Nittany Lions claw their way back, reverse sweep Huskers in semifinal game
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Penn State defeated Nebraska volleyball in five sets Thursday night, denying the Huskers a spot in the national championship game.
The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskers 23-25, 18-25, 25-23, 28-26, 15-13 in Louisville, Kentucky.
PSU managed to win despite being narrowly outhit .262% to .242% and committing 14 service errors.
SEE ALSO: Huskers cash in on success; NIL compensation for NCAA volleyball players up 935%
The Huskers led by 5 at one point in the first set, but the Lions rallied to make the set neck-and-neck, though NU prevailed.
In the second set, Nebraska went on two 4-0 scoring runs to win decisively.
But the Nittany Lions flipped the script in the in third set, taking the lead on a 5-0 run and hanging on to force set four.
SEE ALSO: Eight players in NCAA volleyball Final Four are from Nebraska. How the state develops talent
Nebraska appeared to have the upper hand at the end of the fourth set, leading 22-16.
But Penn State scored 12 of the last 16 points to win.
The Nittany Lions took control in the fifth set, always staying one step ahead of the Huskers.
SEE ALSO: ‘It’s a special team’: Husker artist brings volleyball team’s most iconic moments to life
Harper Murray led Nebraska with 20 kills, followed closely by Andi Jackson with 19. Taylor Landfair added 10.
Lexi Rodriguez, Bergen Reilly and Murray each recorded 15 digs.
Rodriguez finishes her career with 1,897 digs, breaking Justine Wong-Orantes’ school record.
SEE ALSO: Former Husker Nicklin Hames named head volleyball coach at alma mater
Penn State will face Louisville in the championship on Sunday.
The game will be broadcast on Channel 8 at 2 p.m.
History will be made regardless of who wins.
Either Penn State coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley or Louisville coach Dani Busboom Kelly, a former Husker, will be the first female coach to win a national championship.
SEE ALSO: Husker volleyball fan bought tickets to Final Four almost a year ago
