Nebraska Seeks 18th Final Four as Texas A&M Looks to Extend Breakthrough Run скачать в хорошем качестве

Nebraska Seeks 18th Final Four as Texas A&M Looks to Extend Breakthrough Run

Top-ranked Nebraska aims to keep its undefeated season alive on Sunday as the Huskers face Texas A&M in an NCAA regional final in Lincoln— a matchup between two of the nation’s most balanced teams and one that carries decades of history. The programs have met 39 times, most recently in 2010, with Nebraska holding a dominant 32–7 series lead. A win would send the Huskers to their 18th Final Four. Nebraska enters at 33–0, coming off a commanding sweep of Kansas in the regional semifinals. The Huskers hit .450 in that match while holding the Jayhawks to .029 and never trailed. “They’re a really good volleyball team, but we’ve talked the entire season about making people uncomfortable,” Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison said. “We’re going to continue to do that.” Statistically, few teams in the sport have matched Nebraska’s production. The Huskers own the nation’s top offense and defense, ranking first in both hitting percentage and opponent hitting percentage. They are unbeaten at home and 13–0 against ranked opponents this season. Nebraska has not dropped an NCAA tournament match at home since 2022. Texas A&M, however, arrives with momentum and veteran firepower. The Aggies stunned Louisville in a reverse sweep Friday — their 26th win of the season, the program’s most since 2001. The victory also secured A&M’s third Elite Eight appearance in school history. “They’ve got great players. They’re well-coached. They have a balanced offense,” Nebraska's head coach Dani Busboom Kelly said. “Their seniors are their leaders, so there’s not a lot of holes.” A&M is led by outside hitter Logan Lednicky, who delivered 20 kills against Louisville and plays six rotations. Middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla anchored a record-setting defensive performance with 12 blocks, the most ever by an Aggie in a five-set postseason match. Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison, in his third year, has openly modeled his rebuild after Nebraska’s blueprint. He said his team embraces the challenge of facing the nation’s top program with a Final Four berth on the line. “I think it’s the two most balanced teams in the country, and you’re going to see some fireworks,” Morrison said. “Fans are going to be able to tune in and see something amazing. To be the best, you have to beat the best."