2017 NCAA Top 10 Countdown: No. 8 Nebraska
The Huskers are always in the mix, even after graduating four major contributors.
Last Season
31-3, 18-2 Big Ten
National semifinals (3-0 loss to Texas)
2.82 blocks/set (#13 in nation)
.287 team hitting percentage (#7 in nation)
14.43 kills/set (#9 in nation)
.912 winning percentage (#2 in nation)
The Players
Returning Stars
Annika Albrecht | 6-foot-0 | Senior | Outside Hitter
Olivia Boender | 6-2 | Junior | Outside Hitter
Mikaela Foecke | 6-3 | Junior | Outside Hitter
Briana Holman | 6-1 | Senior | Middle Blocker
Kelly Hunter | 5-11 | Senior | Setter
Kenzie Maloney | 5-8 | Junior | Libero
Sydney Townsend | 5-8 | Senior | Defensive Specialist
Biggest Losses
Andie Malloy | 6-2 | Outside Hitter
Amber Rolfzen | 6-3 | Middle Blocker
Kadie Rolfzen | 6-3 | Opposite
Justine Wong-Orantes | 5-6 | Libero
The Newcomers
Sami Slaughter | 6-1 | Freshman | Outside Hitter
Anezka Szabo | 6-3 | Freshman | Outside Hitter
Chesney McClellan | 6-4 | Freshman | Middle Blocker
Jazz Sweet | 6-3 | Freshman | Outside Hitter
Hayley Densberger | 5-9 | Freshman | Defensive Specialist
Hunter Atherton | 5-11 | Redshirt Freshman | Setter
Lauren Stivrins | 6-4 | Redshirt Freshman | Middle Blocker
Allie Havers | 6-5 | Senior | Middle Blocker
Preseason Matches to Watch
Vert Challenge | Gainesville, Florida
Aug. 25 vs. Oregon
Aug. 26 vs. Florida
Sept. 8 vs. UCLA
Sept. 9 vs. UCLA
Outlook
Nebraska suffered big personnel losses after the 2016 season, with libero Justine Wong-Orantes, Andy Malloy, and Kadie and Amber Rolfzen graduating, but a big-time recruiting class could make the Huskers a deadly threat once again. Senior setter Kelly Hunter will quarterback the offense, which includes returning All-American middle Briana Holman, outside hitters Mikaela Foecke and Annika Albrecht, and some freshmen with elite playing experience and size to boot.
The changes in the coaching ranks could also factor into Nebraska’s performance this year. Out are former assistants Dani Busboom Kelly and Chris Tamas, who accepted head coaching positions at Louisville and Illinois, respectively. Taking their places are former Long Beach State men’s assistant Tyler Hildebrand and former Husker and national team libero Kayla Banwarth. By all accounts John Cook has not only reloaded his roster, but also his coaching staff.
Prediction
Never count out the Huskers, who are always well prepared and nearly impossible to beat at home. The changes in the lineup and in the coaching ranks make Nebraska a bit unpredictable, but they remain a threat for a Big Ten -- and even national -- championship.