Nebraska volleyball notes: Texas dominant serving, price caring, rare red card

"Texas wins national volleyball championship with 12 aces against Nebraska, leading to season lows in kills and hitting percentage."

TAMPA, Fla. -- When it comes to the biggest college volleyball matches of the season, most coaches agree that serving is a major factor. This was certainly the case in Texas' impressive win against Nebraska in the national championship match on Sunday at Amalie Arena.

Texas dominated the match with 12 aces from five different players, compared to Nebraska's mere two aces. This marked the most aces by a Husker opponent in the rally-scoring era, dating back to 2001. Texas also had many other strong serves that weren't aces, leading to shaky Nebraska passing. The Huskers finished with season lows in kills (20) and hitting percentage (.013).

According to Nebraska coach John Cook, volleyball becomes a hard game when the team lacks rhythm in passing. Setter Bergen Reilly also struggled without a consistent pass.

Nebraska libero Lexi Rodriguez commented on Texas' serving, noting that the toughest thing was their ability to mix up depths and create movement, making it difficult for the passers.

Cook acknowledged that Nebraska had been "OK" in passing throughout the season, but the team struggled to stay consistent with their training during the championship match. Despite their disappointment, the players' emotions showed their passion and dedication to the game.

In a close first set, a red card was assessed to the Texas coach Jerritt Elliot for arguing with the referee, giving Nebraska a free point. However, Texas still managed to win the set, demonstrating their ability to stick together as a team.

This matchup marked the third time Nebraska and Texas played in the national championship, with two wins for Nebraska and one for Texas. The only more common finals matchup in NCAA history is Stanford vs. Penn State, which had four national championship matches.

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