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Nebraska’s volleyball team opened their 2025 season with an impressive 3–1 victory over Pittsburgh in a nationally anticipated matchup held in Lincoln. This game also marked the official debut of Dani Busboom Kelly as head coach of the Huskers, a highly anticipated moment following her return to the program in a leadership role. From the beginning, Nebraska looked sharp and focused, taking the first two sets with scores of 25–22 and 25–11. Pittsburgh, a strong opponent ranked third in the country, pushed back in the third set and managed to take it 25–20, but Nebraska sealed the match with a narrow 25–23 win in the fourth set.
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Harper Murray, one of Nebraska’s standout players, delivered a powerful performance with 15 kills and six digs. Her consistency on offense, combined with the team’s strong blocking and floor defense, helped keep Pittsburgh on the back foot for much of the match. Nebraska’s front line was particularly dominant, tallying a total of 15 team blocks and controlling the net with confidence.
The energy in the arena was electric, with fans showing strong support for the team and their new coach. The crowd was treated to a competitive, high-level match that showcased not only Nebraska’s returning talent but also their readiness to make another deep run this season. The win against such a highly ranked opponent also sent a strong message to the rest of the college volleyball world that Nebraska remains a force to be reckoned with.
Coach Busboom Kelly’s first win at the helm of the program was not only meaningful in terms of the result but also symbolic of a new chapter for Nebraska volleyball. The team played with a sense of purpose and chemistry that bodes well for the rest of the season. With this solid start, the Huskers look poised to carry their momentum forward as they face other top-ranked opponents in the coming weeks.
Following their victory over Pittsburgh, Nebraska volleyball has quickly reignited the belief that they’re ready to be national title contenders once again. The match showcased not just raw athletic talent but a well-rounded and cohesive team performance under the new leadership of Coach Dani Busboom Kelly. Her transition into the head coaching role seemed almost seamless, with the team displaying confidence, structure, and energy that reflected strong preparation and trust in their new system.
The Huskers’ offensive flow was smooth for most of the match, especially in the second set, where they completely overwhelmed Pittsburgh with a 25–11 win. That set in particular demonstrated how dominant Nebraska can be when their serve-receive and transition game are clicking. Their hitters, led by Harper Murray, worked efficiently with their setter to maintain offensive rhythm, making it difficult for Pittsburgh’s defense to recover or find any momentum.
What also stood out was Nebraska’s mental toughness. After dropping the third set—a moment where momentum could easily have shifted in favor of their opponent—the team regrouped quickly and showed poise in a close fourth set. Rather than letting frustration creep in, they tightened their blocking, minimized errors, and focused on smart, strategic plays that ultimately won them the final set and the match. That ability to respond under pressure, especially in an early-season game against a top-three team, is a strong sign of maturity and discipline.
Defensively, Nebraska was locked in from start to finish. Their backcourt defenders read plays well and kept long rallies alive, giving their attackers more chances to find weaknesses in the Pittsburgh block. The team’s blocking game also played a major role, consistently disrupting the flow of Pittsburgh’s hitters and forcing them into mistakes. The 15 total team blocks were not just a statistic—they were a major psychological advantage, keeping Pittsburgh tentative and out of rhythm.
Beyond the court, this match served as an emotional and symbolic start to a new era. For Coach Busboom Kelly, who previously played for and served as an assistant coach with the Huskers, the win marked a powerful homecoming. Her connection to the program was evident, and the team seemed to feed off that shared sense of pride and purpose. The crowd responded in kind, filling the arena with a level of energy that made it clear how deeply Nebraska supports its volleyball legacy.
Looking ahead, this strong performance sets the tone for the rest of Nebraska’s season. The Huskers will continue to face tough opposition, but with the depth, leadership, and confidence they showed in their season opener, they’ve already made a statement. They’re not just playing to compete—they’re playing to dominate.
The aftermath of Nebraska's opening win has created a wave of excitement not only within the program but throughout the college volleyball community. Analysts and fans alike have praised the Huskers for their balanced play and team chemistry, especially so early in the season. There’s a clear sense that this Nebraska team isn’t relying on just one or two stars to carry them—there’s depth across every position, from experienced veterans to dynamic underclassmen who are stepping up with confidence.
The match against Pittsburgh was also an early test of leadership within the team. With a new coach and the natural changes that come with that transition, it could have been a shaky outing. Instead, Nebraska showed unity. The team’s captains helped set the tone, maintaining composure in tight moments and guiding younger players through intense stretches of play. That composure was especially evident in the fourth set, where Nebraska edged out a close win despite Pittsburgh’s aggressive attempt to push the match to a fifth set.
Nebraska’s setter play was another bright spot. Their ability to vary tempo, distribute the ball to all hitters, and keep Pittsburgh guessing made a big difference in the outcome. It allowed the Huskers to avoid becoming predictable and forced Pittsburgh’s blockers to constantly adjust, often too late. The variety in the attack—quick sets to the middle, powerful swings from the outside, and well-placed tips—kept the opponent off balance throughout the night.
There was also a noticeable focus on communication and hustle on Nebraska’s side of the net. Players covered for each other instinctively and rarely let balls drop due to confusion or hesitation. That level of trust on the court is difficult to build, especially under a new coaching staff, but Nebraska appears to have established it early. It suggests a strong preseason training camp and leadership behind the scenes that’s helped bring the group together.
For Coach Dani Busboom Kelly, this win goes beyond the scoreboard. It validates the choices she and her staff have made since stepping into the program and sends a clear message that she can guide Nebraska to continued excellence. There’s always pressure when taking over a storied program like this, but her poise and connection with the team seem to have erased any doubts.
As the season progresses, Nebraska will face stronger and more varied challenges, but this performance suggests they’re ready for them. The energy, execution, and mental sharpness they displayed offer a solid foundation. If they continue building from this early success, they won’t just be one of the best in the Big Ten—they’ll be among the best in the nation.
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