‘It’s really hard to put into words:’ Nebraska volleyball seniors reflect on their time in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska’s volleyball season came to a crushing end Thursday night in a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Penn State.

The Nittany Lions pulled a reverse sweep on the Huskers, the first time that’s happened since 1982.

With the heartbreak of the 2024 campaign officially coming to a close, the success of the senior class is something positive to reflect on.

National Player of the Year finalist, Lexi Rodriguez, and outside hitter Merritt Beason both reflected on their final match in a husker uniform Thursday night.

“Nebraska Volleyball will forever have the biggest spot in my heart,” said Rodriguez. “It’s just because of all the amazing people that come with it.”

Merritt Beason spent her last two years with the Huskers after transferring from Florida.

“It’s really hard to put it into words,” said Beason. ” There’s truly not another group of girls that I’d want to go out with.”

Of the five seniors on this squad, three of them have been in Lincoln all four years: Rodriguez, Kennedi Orr and Lindsay Krause.

“If feeling like this is the price you have to pay for gaining these relationships and such close love in life, that’s worth it. But this really hurts right now,” said Krause.

All three have experienced the success of competing in three Final Fours and two national championships.

Head Coach John Cook had nothing but great things to say about what this group has accomplished.

“They pretty much have inspired a generation of volleyball players, a generation of fans that have come to love volleyball and follow this team,” said Cook.

While their playing days as a Husker have officially met the finish line, they will all be remembered forever for their time in Lincoln.