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Nebraska volleyball score: The NCAA volleyball tournament final four is set: Can Nebraska, led by Harper Murray, overcome a challenging season and fierce competition to claim the national championship? Get the latest Nebraska volleyball score updates and in-depth analysis.
Nebraska Volleyball: A Quest for Redemption and the Pursuit of a National Title
The Road to the Final Four: Nebraska’s Journey
The 2024 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament has reached its pinnacle. Four teams, each a No. 1 seed, have battled their way to the final four in Louisville, Kentucky.1 It wasn’t a smooth path for any of them. Pittsburgh, the overall No. 1 seed, faced a grueling five-set challenge from Oregon in the regional semifinals.2 Louisville, the host team, survived match points to overcome Northern Iowa in a five-set thriller in the second round. Penn State dropped four sets along the way, including two in a hard-fought regional final against Creighton. And Nebraska, the runner-up from the previous year, dropped its lone set to Dayton in the regional semifinals.
Now, these four powerhouses are set to clash, with conference rivals facing off for a coveted spot in the national championship game. The action kicks off on Thursday, December 19, 2024, with an ACC showdown between Pittsburgh and Louisville at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, followed by a Big Ten clash between Nebraska and Penn State, also on ESPN. The victors will then battle for the national title on Sunday, December 21, at 3 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ABC.
Penn State boasts a storied history in women’s volleyball, with seven national championships to its name.3 Nebraska, seeking redemption after last year’s runner-up finish, has five. Pittsburgh and Louisville are both hungry for their first taste of national glory.
ESPN’s esteemed volleyball analysts, including Katie George, Holly McPeak, Sam Gore, Paul Sunderland, Courtney Lyle, Michael Voepel, and Aishwarya Kumar, have shared their insights on the players to watch, the keys to each matchup, the X factors, and their predictions for this thrilling final four.
Players to Watch: Stars Who Could Shine Brightest
Olivia Babcock: Pittsburgh’s Sophomore Sensation
Aishwarya Kumar highlights Pittsburgh’s outside hitter, Olivia Babcock, as a player to watch. “There’s a reason we can’t stop talking about her,” Kumar says. Babcock’s fiery and flashy style, characterized by her powerful jump serve and pin hitting, makes her a constant threat. She dominated in the Panthers’ sweep of the 2020 national champion, Kentucky, in the regional final, leading the team with 13 kills. This performance came on the heels of a career-high 31 kills against Oregon in a thrilling five-set regional semifinal. Despite a slight hiccup with her serve in the regionals, Babcock was still named the Pittsburgh regional’s most outstanding player. And the most astonishing part? She’s just a sophomore.
Harper Murray: Nebraska’s Dynamic Force
Holly McPeak points to Nebraska’s Harper Murray as another standout. While acknowledging Babcock’s dominance, McPeak emphasizes Murray’s all-around game: “She passes, blocks, digs, and leads the team in kills. Murray is dynamic, confident, and on a mission.” Her versatility and determination make her a crucial asset for the Cornhuskers.
Jess Mruzik: Penn State’s Versatile Threat
Katie George praises Penn State’s outside hitter, Jess Mruzik, for her complete game: “She can attack, block, defend, and serve, but I love watching her swing.” George highlights Mruzik’s ability to hit absurd angles, particularly her “4-to-4 swing,” a shot that requires exceptional hops, torque, power, and hand contact.
Lexi Rodriguez: Nebraska’s Defensive Dynamo
Courtney Lyle shifts the focus to the “littles,” specifically Nebraska’s libero, Lexi Rodriguez. “Last weekend, Lexi Rodriguez of Nebraska was a walking (or diving) highlight reel,” Lyle says. Rodriguez’s effortless game-changing plays and status as a national player of the year finalist make her a force to be reckoned with.
Anna DeBeer: Louisville’s Regional Hero
Michael Voepel acknowledges Murray’s impact but also gives a nod to Louisville’s outside hitter, Anna DeBeer. DeBeer, the most outstanding player of her regional, tallied 30 kills in those two matches, showcasing her offensive prowess.
Unstoppable Forces: Which Team Has Looked Most Dominant?
The analysts unanimously agree that Nebraska has been the most unstoppable force in the tournament so far.
Nebraska’s Defensive Wall
Katie George notes that while Louisville, Pitt, and Penn State have all been pushed to five sets, Nebraska has looked consistently strong. Despite a less-than-sharp performance against Dayton, their sweep of Wisconsin in the regional final was dominant. “It was a spectacular performance both offensively and defensively,” George says.
Holly McPeak echoes this sentiment, highlighting Nebraska’s offensive firepower and, crucially, their defense in the regional final sweep. “They are also the only top seed that hasn’t been pushed to a fifth set,” she adds.
Sam Gore emphasizes the adage “Defense wins championships.” He points out that Nebraska is holding opponents to an astounding .066 hitting percentage in the tournament. “If teams can’t put the ball down on them or serve them off the court, Nebraska’s defense could win it the national championship,” Gore asserts.
Aishwarya Kumar agrees, citing Nebraska’s impenetrable defense as the key to their success. “Some of the defensive plays that those guys were making … just nobody in the country is making those in the backcourt,” Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield said after the regional final, highlighting the Huskers’ ability to run down every ball.
Paul Sunderland calls Nebraska’s defense “dogged,” emphasizing their relentless pursuit of every ball. He also highlights their strong side-out game, thanks to the play of their “littles” and Murray’s reception skills.
Courtney Lyle acknowledges that Nebraska is the most unstoppable but cautions that they cannot afford another flat performance like the one against Dayton. With a later semifinal match, they must avoid a slow start against Penn State.
Michael Voepel simply states, “This one is unanimous. Nebraska looks ready to win championship No. 6, and the Huskers have so many weapons to do it.”
Rematch or Revenge? Analyzing Past Matchups
Pitt went 2-0 against Louisville, and Penn State went 1-0 against Nebraska during the regular season. But will history repeat itself in the final four?
Louisville’s Home-Court Advantage
Michael Voepel suggests that Louisville might be playing with “house money.” Having reached the final four in their hometown, the pressure is off. They know they are the underdog against Pitt, but a raucous home crowd at the KFC Yum! Center could swing the pressure to the Panthers. Voepel also believes that playing the first match on Thursday could benefit Louisville, with the crowd buzzing from the first serve. While they lost both regular-season matches to Pitt, the third time could be the charm.
Nebraska’s Momentum
Regarding the Nebraska-Penn State matchup, Voepel believes Nebraska is entering the final four with incredible momentum. While acknowledging that volleyball can be unpredictable, he finds it hard to pick against the Huskers.
Mental Fortitude
Paul Sunderland predicts that Pittsburgh is too sound and physical for Louisville but expects Nebraska to advance over Penn State. He believes that Mruzik and Camryn Hannah will be challenged to score, giving Nebraska the edge.
Sam Gore emphasizes that regular-season matches are different from the national semifinals. The mental game becomes paramount. “Who handles the moment better? Who executes under the pressure of winning a national championship and knowing your season is over if you lose?” Gore asks.
Louisville’s Improvement, Penn State’s Firepower
Holly McPeak notes that Louisville is playing their best volleyball of the season. They will need to be at their peak to challenge a physical Pitt team. Regarding Penn State, McPeak praises their talent and freshman setter Izzy Starck. While she’s unsure if they have enough offensive balance to beat Nebraska again, she acknowledges their firepower, particularly in Mruzik.
Experience Matters
Katie George believes that experience in the national semifinals, which both Pitt and Nebraska gained last year with similar core groups, could be a significant factor. The experience of young players like Stafford and Babcock (Pitt) or Murray and Bergen Reilly (Nebraska) is invaluable.
A Different Ball Game
Courtney Lyle believes that tournament time is entirely different. She’s particularly interested in how Louisville will be affected by playing a national semifinal at home.
X Factors: The Keys to Victory in Each Matchup
Pitt vs. Louisville: Bre Kelley, the 6-2 Offense, and the Rivalry
Bre Kelley’s Impact: Paul Sunderland identifies Pitt’s Bre Kelley as the X factor. He highlights Pitt’s strong reception game with Torrey Stafford and Emmy Klika, which will give Kelley opportunities out of the middle, leading to stress-free points.
Louisville’s 6-2 Offense: Katie George points to Louisville’s 6-2 offense as a crucial element. This system, which utilizes three hitters in the front row at all times and two setters running the offense from the back row, is why the Cardinals are the best blocking team in the country. George wonders if they can slow down Pitt’s many offensive weapons.
The Rivalry Factor: Aishwarya Kumar emphasizes the emotional weight of the rivalry between these two ACC elites. This will be their third straight NCAA tournament meeting. The history, including Louisville’s five-set win in the 2022 national semifinal and Pittsburgh’s reverse sweep in last year’s regional final, adds another layer of intensity. Kumar predicts a Pittsburgh win but acknowledges that Louisville’s home-court advantage is a significant factor.
Execution and Mental Game: Courtney Lyle believes that execution and minimizing mistakes will be crucial, as neither team can afford to give away points. Sam Gore emphasizes the mental edge, questioning whether Pitt can overcome their past semifinal struggles and whether Louisville can be fueled by the home crowd or if it will become a burden.
The Power of the Block: Michael Voepel echoes Katie George’s point about the Louisville block, suggesting that if they can establish it and force Pitt into errors, it could swing the match.
Penn State vs. Nebraska: Taylor Landfair, Mental Toughness, and Defensive Prowess
Taylor Landfair’s Spark: Aishwarya Kumar identifies Nebraska’s outside hitter, Taylor Landfair, as a potential X factor. Landfair, a senior transfer from Minnesota, had a standout performance against Wisconsin in the regional final, and she could be the spark Nebraska needs against Penn State.4
Handling the Moment: Sam Gore reiterates the importance of the mental game. Can Nebraska be driven by last year’s loss? Can Penn State believe they can beat Nebraska again? Gore also highlights Penn State coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s ongoing battle with cancer as a potential source of inspiration and courage for the team.
The Battle of the Opposites: Katie George suggests that the right side/opposite attackers will be crucial. She wonders if Merritt Beason can return to form for Nebraska and if Caroline Jurevicius can continue her steady performance for Penn State.
Defense Wins Championships: Holly McPeak emphasizes the importance of defense and serving tough. She believes that the team that wins will excel in these areas. Passing, as the foundation for a good offense, will also be key. Courtney Lyle agrees, citing Nebraska’s defense as a major factor in their sweep of Wisconsin.
Nebraska’s Depth and Confidence: Michael Voepel believes that Nebraska simply has more depth and talent and has been playing with great confidence.
Championship Predictions: Who Will Reign Supreme?
Pitt’s Path to Victory
Aishwarya Kumar quotes Pitt coach Dan Fisher, who says, “Pitt wins the national championship when we are the team that cares about each other the most, stays in the moment, and stays in a hunter mindset for the most amount of time.”
Paul Sunderland believes that if the moment doesn’t become too big and they ride Babcock’s offensive prowess, Pitt can win.
Michael Voepel believes that if the Panthers play their dominating, physical style, they can win. He suggests that Babcock has the talent to be unstoppable, similar to other championship-winning hitters.
Nebraska’s Defensive Dominance
Aishwarya Kumar believes that if Nebraska’s defense continues to be as spectacular as it has been, they will win.
Paul Sunderland echoes this, stating that if Nebraska continues to defend at an unparalleled level, they will win. He also emphasizes the need for Beason to be effective offensively, especially out of the back row.
Michael Voepel believes that if the Cornhuskers play the way they did in the regional final against Wisconsin, they will win. He highlights their unwavering performance in the second set of that match as an example of their dominance.
Louisville’s Long Shot
Michael Voepel suggests that a Louisville victory would be an incredible ending for multiple reasons: the hometown team winning, the ACC’s first NCAA volleyball championship, and Busboom Kelly becoming the first woman to win the title as head coach. He acknowledges the odds are stacked against them but believes that if they can get past Pitt, their confidence would soar for the final.
Paul Sunderland believes that the semifinals will be the end of the line for Louisville unless Pitt has an off night. He acknowledges the home-court advantage but doesn’t think it will be enough.
Aishwarya Kumar believes that if DeBeer, Sofia Maldonado Diaz, and Charitie Luper can replicate or widen their kill margin against Pitt, as they did in their five-set loss in October, they could advance.
Penn State’s Upset Potential
Paul Sunderland doesn’t believe Penn State has enough to overcome Nebraska’s balance. He predicts a magnificent run for Katie Schumacher-Cawley and the Nittany Lions ending in the semifinals.
Michael Voepel acknowledges that Penn State has already beaten Nebraska this season, so they know they’re capable of it. He highlights their resolve in fighting off Creighton, suggesting that if they make the final, they could push their momentum all the way to an eighth championship for the program. In that case, Schumacher-Cawley would be the first woman to coach a team to the D-I volleyball championship.
Aishwarya Kumar believes that if Penn State can replicate their November performance against Nebraska, where they had more kills, aces, assists, and digs, they will advance.
Final Predictions: Who Will Face Off on Sunday?
Aishwarya Kumar, Paul Sunderland, and Michael Voepel all predict a Pittsburgh vs. Nebraska final.
National Champion: Who Will Take the Trophy?
Holly McPeak believes that anything can happen, given the talent of the four teams. She anticipates a thrilling story to unfold and suggests that Pitt and Nebraska might be on a collision course for a fun-to-watch final.
Aishwarya Kumar predicts Nebraska will win in five sets, citing their experience, hunger after last year’s loss, and the belief that they know what it takes to win.
Paul Sunderland gives a slight edge to Nebraska, citing their advantage in reception and the play of their “littles” creating more point-scoring opportunities. He predicts Nebraska winning their sixth title.
Michael Voepel believes that Nebraska won’t let this one get away if they get another chance to play for the championship. He cites their three championship match losses since their fifth title in 2017, including five-set losses to Stanford in 2018 and Wisconsin in 2021 and a sweep by Texas last year.
The Harper Murray Story: Beyond the Nebraska Volleyball Score
A Star’s Struggle: From Triumph to Turmoil
Harper Murray’s journey to Nebraska volleyball stardom was anything but ordinary. A top recruit, she embraced the program’s legacy and the expectations that came with it. But her freshman year, while filled with on-court success, was also marked by personal struggles that extended far beyond the volleyball court.
The Dream of Nebraska
From a young age, Murray was drawn to Nebraska volleyball. She attended their Dream Team Camp in eighth grade and felt an immediate connection to the program and its players. She idolized Husker legend Jordan Larson and aspired to be even better. The passion for Nebraska was so strong that she cried when she had to leave the camp early. “Mom,” she said, “I love it here.”
The Weight of Expectations
Murray’s arrival at Nebraska coincided with “Volleyball Day in Nebraska,” an outdoor match in the football stadium that drew a record-breaking crowd of 92,003. This event amplified the expectations for the No. 1 recruit, who was named a third-team All-American and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. She led the Cornhuskers to a 27-game winning streak and a No. 1 ranking.
The National Championship Loss and Its Aftermath
The national championship loss to Texas was a turning point. Murray played what she considered one of the worst matches of her life. In the postgame press conference, when asked about the future, she boldly predicted that Nebraska would win three national championships in the next three years.
The Backlash and the Downward Spiral
Murray’s prediction, while intended to be a statement of confidence, sparked a firestorm of criticism on social media. She was attacked for her passing skills, her confidence was labeled as cockiness, and some even brought up her late father, suggesting he would be disappointed. The negativity took a toll. Murray began to hate volleyball, hate herself, and struggle to find anything positive in her life.
A Cry for Help
The following months were a blur of skipped classes, a DUI arrest, a shoplifting charge, and a deep descent into despair. Her family worried for her safety, and she eventually found herself in a psychiatric emergency room. When a doctor asked her about the origin of her struggles, she pointed back to that December night in Tampa and the infamous postgame prediction. The doctor was stunned that such a statement could trigger such a negative response.
A Legacy of Love and Loss: The Story of Vada Murray
A Father’s Influence
Harper Murray doesn’t remember much about her father, Vada, but she’s often told that she’s a lot like him. Vada was a standout safety at Michigan, playing under the legendary Bo Schembechler.5 He was known for his confidence, athleticism, and hatred of losing. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, Vada’s teammate,
