010, currently boasting a 21-5 record and a fourth-place standing in the Big Ten. While Aird’s overall record at Indiana stands at 118-119 (.498) across eight seasons, and 158-188 (.457) throughout his career, his impact is undeniable. Aird brings a wealth of experience, including four national championships as Director of Operations at Penn State, and previous head coaching roles at Maryland.
Indiana finished the 2024 season with a 15-15 record (8-12 in the Big Ten, tied for 10th), earning Midwest All-Region and All-Big Ten honors. The all-time series heavily favors Nebraska, leading 24-1, with their last matchup on November 16, 2024, resulting in a 3-0 victory for the Huskers.
Indiana’s Transformation: Freshmen and Returning Talent
Despite losing key players like All-Big Ten setter Camryn Haworth and standout libero Ramsey Gary to transfer, Indiana has undergone a significant transformation fueled by a talented freshman class and a core of returning players.
Outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles continues to be a dominant force, leading the team in both points and kills for the second consecutive season with 323 kills (3.55 K/S), alongside 192 digs, 55 blocks, and 21 aces. Avry Tatum remains a key offensive threat at opposite, averaging 3.21 kills per set. Ella Boersema and Madi Sell provide experience and strength in the middle blocker positions.
The emergence of a strong freshman class is particularly noteworthy. A Serbian freshman setter has exceeded the numbers set by Haworth last season, dishing out 10.81 assists per set with over 20 aces, contributing to the team’s .289 hitting percentage. Victoria Gray anchors the defense with 89 blocks and a .366 hitting percentage, while freshman outside hitter Jaidyn Jager, a top 50 recruit, is making an immediate impact with 3.51 kills per set. Audrey Jackson, another promising freshman, adds versatility as a defensive specialist with the potential to develop into an outside hitter.
Outlook: A Challenging Road Match for Nebraska
While Nebraska holds a commanding historical advantage over Indiana, the Hoosiers present a legitimate challenge. This is not the Indiana team of the past, and they are poised to capitalize on any Husker miscues. Experts predict a Nebraska victory, but acknowledge the potential for Indiana to steal a set, particularly with the energy of a home crowd at Wilkinson Hall.
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