Huskers win in first volleyball alumni match since 2013

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) —Husker greats Jordan Larson, Kelly Hunter, and more took the stage Saturday in a battle with the 2025 Nebraska Volleyball team.

This was the first Nebraska Alumni match since 2013. This year’s alumni squad featured Jordan Larson, Kelly Hunter, Lindsay Krause, Ally Batenhorst, Leyla Blackwell, and others. Batenhorst was the star of the team posting 13 kills. Lauren Stivrins also showed out with 10 kills, and Krause finished with 12.

Batenhorst said it was so exciting being back at the Devaney Center. “Getting to see former teammates again, you just get to experience what it’s like being a Husker again,” said Batenhorst. “After years of playing pro it’s really cool to be able to come back and push the current Huskers.”

But, the 2025 squad showed what they were made of, taking down the alumni 3-1. They made some outstanding plays on defense.

For Nebraska, Harper Murray posted 12 kills and hit .476, while Andi Jackson had 11 kills on .389 hitting with three blocks and three aces to lead the Big Red.

Jackson said it was a once in a lifetime moment to be able to compete on the same floor against Husker legends.

“Just being back with our team last year, you know we had a lot of returners. Ally, Lindsay, and Leyla,” said Jackson. “When you’re getting recruited by Nebraska those are the girls you watch and you look up to, and honestly learning so much from. Getting to have a full circle moment and play a match against them was really awesome.”

Saturday night also marked the final unofficial match for new Head Coach Dani Busboom Kelly. She adds that the alumni match really helped her get a better understanding for where the team is at before they kick off the 2025 season next weekend.

“It really helped us figure out who we’re going to start, and the list of changes we can make,” said Busboom Kelly. “It made me a lot more comfortable going into next weekend. Big thank you to the alum’s for showing up, and playing great.”

The Huskers officially begin the regular season next weekend in the AVCA First Serve at Pinnacle Bank Arena. NU will take on No. 3 Pittsburgh at 6 p.m. on Friday and No. 6 Stanford at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.