Story by NU Athletic Communications

Michaela Vavrova and Miu Takahashi produced top-30 individual finishes to lead the Nebraska women's golf team to a tie for sixth in a loaded 15-team with an NCAA Regional feel at the Mary Fossum Invitational in East Lansing, Mich., on Monday.

Nebraska's tie for sixth came in a field that featured nine 2023 NCAA Regional teams along with 2023 conference runner-ups Northern Illinois (MAC) and Oakland (Horizon), along with Grand Valley State, which finished 11th at the 2023 NCAA Division II Championships.

Vavrova closed out the tournament in 28th after a final-round 74 (+2). The senior from Bojnice, Slovakia, ended with a 54-hole score of 223 (+7) as NU's top finisher for the second straight tournament to open the season.&nbsp;

Miu Takahashi added a top-30 finish by tying for 29th at 224 (+8) that included a final-round 76 (+4) on Monday. The junior from Nasu-machi, Japan, produced Nebraska's only round better than par during the tournament with a second-round 71 (-1) on the challenging, 6,370-yard, par-72 layout at Michigan State's Forest Akers West Golf Course Sunday.

Husker sophomore Kelli Ann Strand (Challis, Idaho) matched Takahashi with a 76 (+4) on Monday to finish in a tie for 32nd at 225 (+9) over three rounds.

True freshman Arden Louchheim (Park City, Utah) matched Vavrova for Nebraska's best individual round on Monday with a 74 (+2) to provide her second score of the weekend in the five-count-four scoring format for the Huskers. The three-time Utah high school champion opened the tournament with a first-round 73 on Sunday. She finished in a tie for 65th at 233 (+17) in an 84-player field.

Lena Hassert, who entered Monday's final round in a tie for 13th at 146 after back-to-back rounds of 73 on Sunday, battled her way to an 83 to finish in a tie for 49th at 229 (+13).

Purdue took home the team title by producing the best final-round score with a 284 (-4). The Boilermakers finished with a three-round total of 858 (-6) to knock off the hosts from Michigan State. The Spartans, who entered the final round with an eight-stroke lead over Purdue, finished 10 shots behind the Boilermakers at 868 (+4) after MSU settled for a 302 (+14) on Monday.

Ohio State took third at 879 (+15), while Maryland finished fourth at 881 (+17). Tennessee (884) rounded out the five teams ahead of the Huskers, while Kent State and Virginia Tech tied Nebraska for sixth at 888 (+24).

Nebraska finished two shots ahead of North Carolina (890), 11 shots ahead of Michigan (899) and 15 strokes ahead of Notre Dame (903).

Michigan State's Katie Lu captured medalist honors with a 54-hole score of 213 (-3) that included a final-round 74. She held off Purdue's Ashley Kozlowski, who fired a final-round 70, by one stroke at 214.&nbsp;

Nebraska returns to action at the Dale McNamara Invitational in Broken Arrow, Okla., Oct. 9-10.

Mary Fossum InvitationalSept. 17-18, 2023Forest Akers West GC (East Lansing, Mich.)Par 72, 6,370 Yards

Final Team Results1. Purdue - 290-284-284=858 (-6)2. Michigan State - 285-281-302=868 (+4)3. Ohio State - 292-289-298=879 (+15)4. Maryland - 299-293-289=881 (+17)5. Tennessee - 293-292-299=884 (+20)T6. Nebraska - 290-298-300=888 (+24)T6. Virginia Tech - 295-294-299=888 (+24)T6. Kent State - 294-304-290=888 (+24)9. North Carolina - 299-301-290=890 (+26)10. Michigan - 292-306-301=899 (+35)11. Notre Dame - 301-301-301=903 (+39)12. Northern Illinois - 297-317-302=916 (+52)13. Toledo - 305-313-312=930 (+66)14. Grand Valley State - 311-316-314=941 (+77)15. Oakland - 310-321-312=943 (+79)

Final Individual Results1. Katie Lu, Michigan State - 70-69-74=213 (-3)2. Ashley Kozlowski, Purdue - 73-71-70=214 (-2)3. Leila Raines, Michigan State - 73-69-73=215 (-1)T4. Vanessa Gilly, Tennessee - 72-72-72=216 (E)T4. Kan Bunnabodee, Purdue - 72-71-73=216 (E)T4. Kary Hollenbaugh, Ohio State - 71-72-73=216 (E)T7. Leon Takagi, Kent State - 73-75-69=217 (+1)T7. Jocelyn Bruch, Purdue - 76-70-71=217 (+1)T9. Nicha Kanpai, Maryland - 76-72-70=218 (+2)T9. Caley McGinty, Ohio State - 76-71-71=218 (+2)T9. Hester Sicking, Kent State - 73-73-72=218 (+2)T9. Manassanan Chotikabhukkana, Tennessee - 72-73-73=218 (+2)T9. Hailey Borja, Michigan - 69-76-73=218 (+2)

Nebraska Individuals28. Michaela Vavrova - 72-77-74=223 (+7)T29. Miu Takahashi - 77-71-76=224 (+8)T32. Kelli Ann Strand - 72-77-76=225 (+9)T49. Lena Hassert - 73-73-83=229 (+13)T65. Arden Louchheim - 73-86-74=233 (+17)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsMichaela Vavrova and Miu Takahashi produced top-30 individual finishes to lead the Nebraska women's golf team to a tie for sixth in a loaded 15-team with an NCAA Regional feel at the Mary Fossum Invitational in East Lansing, Mich., on Monday.Nebraska's tie for sixth came in a field that featured nine 2023 NCAA Regional teams along with 2023 conference runner-ups Northern Illinois (MAC) and Oakland (Horizon), along with Grand Valley State, which finished 11th at the 2023 NCAA Division II Championships.Vavrova closed out the tournament in 28th after a final-round 74 (+2). The senior from Bojnice, Slovakia, ended with a 54-hole score of 223 (+7) as NU's top finisher for the second straight tournament to open the season.&nbsp;Miu Takahashi added a top-30 finish by tying for 29th at 224 (+8) that included a final-round 76 (+4) on Monday. The junior from Nasu-machi, Japan, produced Nebraska's only round better than par during the tournament with a second-round 71 (-1) on the challenging, 6,370-yard, par-72 layout at Michigan State's Forest Akers West Golf Course Sunday.Husker sophomore Kelli Ann Strand (Challis, Idaho) matched Takahashi with a 76 (+4) on Monday to finish in a tie for 32nd at 225 (+9) over three rounds.True freshman Arden Louchheim (Park City, Utah) matched Vavrova for Nebraska's best individual round on Monday with a 74 (+2) to provide her second score of the weekend in the five-count-four scoring format for the Huskers. The three-time Utah high school champion opened the tournament with a first-round 73 on Sunday. She finished in a tie for 65th at 233 (+17) in an 84-player field.Lena Hassert, who entered Monday's final round in a tie for 13th at 146 after back-to-back rounds of 73 on Sunday, battled her way to an 83 to finish in a tie for 49th at 229 (+13).Purdue took home the team title by producing the best final-round score with a 284 (-4). The Boilermakers finished with a three-round total of 858 (-6) to knock off the hosts from Michigan State. The Spartans, who entered the final round with an eight-stroke lead over Purdue, finished 10 shots behind the Boilermakers at 868 (+4) after MSU settled for a 302 (+14) on Monday.Ohio State took third at 879 (+15), while Maryland finished fourth at 881 (+17). Tennessee (884) rounded out the five teams ahead of the Huskers, while Kent State and Virginia Tech tied Nebraska for sixth at 888 (+24).Nebraska finished two shots ahead of North Carolina (890), 11 shots ahead of Michigan (899) and 15 strokes ahead of Notre Dame (903).Michigan State's Katie Lu captured medalist honors with a 54-hole score of 213 (-3) that included a final-round 74. She held off Purdue's Ashley Kozlowski, who fired a final-round 70, by one stroke at 214.&nbsp;Nebraska returns to action at the Dale McNamara Invitational in Broken Arrow, Okla., Oct. 9-10.Mary Fossum InvitationalSept. 17-18, 2023Forest Akers West GC (East Lansing, Mich.)Par 72, 6,370 YardsFinal Team Results1. Purdue - 290-284-284=858 (-6)2. Michigan State - 285-281-302=868 (+4)3. Ohio State - 292-289-298=879 (+15)4. Maryland - 299-293-289=881 (+17)5. Tennessee - 293-292-299=884 (+20)T6. Nebraska - 290-298-300=888 (+24)T6. Virginia Tech - 295-294-299=888 (+24)T6. Kent State - 294-304-290=888 (+24)9. North Carolina - 299-301-290=890 (+26)10. Michigan - 292-306-301=899 (+35)11. Notre Dame - 301-301-301=903 (+39)12. Northern Illinois - 297-317-302=916 (+52)13. Toledo - 305-313-312=930 (+66)14. Grand Valley State - 311-316-314=941 (+77)15. Oakland - 310-321-312=943 (+79)Final Individual Results1. Katie Lu, Michigan State - 70-69-74=213 (-3)2. Ashley Kozlowski, Purdue - 73-71-70=214 (-2)3. Leila Raines, Michigan State - 73-69-73=215 (-1)T4. Vanessa Gilly, Tennessee - 72-72-72=216 (E)T4. Kan Bunnabodee, Purdue - 72-71-73=216 (E)T4. Kary Hollenbaugh, Ohio State - 71-72-73=216 (E)T7. Leon Takagi, Kent State - 73-75-69=217 (+1)T7. Jocelyn Bruch, Purdue - 76-70-71=217 (+1)T9. Nicha Kanpai, Maryland - 76-72-70=218 (+2)T9. Caley McGinty, Ohio State - 76-71-71=218 (+2)T9. Hester Sicking, Kent State - 73-73-72=218 (+2)T9. Manassanan Chotikabhukkana, Tennessee - 72-73-73=218 (+2)T9. Hailey Borja, Michigan - 69-76-73=218 (+2)Nebraska Individuals28. Michaela Vavrova - 72-77-74=223 (+7)T29. Miu Takahashi - 77-71-76=224 (+8)T32. Kelli Ann Strand - 72-77-76=225 (+9)T49. Lena Hassert - 73-73-83=229 (+13)T65. Arden Louchheim - 73-86-74=233 (+17)

Huskers tie for sixth at Mary Fossum Invitational

Merritt Beason was named Big Ten Player of the Week and Harper Murray was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday, the conference office announced.&nbsp;

Beason led the Huskers to a 3-1 road win at No. 5 Stanford and a 3-1 home win against No. 21 Kentucky with 4.00 kills per set on a .354 hitting percentage to go with 1.88 digs per set. Beason had a season-high 17 kills and 10 digs and hit .438 in the win over Kentucky. Last Tuesday, the junior from Gardendale, Ala., had 15 kills and hit .273 at Stanford.&nbsp;

Murray earned her second Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor after averaging 3.63 kills per set with a .349 hitting percentage and 2.00 digs per set in Nebraska's two victories. The Ann Arbor, Mich., native finished with 17 kills and 10 digs and hit .308 in Sunday night's win over Kentucky. She had 12 kills, six digs, four blocks and three aces while hitting a season-best .417 at Stanford last Tuesday.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsMerritt Beason was named Big Ten Player of the Week and Harper Murray was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday, the conference office announced.&nbsp;Beason led the Huskers to a 3-1 road win at No. 5 Stanford and a 3-1 home win against No. 21 Kentucky with 4.00 kills per set on a .354 hitting percentage to go with 1.88 digs per set. Beason had a season-high 17 kills and 10 digs and hit .438 in the win over Kentucky. Last Tuesday, the junior from Gardendale, Ala., had 15 kills and hit .273 at Stanford.&nbsp;Murray earned her second Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor after averaging 3.63 kills per set with a .349 hitting percentage and 2.00 digs per set in Nebraska's two victories. The Ann Arbor, Mich., native finished with 17 kills and 10 digs and hit .308 in Sunday night's win over Kentucky. She had 12 kills, six digs, four blocks and three aces while hitting a season-best .417 at Stanford last Tuesday.&nbsp;

Beason and Murray earn Big Ten weekly honors

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lost top running backs Gabe Ervin Jr. and Rahmir Johnson to season-ending injuries, coach Matt Rhule announced Monday.

Ervin dislocated his shoulder and Johnson dislocated his hip in the Cornhuskers'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-huskers-northern-illinois-huskies-9d6536d99dd61c206fbc9d8c8d9c1c35">35-11 win over Northern Illinois</a>&nbsp;on Saturday. Both will require surgery.

Ervin started the first two games for the Huskers (1-2) and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. He leads the team with 38 attempts and 196 yards, and he's caught two passes for 20 yards.

Johnson, who started against Northern Illinois, has had 12 carries for 65 yards, including a 44-yard burst.

Anthony Grant will move to the top of the depth chart for Saturday's home game against Louisiana Tech (2-2) and will be backed up by Emmett Johnson and Kwinten Ives.

Grant had been the projected starter entering the season but has been limited to a backup role. He didn't play against No. 18 Colorado on Sept. 9 after a critical fumble in the 13-10 season-opening loss at Minnesota.

Grant led the Huskers last season with 915 yards and six touchdowns on 218 carries, the most attempts by a Nebraska player since 2014. Grant also caught 18 passes for 104 yards.

Rhule also announced that backup cornerback Dwight Bootle II would miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695059720466.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lost top running backs Gabe Ervin Jr. and Rahmir Johnson to season-ending injuries, coach Matt Rhule announced Monday.Ervin dislocated his shoulder and Johnson dislocated his hip in the Cornhuskers'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-huskers-northern-illinois-huskies-9d6536d99dd61c206fbc9d8c8d9c1c35">35-11 win over Northern Illinois</a>&nbsp;on Saturday. Both will require surgery.Ervin started the first two games for the Huskers (1-2) and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. He leads the team with 38 attempts and 196 yards, and he's caught two passes for 20 yards.Johnson, who started against Northern Illinois, has had 12 carries for 65 yards, including a 44-yard burst.Anthony Grant will move to the top of the depth chart for Saturday's home game against Louisiana Tech (2-2) and will be backed up by Emmett Johnson and Kwinten Ives.Grant had been the projected starter entering the season but has been limited to a backup role. He didn't play against No. 18 Colorado on Sept. 9 after a critical fumble in the 13-10 season-opening loss at Minnesota.Grant led the Huskers last season with 915 yards and six touchdowns on 218 carries, the most attempts by a Nebraska player since 2014. Grant also caught 18 passes for 104 yards.Rhule also announced that backup cornerback Dwight Bootle II would miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

Huskers lose two key running backs for season

DENVER (AP) — Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste didn't flinch after Brandon Johnson snared Russell Wilson's 50-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass off a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1703556422741471356?s=20">double deflection</a>&nbsp;with no time remaining Sunday.

St-Juste said he figured, “OK, we got one more opportunity to shut this down and come up with a ‘dub.'

"So, we locked in and made the play,” said St-Juste, who appeared to get away with pass interference when he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1703555864316031475">broke up Wilson's 2-point conversion throw</a>&nbsp;to Courtland Sutton, preserving the Commanders' come-from-behind win. Washington rallied from an early 21-3 deficit to take a 35-24 lead, then had to hang on with no time on the clock.

CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore said it looked like St-Juste made enough early contact for a foul, but Brad Rogers’ crew didn’t throw a flag and the Commanders celebrated the franchise’s first 2-0 start since 2011.

The Broncos (0-2) have lost back-to-back home games for the first time, not the kind of history coach Sean Payton was hoping to make in his return to the sideline after a year in the broadcast studio following a highly successful 15-year stint in New Orleans, especially after he criticized predecessor Nathaniel Hackett for doing one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history last year.

The Broncos lost despite scoring touchdowns on their first three drives for the first time since 2010. Their 18-point blown lead tied for the fourth-largest at home in franchise history.

“This is a resilient team,” Washington's Sam Howell said after throwing for 299 yards and two TDs in his first road start. “The thing I’m proud of is we had each other’s back on both sides of the ball.”

Brian Robinson Jr. added two TD runs, helping the Commanders to the second-biggest comeback in franchise history. Washington overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Detroit on Nov. 4, 1990.

The Commanders used a 32-3 scoring outburst to take control before the Broncos made it interesting at the very end.

With 2 seconds left and the Broncos at the 50-yard line trailing 35-27, Wilson heaved a pass toward the end zone that was deflected by a scrum of players before Johnson snared it for the score.

Wilson threw for 308 yards and three TDs but also had two turnovers.

The last time Denver scored TDs on each of its first three drives was on Nov. 14, 2010, against Kansas City, a game the Broncos went on to win 49-29.

Payton got the ball into his young speedsters' hands early on, and it paid off with undrafted rookie&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Jaleel McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;scoring on a 5-yard pitch, rookie receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Marvin Mims Jr.</a>&nbsp;hauling in a 60-yard touchdown pass and second-year wideout&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Johnson</a>&nbsp;snaring a 16-yard score.

None of the three touched the ball again until Mims got a handoff midway through the third quarter with the score tied at 21.

Mims had two catches for 113 yards on two targets but wasn't thrown to again after Denver's third possession and spent much of the rest of the game on the sideline.

“Some of it's coverage-driven and some of it is just based on what we're in,” Payton said. “We're in a couple of different personnel groupings, so part of that is coincidence, I would say. We had a number of guys we’re trying to get the ball to and we will keep doing that.”

Mims also had a 45-yard punt return, giving him 168 all-purpose yards on five touches.

“Any time he can touch the football is a good thing for us,” Wilson said.

Washington coach Ron Rivera was presented with a game ball in the locker room for his&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Commanders/status/1703575665763598436?s=20">100th career win</a>&nbsp;in the NFL, and the Broncos honored their&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703532226153943309?s=20b">Super Bowl 32</a>&nbsp;-winning team at halftime.

The game turned when Howell threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Logan Thomas on fourth-and-goal and safety Kareem Jackson was ejected for launching himself at the tight end, who suffered a concussion on the play and didn't return.

Jackson also drew a 15-yard flag in the opener for a hit he put on Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers, and Payton was asked if he felt a suspension was possible.

“Gosh, I don't have an answer for you,” he said, “because those things happen so quickly. ... From my vantage point, I only get to see it one time, you look up and they make the call and you've got to go with it.”

With the flag moving the conversion try to the 1, Washington went for 2 and pulled within 21-11 when Robinson got the ball past the plane. Joey Slye's 46-yard field goal as the first half expired made it 21-14. And the Commanders erased the final remnants of their 18-point deficit on Terry McLaurin's 30-yard TD grab on their first drive after halftime.

Commanders: Thomas didn't return after suffering a concussion on his TD.

Broncos: S Delarrin Turner-Yell, who replaced Jackson after he was ejected, sustained an undisclosed injury early in the fourth quarter and went to the locker room. He was replaced by DB Essang Bassey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695059818201.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste didn't flinch after Brandon Johnson snared Russell Wilson's 50-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass off a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1703556422741471356?s=20">double deflection</a>&nbsp;with no time remaining Sunday.That cut Washington's lead to 35-33.St-Juste said he figured, “OK, we got one more opportunity to shut this down and come up with a ‘dub.'"So, we locked in and made the play,” said St-Juste, who appeared to get away with pass interference when he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1703555864316031475">broke up Wilson's 2-point conversion throw</a>&nbsp;to Courtland Sutton, preserving the Commanders' come-from-behind win. Washington rallied from an early 21-3 deficit to take a 35-24 lead, then had to hang on with no time on the clock.CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore said it looked like St-Juste made enough early contact for a foul, but Brad Rogers’ crew didn’t throw a flag and the Commanders celebrated the franchise’s first 2-0 start since 2011.The Broncos (0-2) have lost back-to-back home games for the first time, not the kind of history coach Sean Payton was hoping to make in his return to the sideline after a year in the broadcast studio following a highly successful 15-year stint in New Orleans, especially after he criticized predecessor Nathaniel Hackett for doing one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history last year.The Broncos lost despite scoring touchdowns on their first three drives for the first time since 2010. Their 18-point blown lead tied for the fourth-largest at home in franchise history.“This is a resilient team,” Washington's Sam Howell said after throwing for 299 yards and two TDs in his first road start. “The thing I’m proud of is we had each other’s back on both sides of the ball.”Brian Robinson Jr. added two TD runs, helping the Commanders to the second-biggest comeback in franchise history. Washington overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Detroit on Nov. 4, 1990.The Commanders used a 32-3 scoring outburst to take control before the Broncos made it interesting at the very end.With 2 seconds left and the Broncos at the 50-yard line trailing 35-27, Wilson heaved a pass toward the end zone that was deflected by a scrum of players before Johnson snared it for the score.Wilson threw for 308 yards and three TDs but also had two turnovers.The last time Denver scored TDs on each of its first three drives was on Nov. 14, 2010, against Kansas City, a game the Broncos went on to win 49-29.Payton got the ball into his young speedsters' hands early on, and it paid off with undrafted rookie&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Jaleel McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;scoring on a 5-yard pitch, rookie receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Marvin Mims Jr.</a>&nbsp;hauling in a 60-yard touchdown pass and second-year wideout&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Johnson</a>&nbsp;snaring a 16-yard score.None of the three touched the ball again until Mims got a handoff midway through the third quarter with the score tied at 21.Mims had two catches for 113 yards on two targets but wasn't thrown to again after Denver's third possession and spent much of the rest of the game on the sideline.“Some of it's coverage-driven and some of it is just based on what we're in,” Payton said. “We're in a couple of different personnel groupings, so part of that is coincidence, I would say. We had a number of guys we’re trying to get the ball to and we will keep doing that.”Mims also had a 45-yard punt return, giving him 168 all-purpose yards on five touches.“Any time he can touch the football is a good thing for us,” Wilson said.CELEBRATIONSWashington coach Ron Rivera was presented with a game ball in the locker room for his&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Commanders/status/1703575665763598436?s=20">100th career win</a>&nbsp;in the NFL, and the Broncos honored their&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703532226153943309?s=20b">Super Bowl 32</a>&nbsp;-winning team at halftime.JACKSON EJECTEDThe game turned when Howell threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Logan Thomas on fourth-and-goal and safety Kareem Jackson was ejected for launching himself at the tight end, who suffered a concussion on the play and didn't return.Jackson also drew a 15-yard flag in the opener for a hit he put on Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers, and Payton was asked if he felt a suspension was possible.“Gosh, I don't have an answer for you,” he said, “because those things happen so quickly. ... From my vantage point, I only get to see it one time, you look up and they make the call and you've got to go with it.”With the flag moving the conversion try to the 1, Washington went for 2 and pulled within 21-11 when Robinson got the ball past the plane. Joey Slye's 46-yard field goal as the first half expired made it 21-14. And the Commanders erased the final remnants of their 18-point deficit on Terry McLaurin's 30-yard TD grab on their first drive after halftime.INJURIESCommanders: Thomas didn't return after suffering a concussion on his TD.Broncos: S Delarrin Turner-Yell, who replaced Jackson after he was ejected, sustained an undisclosed injury early in the fourth quarter and went to the locker room. He was replaced by DB Essang Bassey.UP NEXTCommanders: Host Buffalo next Sunday.Broncos: Visit Miami next Sunday.

Denver's Hail Mary TD nearly enough to overcome Commanders, 35-33

The No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team defeated No. 21 Kentucky, 3-1 (25-14, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21) on Sunday night in front of 8,531 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.&nbsp;

Nebraska (9-0) finished non-conference play without a loss for the first time since 2016 and only the second time since 2008.&nbsp;

The Huskers hit .338, while the Wildcats hit .243. Nebraska had the edge in kills (62-53), blocks (9-7) and digs (61-48). Each team had four service aces, while the Huskers committed eight fewer errors.&nbsp;

Merritt Beason and Harper Murray each finished with 17 kills and 10 digs. Beason hit .438, and Murray hit .308. Ally Batenhorst totaled 12 kills, and Andi Jackson had 10 kills and three blocks with a .500 hitting percentage. Bekka Allick added four kills and a match-high six blocks.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly put up a career-high 46 assists and 12 digs. Lexi Rodriguez had a season-high 18 digs with six set assists. Maisie Boesiger had a career-high six digs.&nbsp;

Kentucky fell to 2-6 on the season with five losses to top 20 teams. Reagan Rutherford had 19 kills and hit .372 for the Wildcats.&nbsp;

Set 1: Kentucky held a 7-5 lead, but kills by Beason, Batenhorst and Jackson and a block by Allick and Murray put the Huskers in front 10-9. Allick and Beason added another block after a Murray kill for a 12-10 lead, and a back row kill from Batenhorst made it 13-10 Huskers. After two Kentucky errors, Murray and Allick teamed up for a block, and a one-handed dig by Rodriguez led to a Beason kill for a 17-10 advantage. Beason and Batenhorst tacked on two more kills around an ace by Rodriguez as the Huskers built the lead to 22-12. Jackson posted two kills and Murray finished off the set at 25-14. Nebraska hit .464 in the opening set and held Kentucky to .133.&nbsp;

Set 2: Nebraska trailed 8-7 but scored six of the next eight points to go up 13-10. Beason had two kills, while Murray, Allick and Batenhorst each had one. After a Kentucky sideout, Beason tallied two more kills around a Jackson solo block for a 16-11 Husker lead. The Wildcats clawed back to within one, 17-16, when Reilly and Murray produced clutch kills for the Big Red to go up 19-16. An ace by Maisie Boesiger and two kills by Murray put NU up by four, 22-18, and the Huskers won 25-22 on a kill by Beason.&nbsp;

Set 3: Nebraska came back from a 6-2 deficit to tie the score at 6-6 with Batenhorst recording two kills and a block with Jackson. But Kentucky went on a 6-1 run to make it 12-7 Huskers. After a timeout, Reilly had a kill and Kennedi Orr served an ace to cut it to 12-9. Murray, Beason, Batenhorst and Jackson tallied kills to get NU within one point on four occasions, but Kentucky answered each time. Jackson brought NU within one again, 18-17, and this time Murray terminated to tie the score at 18-18. But a kill and ace by Kentucky setter Emma Grome made it 20-18 Wildcats, and Kentucky earned set point at 24-21. The Wildcats committed an error, and Beason served an ace to pull NU within 24-23, but Kentucky held on to win 25-23.&nbsp;

Set 4: The set began with a Kentucky service error, a kill by Murray and a block by Reilly and Allick for a 3-0 Husker lead. But Kentucky charged back to gain a 10-5 lead with a 7-1 run. Beason and Jackson had kills, and Jackson combined with Reilly for a block as NU pulled within 12-9. The Huskers then won a 71 second rally, capped by a Murray kill, to cut it to 12-10. Allick was in on two blocks - one with Reilly and one with Murray - to make the deficit only one, 14-13. Kentucky went ahead 16-13, but back-to-back kills by Murray cut it to 16-15. Beason and Batenhorst swung for three straight kills, and Kentucky committed an attacking error for a 20-18 Husker lead. Brooklyn DeLeye earned a sideout for Kentucky with a kill, but Jackson answered for the Big Red. Boesiger then kept a ball up that led to a Kentucky hitting error to make it 22-19 Huskers. The Wildcats scored the next two to cut it to 22-21, but Beason terminated from the back row again and Murray smashed an overpass for a 24-21 Husker lead. NU sealed the win on a Kentucky hitting error.&nbsp;

Up Next: The Huskers begin Big Ten play on Friday at 8 p.m. against No. 19 Ohio State at the Devaney Center. NU will also host No. 9 Minnesota next Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team defeated No. 21 Kentucky, 3-1 (25-14, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21) on Sunday night in front of 8,531 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.&nbsp;Nebraska (9-0) finished non-conference play without a loss for the first time since 2016 and only the second time since 2008.&nbsp;The Huskers hit .338, while the Wildcats hit .243. Nebraska had the edge in kills (62-53), blocks (9-7) and digs (61-48). Each team had four service aces, while the Huskers committed eight fewer errors.&nbsp;Merritt Beason and Harper Murray each finished with 17 kills and 10 digs. Beason hit .438, and Murray hit .308. Ally Batenhorst totaled 12 kills, and Andi Jackson had 10 kills and three blocks with a .500 hitting percentage. Bekka Allick added four kills and a match-high six blocks.&nbsp;Bergen Reilly put up a career-high 46 assists and 12 digs. Lexi Rodriguez had a season-high 18 digs with six set assists. Maisie Boesiger had a career-high six digs.&nbsp;Kentucky fell to 2-6 on the season with five losses to top 20 teams. Reagan Rutherford had 19 kills and hit .372 for the Wildcats.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695037405209.jpeg" alt="Andi Jackson VB vs Kentucky" />
 <figcaption>Andi Jackson VB vs Kentucky</figcaption>
 </figure>Set 1: Kentucky held a 7-5 lead, but kills by Beason, Batenhorst and Jackson and a block by Allick and Murray put the Huskers in front 10-9. Allick and Beason added another block after a Murray kill for a 12-10 lead, and a back row kill from Batenhorst made it 13-10 Huskers. After two Kentucky errors, Murray and Allick teamed up for a block, and a one-handed dig by Rodriguez led to a Beason kill for a 17-10 advantage. Beason and Batenhorst tacked on two more kills around an ace by Rodriguez as the Huskers built the lead to 22-12. Jackson posted two kills and Murray finished off the set at 25-14. Nebraska hit .464 in the opening set and held Kentucky to .133.&nbsp;Set 2: Nebraska trailed 8-7 but scored six of the next eight points to go up 13-10. Beason had two kills, while Murray, Allick and Batenhorst each had one. After a Kentucky sideout, Beason tallied two more kills around a Jackson solo block for a 16-11 Husker lead. The Wildcats clawed back to within one, 17-16, when Reilly and Murray produced clutch kills for the Big Red to go up 19-16. An ace by Maisie Boesiger and two kills by Murray put NU up by four, 22-18, and the Huskers won 25-22 on a kill by Beason.&nbsp;Set 3: Nebraska came back from a 6-2 deficit to tie the score at 6-6 with Batenhorst recording two kills and a block with Jackson. But Kentucky went on a 6-1 run to make it 12-7 Huskers. After a timeout, Reilly had a kill and Kennedi Orr served an ace to cut it to 12-9. Murray, Beason, Batenhorst and Jackson tallied kills to get NU within one point on four occasions, but Kentucky answered each time. Jackson brought NU within one again, 18-17, and this time Murray terminated to tie the score at 18-18. But a kill and ace by Kentucky setter Emma Grome made it 20-18 Wildcats, and Kentucky earned set point at 24-21. The Wildcats committed an error, and Beason served an ace to pull NU within 24-23, but Kentucky held on to win 25-23.&nbsp;Set 4: The set began with a Kentucky service error, a kill by Murray and a block by Reilly and Allick for a 3-0 Husker lead. But Kentucky charged back to gain a 10-5 lead with a 7-1 run. Beason and Jackson had kills, and Jackson combined with Reilly for a block as NU pulled within 12-9. The Huskers then won a 71 second rally, capped by a Murray kill, to cut it to 12-10. Allick was in on two blocks - one with Reilly and one with Murray - to make the deficit only one, 14-13. Kentucky went ahead 16-13, but back-to-back kills by Murray cut it to 16-15. Beason and Batenhorst swung for three straight kills, and Kentucky committed an attacking error for a 20-18 Husker lead. Brooklyn DeLeye earned a sideout for Kentucky with a kill, but Jackson answered for the Big Red. Boesiger then kept a ball up that led to a Kentucky hitting error to make it 22-19 Huskers. The Wildcats scored the next two to cut it to 22-21, but Beason terminated from the back row again and Murray smashed an overpass for a 24-21 Husker lead. NU sealed the win on a Kentucky hitting error.&nbsp;Up Next: The Huskers begin Big Ten play on Friday at 8 p.m. against No. 19 Ohio State at the Devaney Center. NU will also host No. 9 Minnesota next Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Huskers outduel No. 21 Kentucky, 3-1

Wallace (0-2) is hosting South Platte (1-1) today for a 2pm CDT kickoff. Pregame at 1:30pm CDT on Flatrock 100.7 FM Listen Online at <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">www.Flatrock1007.com</a>&nbsp;. It's Homecoming for Wallace and the unofficial kickoff to the Wallace Fall Festival this weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566831712490.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wallace (0-2) is hosting South Platte (1-1) today for a 2pm CDT kickoff. Pregame at 1:30pm CDT on Flatrock 100.7 FM Listen Online at <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">www.Flatrock1007.com</a>&nbsp;. It's Homecoming for Wallace and the unofficial kickoff to the Wallace Fall Festival this weekend.

Wallace vs. South Platte Football on Flatrock 100.7 Now

The Tri-City Storm posted a 4-0 road shutout of the Omaha Lancers Wednesday night at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. Cameron Korpi was perfect in net, turning away each of the Lancer’s 29 shots on goal during the contest. Nolan Roed, Nick Peluso, August Falloon, and Easton Pace each netted a goal for the Storm in the win. Tri-City returns home on Saturday night for a final exhibition game against the Lancers. Puck drop for Saturday’s home game at the Viaero Center is scheduled for 6:05pm CT.

Nolan Roed scored ten seconds into Wednesday’s opening period to give the Storm a 1-0 lead in the matchup. Trevor Connelly recorded an assist on the play. Nick Peluso netted his second goal of the preseason less than five minutes later to give the Storm a two-goal advantage. Trevor Connelly also notched the lone assist on the scoring play. August Falloon netted his first goal of the preseason with less than two minutes to play in Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to put the Storm ahead by three goals. Owen Beckner recorded an assist on the play. Tri-City outshot Omaha 11-10 in the 1st&nbsp;period, and carried a 3-0 lead into the 2nd&nbsp;period.

Easton Pace netted his first goal of the preseason at 3:23 of the middle period to increase Tri-City’s lead to four goals. Cameron Briere notched an assist on the scoring play. Pace’s scoring play was the lone goal of the 2nd&nbsp;period, and the final goal of the matchup. The Storm heavily outshot the Lancers by a 20-9 margin in the middle period.

Omaha outshot Tri-City 10-9 during Wednesday’s 3rd&nbsp;period, but was outshot 40-29 overall during the rivalry game. The Storm’s powerplay finished the game 0/2, and the Tri-City penalty kill was 1/1 on the night.

Cameron Korpi recorded his first win of the preseason in net for the Storm in a 29-save-on-29-shot-performance. Mikhail Yegorov dropped the game in goal for the Lancers after making 8 saves on 11 shots in the 1st&nbsp;period. Jack Olson finished the game in net for Omaha, and made 28 saves on 29 shots.

Tri-City improved to 3-1-0-0 through four preseason games in Wednesday night’s four-goal shutout victory.

Tri-City hits the ice again on Saturday, September 16th, in a home game against the Omaha Lancers. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:05pm CT. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization.

Story by Tri-City CommunicationsThe Tri-City Storm posted a 4-0 road shutout of the Omaha Lancers Wednesday night at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. Cameron Korpi was perfect in net, turning away each of the Lancer’s 29 shots on goal during the contest. Nolan Roed, Nick Peluso, August Falloon, and Easton Pace each netted a goal for the Storm in the win. Tri-City returns home on Saturday night for a final exhibition game against the Lancers. Puck drop for Saturday’s home game at the Viaero Center is scheduled for 6:05pm CT.Nolan Roed scored ten seconds into Wednesday’s opening period to give the Storm a 1-0 lead in the matchup. Trevor Connelly recorded an assist on the play. Nick Peluso netted his second goal of the preseason less than five minutes later to give the Storm a two-goal advantage. Trevor Connelly also notched the lone assist on the scoring play. August Falloon netted his first goal of the preseason with less than two minutes to play in Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to put the Storm ahead by three goals. Owen Beckner recorded an assist on the play. Tri-City outshot Omaha 11-10 in the 1st&nbsp;period, and carried a 3-0 lead into the 2nd&nbsp;period.Easton Pace netted his first goal of the preseason at 3:23 of the middle period to increase Tri-City’s lead to four goals. Cameron Briere notched an assist on the scoring play. Pace’s scoring play was the lone goal of the 2nd&nbsp;period, and the final goal of the matchup. The Storm heavily outshot the Lancers by a 20-9 margin in the middle period.Omaha outshot Tri-City 10-9 during Wednesday’s 3rd&nbsp;period, but was outshot 40-29 overall during the rivalry game. The Storm’s powerplay finished the game 0/2, and the Tri-City penalty kill was 1/1 on the night.Cameron Korpi recorded his first win of the preseason in net for the Storm in a 29-save-on-29-shot-performance. Mikhail Yegorov dropped the game in goal for the Lancers after making 8 saves on 11 shots in the 1st&nbsp;period. Jack Olson finished the game in net for Omaha, and made 28 saves on 29 shots.Tri-City improved to 3-1-0-0 through four preseason games in Wednesday night’s four-goal shutout victory.Tri-City hits the ice again on Saturday, September 16th, in a home game against the Omaha Lancers. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:05pm CT. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization.

Storm shuts out Lancers in preseason battle

The Nebraska soccer team (6-1-1) opens Big Ten play this weekend when it hosts Wisconsin (5-1-2) on Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:05 p.m. (CT).

The game will feature Pups at the Pitch, and fans can purchase tickets to the game by calling 1-800-8 BIG RED or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/articles/Huskers.com/tickets" target="_blank">Huskers.com/tickets</a>. The game against the Badgers will be streamed on Big Ten Plus (subscription required) and broadcast on KRNU. Fans can also track the action by viewing the live stats on&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/articles/huskers.com" target="_blank">huskers.com</a>.

Senior Eleanor Dale tallied her fifth-straight brace, as the #24 Nebraska soccer team fell to Saint Louis 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hibner Stadium in front of 1,307 fans.

The Huskers are back on the road next week as they face Ohio State on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. (CT) and Penn State on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. (CT).

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska soccer team (6-1-1) opens Big Ten play this weekend when it hosts Wisconsin (5-1-2) on Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:05 p.m. (CT).The game will feature Pups at the Pitch, and fans can purchase tickets to the game by calling 1-800-8 BIG RED or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/articles/Huskers.com/tickets" target="_blank">Huskers.com/tickets</a>. The game against the Badgers will be streamed on Big Ten Plus (subscription required) and broadcast on KRNU. Fans can also track the action by viewing the live stats on&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/articles/huskers.com" target="_blank">huskers.com</a>.Last Time OutSenior Eleanor Dale tallied her fifth-straight brace, as the #24 Nebraska soccer team fell to Saint Louis 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hibner Stadium in front of 1,307 fans.Next UpThe Huskers are back on the road next week as they face Ohio State on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. (CT) and Penn State on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. (CT).Kicking Off<ul>
 <li>For the first time since October 2018, the Huskers were ranked in the Top 25 as they broke into the United Coaches and Top Drawer Soccer polls at No. 24 last week.</li><li>Dale earned her second-straight Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor this week as she currently leads the country and conference in total goals (12), game-winning goals (5) and penalty kicks (2), while also leading the conference in shots on goal (22) and points (26). Last week, she scored four finishes combined, including a game-winner and two penalties, in the Huskers’ 4-1 victory over UC Davis and the team’s 3-2 loss to SLU.</li><li>Junior forward Sarah Weber has continued her strong offensive attack as she is third in the conference standings in shots (34), second in shots on goal (18) and ninth in points (11).</li><li>As a team, the Huskers are fifth in the nation in shots per game (21.38) and assists (3.50), third in points per game (10.50) and second in shots on goal per game (11.38).</li><li>In the goal, senior Sami Hauk has recorded 31 saves and is currently third in the conference standings in saves per game (3.88). The Huskers have tallied three shutouts in eight contests.</li><li>The Huskers’ six goals against Eastern Washington marked the most finishes the Huskers have tallied in a regular season match since the 2011 victory against Northern Arizona (8-1) and the most goals on the road since the win in 2009 at Kansas (7-4). Additionally, that was the first time since NU’s victory over Missouri in 2021 that the Big Red has netted four or more goals in the second half.</li><li>This season’s win over Eastern Washington also marked the 350th win in program history. Head Coach John Walker achieved the same milestone, having been at the helm of the program since its inception in 1994.</li><li>Nebraska returns all four All-Big Ten performers from last season, junior Weber, seniors Reagan Raabe and Dale, and sophomore Lauryn Anglim. Nebraska’s all-time all-conference total increased to 106, including 36 honorees since joining the Big Ten in 2011. Weber became the 51st first-team all-conference selection in program history and seventh first-teamer for Nebraska as a member of the Big Ten.&nbsp;</li><li>During the off-season, both Dale and Weber were named to their respective national teams as Dale was called up to England’s U23 Squad and Weber made the U.S. U23 Women’s National team.</li><li>Head Coach John Walker enters his 30th season, alongside assistant coaches Savanah Anderson-Baer (first season), Ian Bridge (eighth season) and Marty Everding (26th season).&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Scouting the Wisconsin Badgers<ul>
 <li>Wisconsin is 5-1-2 this season and is currently on a four-game winning streak.</li><li>Last season, the Badgers went 11-5-3 and 6-3-1 in conference play, finishing third in the Big Ten standings.</li><li>Wisconsin leads the all-time series between the two teams, 6-5-3. The Badgers won the most recent matchup between the team’s last season in Madison, 4-1.</li><li>Head Coach Paula Wilkins is 303-115-65 in her 17th season at Wisconsin. She earned her 300th career win against LSU on Aug. 31, 2023. Wilkins is assisted by Tim Rosenfeld, Becca Harrison and Jon Gulrajani.</li><li>Players to Watch</li><li>#2 Emma Jaskaniec (Senior F): Leads the team in goals (3) and points (9)</li><li>#19 Aryssa Mahrt (Senior MF/F): Recorded two goals and three assists in non-conference play</li><li>#31 Erin McKinney (Graduate GK): 27 saves on the year with only five goals allowed</li>
 </ul>

NU soccer hosts Wisconsin to open Big Ten play

The No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team toppled No. 5 Stanford, 3-1 (25-23, 25-16, 19-25, 25-21) on Tuesday night at Maples Pavilion.&nbsp;

It marked the Huskers' first regular-season road win against a top-five team since 2017 (at No. 2 Penn State). Nebraska improved to 8-0 for the first time since 2016. Stanford fell to 6-2 on the season.&nbsp;

Merritt Beason led the Big Red with 15 kills, while Harper Murray put down 12 kills on .417 hitting with four blocks and three ace serves. Andi Jackson tallied eight kills on .462 hitting, and Bekka Allick chipped in seven kills on .500 hitting with a career-high eight blocks. Lindsay Krause recorded seven kills.&nbsp;

Nebraska hit .333, while Stanford hit .218. The Huskers had three more blocks (11.5-8.5) and four more kills (52-48). NU also had eight more digs (38-30). Lexi Rodriguez had 12 digs, while Bergen Reilly had seven digs to go with 37 assists and three kills. &nbsp;

Both teams had four aces, while Nebraska made 17 service errors and Stanford 15. The Cardinal were led by 15 kills from Caitie Baird.&nbsp;

Set 1: Stanford led 6-3, but a Beason kill and Stanford error was followed by a Krause and Jackson block that tied the score at 6-6. Murray earned a back-row kill after Stanford went into the net to make it 8-7 Huskers. The Cardinal regained a 13-10 lead after a pair of Husker errors, but a kill by Allick and back-to-back aces by Murray off the top of the net made it 15-14 Huskers at the media timeout. Beason and Allick blocked a Stanford attack to make it 16-14 Big Red, but Stanford scored six of the next nine points to regain a 20-19 lead. The teams traded sideouts to a 21-21 tie, and a Stanford attacking error was followed by an Allick kill that made it 23-21. NU earned set point at 24-22 with a block by Allick and Murray, and Beason put the set away at 25-23 with a kill.&nbsp;

Set 2: The Huskers got off to a 7-2 start with seven kills on seven swings. Krause and Beason each had two, and Murray, Allick and Jackson each had one. An ace by Beason made it 9-3 Huskers, and NU built the lead to 12-5 after &nbsp;a kill by Murray. Two more kills by Murray kept the lead at seven, 14-7. Stanford got two kills in a row to cut it to 15-10, but Jackson pounded a kill and Stanford hit wide to put NU back up by seven, 17-10. Back-to-back Stanford aces trimmed NU's lead to four, 17-13, but the Cardinal committed a service error after a Husker timeout. Murray tallied another kill and Stanford hit long for a 20-13 Husker lead. Murray unleashed two more kills to make it 22-14, and Allick and Reilly teamed up for a block to go up 23-15. Beason's seventh kill made it 24-15 and the Huskers won 25-16. NU hit .696 in the set with 17 kills and one error on 23 attacks.&nbsp;

Set 3: Stanford took a 9-6 lead before a service error, a block by Murray, Allick and Beason, and a hitting error tied the score at 9-9. Beason on the slide made it 10-9 Huskers, but Stanford took a 15-14 lead into the media timeout. Reilly and Allick posted kills out of the break to put the Huskers in front, 16-15, but the Cardinal got three kills in a row and a block to go up 20-17, and Stanford went on to win 25-19.&nbsp;

Set 4: Kills by Allick and Beason helped NU to a 4-2 lead, but Stanford answered to go up 6-5. Murray's 10th kill and Beason's 11th put the Huskers on top, 9-7. Beason tallied three more kills and Krause added one as NU took a 15-12 lead into the media timeout. Allick and Reilly combined for a block, and Nebraska's back row specialists Choboy and Rodriguez hustled down a ball that led to a Murray kill and a 19-15 Husker lead. A Stanford back-row attack and an ensuing hitting error gave the Huskers a 21-15 advantage as Stanford called timeout. Beason had a kill and Murray served an ace for a 23-16 lead, and Allick and Krause combined for a block and match point at 24-18. The Cardinal scored three in a row to get within 24-21, but Jackson put the match away at 25-21. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Up Next: The Huskers are off until Sunday when they host No. 21 Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 4 Nebraska volleyball team toppled No. 5 Stanford, 3-1 (25-23, 25-16, 19-25, 25-21) on Tuesday night at Maples Pavilion.&nbsp;It marked the Huskers' first regular-season road win against a top-five team since 2017 (at No. 2 Penn State). Nebraska improved to 8-0 for the first time since 2016. Stanford fell to 6-2 on the season.&nbsp;Merritt Beason led the Big Red with 15 kills, while Harper Murray put down 12 kills on .417 hitting with four blocks and three ace serves. Andi Jackson tallied eight kills on .462 hitting, and Bekka Allick chipped in seven kills on .500 hitting with a career-high eight blocks. Lindsay Krause recorded seven kills.&nbsp;Nebraska hit .333, while Stanford hit .218. The Huskers had three more blocks (11.5-8.5) and four more kills (52-48). NU also had eight more digs (38-30). Lexi Rodriguez had 12 digs, while Bergen Reilly had seven digs to go with 37 assists and three kills. &nbsp;Both teams had four aces, while Nebraska made 17 service errors and Stanford 15. The Cardinal were led by 15 kills from Caitie Baird.&nbsp;Set 1: Stanford led 6-3, but a Beason kill and Stanford error was followed by a Krause and Jackson block that tied the score at 6-6. Murray earned a back-row kill after Stanford went into the net to make it 8-7 Huskers. The Cardinal regained a 13-10 lead after a pair of Husker errors, but a kill by Allick and back-to-back aces by Murray off the top of the net made it 15-14 Huskers at the media timeout. Beason and Allick blocked a Stanford attack to make it 16-14 Big Red, but Stanford scored six of the next nine points to regain a 20-19 lead. The teams traded sideouts to a 21-21 tie, and a Stanford attacking error was followed by an Allick kill that made it 23-21. NU earned set point at 24-22 with a block by Allick and Murray, and Beason put the set away at 25-23 with a kill.&nbsp;Set 2: The Huskers got off to a 7-2 start with seven kills on seven swings. Krause and Beason each had two, and Murray, Allick and Jackson each had one. An ace by Beason made it 9-3 Huskers, and NU built the lead to 12-5 after &nbsp;a kill by Murray. Two more kills by Murray kept the lead at seven, 14-7. Stanford got two kills in a row to cut it to 15-10, but Jackson pounded a kill and Stanford hit wide to put NU back up by seven, 17-10. Back-to-back Stanford aces trimmed NU's lead to four, 17-13, but the Cardinal committed a service error after a Husker timeout. Murray tallied another kill and Stanford hit long for a 20-13 Husker lead. Murray unleashed two more kills to make it 22-14, and Allick and Reilly teamed up for a block to go up 23-15. Beason's seventh kill made it 24-15 and the Huskers won 25-16. NU hit .696 in the set with 17 kills and one error on 23 attacks.&nbsp;Set 3: Stanford took a 9-6 lead before a service error, a block by Murray, Allick and Beason, and a hitting error tied the score at 9-9. Beason on the slide made it 10-9 Huskers, but Stanford took a 15-14 lead into the media timeout. Reilly and Allick posted kills out of the break to put the Huskers in front, 16-15, but the Cardinal got three kills in a row and a block to go up 20-17, and Stanford went on to win 25-19.&nbsp;Set 4: Kills by Allick and Beason helped NU to a 4-2 lead, but Stanford answered to go up 6-5. Murray's 10th kill and Beason's 11th put the Huskers on top, 9-7. Beason tallied three more kills and Krause added one as NU took a 15-12 lead into the media timeout. Allick and Reilly combined for a block, and Nebraska's back row specialists Choboy and Rodriguez hustled down a ball that led to a Murray kill and a 19-15 Husker lead. A Stanford back-row attack and an ensuing hitting error gave the Huskers a 21-15 advantage as Stanford called timeout. Beason had a kill and Murray served an ace for a 23-16 lead, and Allick and Krause combined for a block and match point at 24-18. The Cardinal scored three in a row to get within 24-21, but Jackson put the match away at 25-21. &nbsp;&nbsp;Up Next: The Huskers are off until Sunday when they host No. 21 Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.&nbsp;

No 4. Huskers topple No. 5 Stanford on the road

Michaela Vavrova fired a final-round 68 (-4) to shatter her career-best tournament score with a 205 (-11) on her way to a tie for fifth to lead the Nebraska women's golf team at the Sam Golden Invitational on Tuesday.

Vavrova, a senior from Bojnice, Slovakia, carded five birdies and 12 pars along with just one bogey to complete an outstanding overall tournament that featured 16 birdies, 34 pars, three bogeys and a double-bogey over 54 holes. She finished with the third-best individual tournament total in Nebraska history. Vavrova's 205, which smashed her previous collegiate career-best 216 (E) at the 2023 Westbrook Spring Invitational (Feb. 26-27), trailed only school-record totals of 202 by Kate Smith at the 2018 Westbrook Spring Invitational and Kelli Ann Strand on her way to winning last year's season-opening Green Wave Classic.

Strand added a final-round 71 (-1) to close her Sam Golden Invitational at 209 (-7). The sophomore from Challis, Idaho was Nebraska's No. 2 finisher in a tie for 13th in the 71-player field.

Following an opening day filled with low scores over 36 holes, only Vavrova and Strand managed rounds better than par for the Huskers on Tuesday. Nebraska closed the tournament with an even-par 288 to slip down the team standings into a tie for fifth at 844 (-20) in a 12-team tournament field that featured seven 2023 NCAA Regional qualifiers.

Houston ran away with the team title by posting a sizzling 268 (-20) in the final round to finish at 816 (-48), marking the fourth-best three-round team score in NCAA women's golf history, trailing only an 804 (-60) by Iowa State at the 2023 Mountain View College (March 17-19), and a pair of 814 (-50) scores by Stanford at the 2023 NCAA West Regional and the Cardinal at the Gunrock Invitational (Feb. 28-March 1, 2022). Houston's final round tied for the eighth-best team round in NCAA history. The Cougars finished 13 strokes ahead of the hosts from second-place North Texas at 829 (-35). UTSA took third at 837 (-27), while Missouri closed in fourth place at 843 (-21), one shot ahead of Nebraska and Tulsa at 844 (-20).

Houston also claimed the top two individual spots in the tournament led by medalist Ellen Yates, who finished at 202 (-14), including a final-round 66 (-6). Teammate Nicole Abelar tied for second at 204 (-12) alongside UTSA's Daniela Abonce and Tulsa's Allyn Stephens as the only golfers to finish ahead of Nebraska's Vavrova.

Junior Miu Takahashi (Nasu-machi, Japan) produced Nebraska's No. 3 score on Tuesday with a 74 to close her tournament in a tie for 54th at 220 (+4). Freshman Arden Louchheim (Park City, Utah) rounded out Nebraska's final-round team score with a 75 to conclude her first collegiate tournament in a tie for 45th at 218 (+2).&nbsp;

Junior Lena Hassert (Kreuzau, Germany) completed the best tournament of her college career in a tie for 35th at 215 (-1), despite a final-round 76 (+4).

Senior Lindsey Thiele (Wahoo, Neb.) rounded out the Husker contingent in a tie for 52nd at 219 (+3) that included a even-par 72 in the third round while playing as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup.

Nebraska returns to action next week at the Mary Fossum Invitational (Sept. 17-18) at Forest Akers West Golf Course in East Lansing, Mich.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsMichaela Vavrova fired a final-round 68 (-4) to shatter her career-best tournament score with a 205 (-11) on her way to a tie for fifth to lead the Nebraska women's golf team at the Sam Golden Invitational on Tuesday.Vavrova, a senior from Bojnice, Slovakia, carded five birdies and 12 pars along with just one bogey to complete an outstanding overall tournament that featured 16 birdies, 34 pars, three bogeys and a double-bogey over 54 holes. She finished with the third-best individual tournament total in Nebraska history. Vavrova's 205, which smashed her previous collegiate career-best 216 (E) at the 2023 Westbrook Spring Invitational (Feb. 26-27), trailed only school-record totals of 202 by Kate Smith at the 2018 Westbrook Spring Invitational and Kelli Ann Strand on her way to winning last year's season-opening Green Wave Classic.Strand added a final-round 71 (-1) to close her Sam Golden Invitational at 209 (-7). The sophomore from Challis, Idaho was Nebraska's No. 2 finisher in a tie for 13th in the 71-player field.Following an opening day filled with low scores over 36 holes, only Vavrova and Strand managed rounds better than par for the Huskers on Tuesday. Nebraska closed the tournament with an even-par 288 to slip down the team standings into a tie for fifth at 844 (-20) in a 12-team tournament field that featured seven 2023 NCAA Regional qualifiers.Houston ran away with the team title by posting a sizzling 268 (-20) in the final round to finish at 816 (-48), marking the fourth-best three-round team score in NCAA women's golf history, trailing only an 804 (-60) by Iowa State at the 2023 Mountain View College (March 17-19), and a pair of 814 (-50) scores by Stanford at the 2023 NCAA West Regional and the Cardinal at the Gunrock Invitational (Feb. 28-March 1, 2022). Houston's final round tied for the eighth-best team round in NCAA history. The Cougars finished 13 strokes ahead of the hosts from second-place North Texas at 829 (-35). UTSA took third at 837 (-27), while Missouri closed in fourth place at 843 (-21), one shot ahead of Nebraska and Tulsa at 844 (-20).Houston also claimed the top two individual spots in the tournament led by medalist Ellen Yates, who finished at 202 (-14), including a final-round 66 (-6). Teammate Nicole Abelar tied for second at 204 (-12) alongside UTSA's Daniela Abonce and Tulsa's Allyn Stephens as the only golfers to finish ahead of Nebraska's Vavrova.Junior Miu Takahashi (Nasu-machi, Japan) produced Nebraska's No. 3 score on Tuesday with a 74 to close her tournament in a tie for 54th at 220 (+4). Freshman Arden Louchheim (Park City, Utah) rounded out Nebraska's final-round team score with a 75 to conclude her first collegiate tournament in a tie for 45th at 218 (+2).&nbsp;Junior Lena Hassert (Kreuzau, Germany) completed the best tournament of her college career in a tie for 35th at 215 (-1), despite a final-round 76 (+4).Senior Lindsey Thiele (Wahoo, Neb.) rounded out the Husker contingent in a tie for 52nd at 219 (+3) that included a even-par 72 in the third round while playing as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup.Nebraska returns to action next week at the Mary Fossum Invitational (Sept. 17-18) at Forest Akers West Golf Course in East Lansing, Mich.

Vavrova earns top five finish in Texas

Michigan State suspended football coach Mel Tucker without pay on Sunday, less than 24 hours after allegations became public in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/09/10/michigan-state-football-coach-sexual-harassment-claim/70679703007/">USA Today</a>&nbsp;report that he sexually harassed activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy during a phone call last year.

University President Teresa K. Woodruff and athletic director Alan Haller announced the suspension pending the results of an outside investigation into the allegations.

The university hired a Title IX attorney to investigate Tracy's complaint and the investigation concluded on July 25. A hearing is scheduled for the week of Oct. 5 determine if Tucker violated the school’s sexual harassment and exploitation policy.

When the investigative report was finished, Tucker was told not to have contact with Tracy and that Haller would increase his oversight of him and the program, Haller said at a news conference Sunday evening.

Haller said he didn't immediately suspend Tucker in July because the entire process of the investigation was not completed.

Secondary coach Harlon Barnett will serve as the team’s interim coach and former coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7fce6b2835828bd5dfcbae2588e37415">Mark Dantonio</a>&nbsp;was named associate head coach while Tucker awaits his fate with the program.

“I called coach Dantonio this morning and his response was, ‘Alan, whatever you need,’” Haller recalled.

Tucker is in the third year of a $95 million, 10-year contract and if he is fired for cause, the school would not have to pay him what's remaining on his deal.

Michigan State may fire Tucker for cause if he “engages in any conduct which constitutes moral turpitude or which, in the University's sole judgement, would tend to bring public disrespect, contempt or ridicule upon the university,” according to his contract. The school also was able to suspend Tucker, without pay, if he “materially breaches” his contract.

Messages seeking comment were left Sunday by The Associated Press with Tucker, Tracy and Tucker’s attorney, Jennifer Belveal.

Tucker is the second Big Ten football coach to find himself at the center of a scandal in three months.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/northwestern-hazing-fitzgerald-6aed9ee03d6efae9b6d55702952f594d">Northwestern fired longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald</a>&nbsp;in July after an investigation by the school revealed hazing in the football program. Fitzgerald initially was suspended for two weeks during the preseason, but Northwestern's president decided later to dismiss him with cause after details of the hazing allegations became public through media reports.

Michigan State is not far removed from another sexual misconduct scandal, one involving former sports doctor Larry Nassar. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-lansing-in-state-wire-3b446f2430674bafb5b6909549ea8142">was sentenced</a>&nbsp;in 2018 to 40 to 175 years in prison after he admitted to molesting some of the nation’s top gymnasts for years under the guise of medical treatment. He was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of women and girls.

“This morning's news may sound like the MSU of old,” Woodruff said. “It is not.”

Woodruff said today's version of the school takes accusations seriously and investigates them rigorously while providing resources it did not in the past.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccdg2KCJ8QF/">Tracy became friends with Tucker</a>&nbsp;over her advocacy work, but that relationship took a turn in April 2022 when Tucker masturbated during a phone call with her, according to USA Today.

“The idea that someone could know me and say they understand my trauma but then re-inflict that trauma on me is so disgusting to me, it’s hard for me to even wrap my mind around it,” Tracy told the newspaper. “It’s like he sought me out just to betray me."

Tucker acknowledged to investigators last spring that he masturbated during the phone call with Tracy, but he said they had consensual “phone sex."

The 51-year-old Tucker is married and has two children.

“Ms. Tracy’s distortion of our mutually consensual and intimate relationship into allegations of sexual exploitation has really affected me,” Tucker wrote in a March 22 letter to the Title IX investigator. “I am not proud of my judgment and I am having difficulty forgiving myself for getting into this situation, but I did not engage in misconduct by any definition.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/richmond-michigan-state-919c170dae262ef6bfde531be698e6be">The Spartans beat Richmond</a>&nbsp;on Saturday to improve to 2-0 in Tucker's fourth season with the school.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-social-media-ecd1547641a0664fd362391582b20c43">Tucker</a>&nbsp;is one of college football's highest paid coaches. He is 20-14 in three-plus seasons at Michigan State, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/635c7a7ff4c6cc707d844918013f5d33">hired him after he went 5-7</a>&nbsp;in one year at Colorado.

Shortly after Dantonio retired in February 2020, then-athletic director Bill Beekman hired Tucker, who was a graduate assistant at Michigan State for Nick Saban.

The Spartans were 2-5 in Tucker's first season, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, and won 11 games in 2021, with Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker becoming a breakout star during a surprising season in which Tucker was given a raise.

Michigan State was 5-7 in 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-michigan-crime-f2985cae67fb3cc509764066a38636cf">a season marred by charges and suspensions</a>&nbsp;for several players for their roles in a postgame fracas in the Michigan Stadium tunnel.

<a href="https://twitter.com/LarryLage/status/1038495648402866177">Tracy is known for her work</a>&nbsp;with college teams, educating athletes about sexual violence. She has spoken to Michigan State's football team multiple times.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694460928813.jpeg" alt="Michigan State coach Mel Tucker walks the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Richmond, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 45-14. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)" />
 <figcaption>Michigan State coach Mel Tucker walks the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Richmond, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 45-14. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressMichigan State suspended football coach Mel Tucker without pay on Sunday, less than 24 hours after allegations became public in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/09/10/michigan-state-football-coach-sexual-harassment-claim/70679703007/">USA Today</a>&nbsp;report that he sexually harassed activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy during a phone call last year.University President Teresa K. Woodruff and athletic director Alan Haller announced the suspension pending the results of an outside investigation into the allegations.The university hired a Title IX attorney to investigate Tracy's complaint and the investigation concluded on July 25. A hearing is scheduled for the week of Oct. 5 determine if Tucker violated the school’s sexual harassment and exploitation policy.When the investigative report was finished, Tucker was told not to have contact with Tracy and that Haller would increase his oversight of him and the program, Haller said at a news conference Sunday evening.Haller said he didn't immediately suspend Tucker in July because the entire process of the investigation was not completed.Secondary coach Harlon Barnett will serve as the team’s interim coach and former coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7fce6b2835828bd5dfcbae2588e37415">Mark Dantonio</a>&nbsp;was named associate head coach while Tucker awaits his fate with the program.“I called coach Dantonio this morning and his response was, ‘Alan, whatever you need,’” Haller recalled.Tucker is in the third year of a $95 million, 10-year contract and if he is fired for cause, the school would not have to pay him what's remaining on his deal.Michigan State may fire Tucker for cause if he “engages in any conduct which constitutes moral turpitude or which, in the University's sole judgement, would tend to bring public disrespect, contempt or ridicule upon the university,” according to his contract. The school also was able to suspend Tucker, without pay, if he “materially breaches” his contract.Messages seeking comment were left Sunday by The Associated Press with Tucker, Tracy and Tucker’s attorney, Jennifer Belveal.Tucker is the second Big Ten football coach to find himself at the center of a scandal in three months.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/northwestern-hazing-fitzgerald-6aed9ee03d6efae9b6d55702952f594d">Northwestern fired longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald</a>&nbsp;in July after an investigation by the school revealed hazing in the football program. Fitzgerald initially was suspended for two weeks during the preseason, but Northwestern's president decided later to dismiss him with cause after details of the hazing allegations became public through media reports.Michigan State is not far removed from another sexual misconduct scandal, one involving former sports doctor Larry Nassar. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-lansing-in-state-wire-3b446f2430674bafb5b6909549ea8142">was sentenced</a>&nbsp;in 2018 to 40 to 175 years in prison after he admitted to molesting some of the nation’s top gymnasts for years under the guise of medical treatment. He was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of women and girls.“This morning's news may sound like the MSU of old,” Woodruff said. “It is not.”Woodruff said today's version of the school takes accusations seriously and investigates them rigorously while providing resources it did not in the past.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccdg2KCJ8QF/">Tracy became friends with Tucker</a>&nbsp;over her advocacy work, but that relationship took a turn in April 2022 when Tucker masturbated during a phone call with her, according to USA Today.“The idea that someone could know me and say they understand my trauma but then re-inflict that trauma on me is so disgusting to me, it’s hard for me to even wrap my mind around it,” Tracy told the newspaper. “It’s like he sought me out just to betray me."Tucker acknowledged to investigators last spring that he masturbated during the phone call with Tracy, but he said they had consensual “phone sex."The 51-year-old Tucker is married and has two children.“Ms. Tracy’s distortion of our mutually consensual and intimate relationship into allegations of sexual exploitation has really affected me,” Tucker wrote in a March 22 letter to the Title IX investigator. “I am not proud of my judgment and I am having difficulty forgiving myself for getting into this situation, but I did not engage in misconduct by any definition.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/richmond-michigan-state-919c170dae262ef6bfde531be698e6be">The Spartans beat Richmond</a>&nbsp;on Saturday to improve to 2-0 in Tucker's fourth season with the school.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-social-media-ecd1547641a0664fd362391582b20c43">Tucker</a>&nbsp;is one of college football's highest paid coaches. He is 20-14 in three-plus seasons at Michigan State, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/635c7a7ff4c6cc707d844918013f5d33">hired him after he went 5-7</a>&nbsp;in one year at Colorado.Shortly after Dantonio retired in February 2020, then-athletic director Bill Beekman hired Tucker, who was a graduate assistant at Michigan State for Nick Saban.The Spartans were 2-5 in Tucker's first season, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, and won 11 games in 2021, with Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker becoming a breakout star during a surprising season in which Tucker was given a raise.Michigan State was 5-7 in 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-michigan-crime-f2985cae67fb3cc509764066a38636cf">a season marred by charges and suspensions</a>&nbsp;for several players for their roles in a postgame fracas in the Michigan Stadium tunnel.<a href="https://twitter.com/LarryLage/status/1038495648402866177">Tracy is known for her work</a>&nbsp;with college teams, educating athletes about sexual violence. She has spoken to Michigan State's football team multiple times.

Michigan State suspends coach Mel Tucker after allegations he sexually harassed a rape survivor

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

The 10th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team moved to 9-0 on the season after sweeping both St. Martin’s, Wash. (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/colo-colo-springs/boxscore/7541" target="_blank">-16, -16, -15</a>) and Colorado-Colorado Springs (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/colo-colo-springs/boxscore/7542" target="_blank">-22, -17, -17</a>) Saturday in the Springs.

These matches were a part of the UCCS Classic with UNK sweeping Western Colorado and Western Oregon. Their road swing continues this week with MIAA battles vs. No.&nbsp; 17 Washburn (6-1) and Emporia State (6-2).

To beat the Saints (5-3) for a second time this fall, UNK hit .417, tallied 10 team blocks and served up nine aces. Alliance senior outside&nbsp;Emersen Cyza&nbsp;(12 kills, .346 pct.) and Lincoln right side&nbsp;Jaden Ferguson&nbsp;(10 kills, .450 pct.) paced the offense with Kansas junior outside&nbsp;Asha Regier&nbsp;having six kills and no errors in 14 swings (.400). Next, Missouri freshman middle&nbsp;Mia Berg&nbsp;and North Platte sophomore setter&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;both had six block assists with Kansas sophomore middle&nbsp;Abby Rose&nbsp;supplying four stuffs (one solo). Finally, four different Lopers served up two aces including Ferguson and Cyza.

Against former RMAC rival and tourney host UCCS (2-6), UNK hit .323, had eight blocks and was plus three in the serve game. Regier (13 kills, .478 pct.) and Ferguson (10 kills, .400 pct.) combined for 23 of the Lopers 41 kills with Neff at 34 assists, eight digs, two kills and two blocks. At libero, Lincoln junior&nbsp;Lauren Taubenheim&nbsp;had 13 digs an ace and was successful in 13 of 15 serve receive chances. UCCS had seven blocks and six aces with the match featuring 25 ties and nine lead changes.

Cyza (3.08 kps) and Ferguson (3.17 kps, 2.67 dps, 1.00 bps &amp; .462 pct.) represented UNK on the all-tournament team.

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsThe 10th-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team moved to 9-0 on the season after sweeping both St. Martin’s, Wash. (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/colo-colo-springs/boxscore/7541" target="_blank">-16, -16, -15</a>) and Colorado-Colorado Springs (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2023/colo-colo-springs/boxscore/7542" target="_blank">-22, -17, -17</a>) Saturday in the Springs.These matches were a part of the UCCS Classic with UNK sweeping Western Colorado and Western Oregon. Their road swing continues this week with MIAA battles vs. No.&nbsp; 17 Washburn (6-1) and Emporia State (6-2).To beat the Saints (5-3) for a second time this fall, UNK hit .417, tallied 10 team blocks and served up nine aces. Alliance senior outside&nbsp;Emersen Cyza&nbsp;(12 kills, .346 pct.) and Lincoln right side&nbsp;Jaden Ferguson&nbsp;(10 kills, .450 pct.) paced the offense with Kansas junior outside&nbsp;Asha Regier&nbsp;having six kills and no errors in 14 swings (.400). Next, Missouri freshman middle&nbsp;Mia Berg&nbsp;and North Platte sophomore setter&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;both had six block assists with Kansas sophomore middle&nbsp;Abby Rose&nbsp;supplying four stuffs (one solo). Finally, four different Lopers served up two aces including Ferguson and Cyza.Against former RMAC rival and tourney host UCCS (2-6), UNK hit .323, had eight blocks and was plus three in the serve game. Regier (13 kills, .478 pct.) and Ferguson (10 kills, .400 pct.) combined for 23 of the Lopers 41 kills with Neff at 34 assists, eight digs, two kills and two blocks. At libero, Lincoln junior&nbsp;Lauren Taubenheim&nbsp;had 13 digs an ace and was successful in 13 of 15 serve receive chances. UCCS had seven blocks and six aces with the match featuring 25 ties and nine lead changes.Cyza (3.08 kps) and Ferguson (3.17 kps, 2.67 dps, 1.00 bps &amp; .462 pct.) represented UNK on the all-tournament team.

UNK sweeps St. Martin and Western Colorado

The Tri-City Storm’s Carmelo Crandell netted a goal in the final minute of Sunday’s exhibition game against the Fargo Force to lift the team to a 3-2 victory. Luke Posthumus and Owen Beckner also netted goals during the matchup for Tri-City. Goaltenders Cameron Korpi and Daniel Heroux split time in net, with each player guarding the goal for roughly half of the game. The Storm’s next preseason contest will be played Wednesday night at Liberty First Credit Union Arena against the Omaha Lancers. Puck drop for the rivalry game is set for 7:05pm CT.

Each team recorded six shots on net during Sunday’s opening period, but the 2nd&nbsp;period began in a scoreless tie. Luke Posthumus netted his first goal of the preseason at 9:17 of the middle period to give the Storm a 1-0 lead in the matchup. Owen Beckner scored his first goal of the preseason with less than four minutes remaining in the period to boost Tri-City’s lead to two goals. A.J. Lacroix and Seth Constance each notched an assist on the scoring play. The final goal of Sunday’s 2nd&nbsp;period was netted by Fargo’s Gavin Kor. The goal was scored with thirty-two seconds left to play in the period, and was assisted by Garrett Drotts, and Masun Fleece. Tri-City heavily outshot Fargo by a 15-4 margin during the middle period.

Gavin Kor scored another goal for the Force at 13:10 of the 3rd&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 2-2 tie. Tanner Walos collected the lone assist on the scoring play. Carmelo Crandell netted his second goal of the exhibition season with twenty-eight seconds remaining in Sunday’s game to seal the victory for Tri-City. Owen Beckner and A.J. Lacroix each recorded an assist on the play. The Storm was outshot 15-7 during the 3rd&nbsp;period, but outshot the Force by an overall margin of 28-25 during the game. Tri-City improved to 2-1-0-0 during the preseason in the victory.

Cameron Korpi turned away all six shots faced in goal for Tri-City during the first half of the game. Daniel Heroux made 17 saves on 19 shots in the final 30:43 of game time, and recorded the victory in goal for the Storm. Fargo’s Eric Olsson stopped 12 of 13 shots faced during the first half of the game in net. Hampton Slukynsky made 13 saves on 15 shots, and recorded the loss in goal for the Force.

Tri-City hits the ice again on Wednesday, September 13th, in a road game against the Omaha Lancers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization.

Story by Tri-City CommunicationsThe Tri-City Storm’s Carmelo Crandell netted a goal in the final minute of Sunday’s exhibition game against the Fargo Force to lift the team to a 3-2 victory. Luke Posthumus and Owen Beckner also netted goals during the matchup for Tri-City. Goaltenders Cameron Korpi and Daniel Heroux split time in net, with each player guarding the goal for roughly half of the game. The Storm’s next preseason contest will be played Wednesday night at Liberty First Credit Union Arena against the Omaha Lancers. Puck drop for the rivalry game is set for 7:05pm CT.Each team recorded six shots on net during Sunday’s opening period, but the 2nd&nbsp;period began in a scoreless tie. Luke Posthumus netted his first goal of the preseason at 9:17 of the middle period to give the Storm a 1-0 lead in the matchup. Owen Beckner scored his first goal of the preseason with less than four minutes remaining in the period to boost Tri-City’s lead to two goals. A.J. Lacroix and Seth Constance each notched an assist on the scoring play. The final goal of Sunday’s 2nd&nbsp;period was netted by Fargo’s Gavin Kor. The goal was scored with thirty-two seconds left to play in the period, and was assisted by Garrett Drotts, and Masun Fleece. Tri-City heavily outshot Fargo by a 15-4 margin during the middle period.Gavin Kor scored another goal for the Force at 13:10 of the 3rd&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 2-2 tie. Tanner Walos collected the lone assist on the scoring play. Carmelo Crandell netted his second goal of the exhibition season with twenty-eight seconds remaining in Sunday’s game to seal the victory for Tri-City. Owen Beckner and A.J. Lacroix each recorded an assist on the play. The Storm was outshot 15-7 during the 3rd&nbsp;period, but outshot the Force by an overall margin of 28-25 during the game. Tri-City improved to 2-1-0-0 during the preseason in the victory.Cameron Korpi turned away all six shots faced in goal for Tri-City during the first half of the game. Daniel Heroux made 17 saves on 19 shots in the final 30:43 of game time, and recorded the victory in goal for the Storm. Fargo’s Eric Olsson stopped 12 of 13 shots faced during the first half of the game in net. Hampton Slukynsky made 13 saves on 15 shots, and recorded the loss in goal for the Force.Tri-City hits the ice again on Wednesday, September 13th, in a road game against the Omaha Lancers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization.

Last-minute goal lifts Storm to victory over Force

If the first rodeo is any indication, it’s going to be a fun year for the Mid-Plains Community College rodeo team.

The team came away with three individual championships, a team win and a reserve all-around title over the weekend at the first competition of the season – the 58th annual Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo in River Falls, Wis.

MPCC placed first in the men’s team standings and third in the women’s team standings.

Kahiwa Augustiro, of Hoʻolehua, Hawaii, was named Reserve All-Around cowboy after winning the team roping with teammate Eli Higa, of Honokaʻa, Hawaii, and finishing fifth in the bull riding.

Jackson Lunn, of Whitecourt, Alberta, won the bareback riding for Mid-Plains.

Rex Day, of Bartlett, claimed the steer wrestling championship while fellow steer wrestlers Tucker Even, of Burke, S. D.; Cinch Painter, of Springview and Koby Jacobson, of Haiku, Hawaii, placed fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.

Whitney Jennings, of Seneca, secured a third-place spot on the leaderboard in breakaway roping.

D.C. Cathcart, of Carpenter, Wyo., captured third in the bull riding. Casey Reis, of Grand Island, was right behind him in fourth place, and Higa came in ninth.

Jaxton Starr, of North Platte, and his team roping partner, Colton Zubach, of Dickinson State University, took the fourth-place spot in their event. Painter and Jace Richter, of Ogallala, finished eighth in the team roping.

Matt Miller, of Callaway, secured a ninth-place finish in the tie down roping.

“I was very proud of our student-athletes this weekend,” said Aukai Kaai, MPCC Rodeo Team roughstock coach. “They showed a lot of grit and determination to get the job done despite several tough draws. It was good to start this year with a statement, and we are only going to get better from here on out. We just need to finish a little stronger in the short rounds and take advantage of the opportunities as they come up. I’m looking forward to a big weekend for the MPCC rodeo team.”

The team will host the next two rodeos of the season. The MPCC Stampede will be Thursday through Saturday at the Wild West Arena in North Platte with evening performances slated to begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate at a cost of $10 each or $20 for a three-day pass. The exception is children 10 and younger who will be admitted free. MPCC students and employees will also be allowed in for free with a college ID.

Story by MPCC CommunicationsIf the first rodeo is any indication, it’s going to be a fun year for the Mid-Plains Community College rodeo team.The team came away with three individual championships, a team win and a reserve all-around title over the weekend at the first competition of the season – the 58th annual Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo in River Falls, Wis.MPCC placed first in the men’s team standings and third in the women’s team standings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694445612010.jpeg" alt="Mid-Plains Community College rodeo team members hold up the buckles they won during theFalcon Frontier Days Rodeo in River Falls, Wis. over the weekend. Pictured left to right are: Kahiwa Augustiro, Jackson Lunn, Rex Day and Eli Higa." />
 <figcaption>Mid-Plains Community College rodeo team members hold up the buckles they won during theFalcon Frontier Days Rodeo in River Falls, Wis. over the weekend. Pictured left to right are: Kahiwa Augustiro, Jackson Lunn, Rex Day and Eli Higa.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kahiwa Augustiro, of Hoʻolehua, Hawaii, was named Reserve All-Around cowboy after winning the team roping with teammate Eli Higa, of Honokaʻa, Hawaii, and finishing fifth in the bull riding.Jackson Lunn, of Whitecourt, Alberta, won the bareback riding for Mid-Plains.Rex Day, of Bartlett, claimed the steer wrestling championship while fellow steer wrestlers Tucker Even, of Burke, S. D.; Cinch Painter, of Springview and Koby Jacobson, of Haiku, Hawaii, placed fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.Whitney Jennings, of Seneca, secured a third-place spot on the leaderboard in breakaway roping.D.C. Cathcart, of Carpenter, Wyo., captured third in the bull riding. Casey Reis, of Grand Island, was right behind him in fourth place, and Higa came in ninth.Jaxton Starr, of North Platte, and his team roping partner, Colton Zubach, of Dickinson State University, took the fourth-place spot in their event. Painter and Jace Richter, of Ogallala, finished eighth in the team roping.Matt Miller, of Callaway, secured a ninth-place finish in the tie down roping.“I was very proud of our student-athletes this weekend,” said Aukai Kaai, MPCC Rodeo Team roughstock coach. “They showed a lot of grit and determination to get the job done despite several tough draws. It was good to start this year with a statement, and we are only going to get better from here on out. We just need to finish a little stronger in the short rounds and take advantage of the opportunities as they come up. I’m looking forward to a big weekend for the MPCC rodeo team.”The team will host the next two rodeos of the season. The MPCC Stampede will be Thursday through Saturday at the Wild West Arena in North Platte with evening performances slated to begin at 7 p.m.Tickets can be purchased at the gate at a cost of $10 each or $20 for a three-day pass. The exception is children 10 and younger who will be admitted free. MPCC students and employees will also be allowed in for free with a college ID.

MPCC Rodeo Team scores three championships/team win in Wisconsin

Senior Eleanor Dale tallied her fifth-straight brace, as the #24 Nebraska soccer team fell to Saint Louis 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hibner Stadium in front of 1,267 fans.

Overall, the Huskers led in shots (17-16), shots on goal (11-8) and corners (7-3), but it was not enough as NU fell to 6-1-1 and SLU improved to 5-2-1.

The teams were scoreless in the first half, but the Huskers took six shots, led by Dale with two and one on goal. Saint Louis held the 6-5 advantage in shots, but the Huskers led in shots on goal (3-2) and corner kicks (3-1).

After the break, both teams got going offensively as all goals were scored in the final 45 minutes. In the 56th minute, Dale netted her second penalty kick of the season off a handball by the Billikens in the box.

SLU then came back with goals in the 64th (Jess Preusser) and 67th (Katie Houck) minutes to take the 2-1 lead before Dale recorded the equalizer and her 12th finish of the season in the 76th minute. Sophomore Briley Hill, off a throw from redshirt freshman Ella Guyott, sent a cross to Dale who met the ball and took the diving shot into the back of the net.

The teams were tied 2-2 until Saint Louis’ Abbie Miller tallied the game-winner off assists from Hannah Sawyer and Sophie Stram.

Senior goalkeeper Sami Hauk tallied five saves on the night and played the complete game, alongside defenders Lauryn Anglim and Nicola Hauk, and forwards Dale and Sarah Weber who also played 90 minutes.

NU continues its three-game homestand next weekend as it hosts Wisconsin on Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). The match will be streamed on Big Ten+.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior Eleanor Dale tallied her fifth-straight brace, as the #24 Nebraska soccer team fell to Saint Louis 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hibner Stadium in front of 1,267 fans.Overall, the Huskers led in shots (17-16), shots on goal (11-8) and corners (7-3), but it was not enough as NU fell to 6-1-1 and SLU improved to 5-2-1.The teams were scoreless in the first half, but the Huskers took six shots, led by Dale with two and one on goal. Saint Louis held the 6-5 advantage in shots, but the Huskers led in shots on goal (3-2) and corner kicks (3-1).After the break, both teams got going offensively as all goals were scored in the final 45 minutes. In the 56th minute, Dale netted her second penalty kick of the season off a handball by the Billikens in the box.SLU then came back with goals in the 64th (Jess Preusser) and 67th (Katie Houck) minutes to take the 2-1 lead before Dale recorded the equalizer and her 12th finish of the season in the 76th minute. Sophomore Briley Hill, off a throw from redshirt freshman Ella Guyott, sent a cross to Dale who met the ball and took the diving shot into the back of the net.The teams were tied 2-2 until Saint Louis’ Abbie Miller tallied the game-winner off assists from Hannah Sawyer and Sophie Stram.Senior goalkeeper Sami Hauk tallied five saves on the night and played the complete game, alongside defenders Lauryn Anglim and Nicola Hauk, and forwards Dale and Sarah Weber who also played 90 minutes.NU continues its three-game homestand next weekend as it hosts Wisconsin on Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). The match will be streamed on Big Ten+.

Dale records fifth-straight brace in NU’s 3-2 Loss to SLU

Senior Gentry Scheve capped off a strong first tournament of the season with a top-15 finish for the Nebraska men's golf team, tying his personal best 54-hole score with a 208 at the Visit Knoxville Collegiate in Loudon, Tenn.&nbsp;

Scheve didn't let up after a stellar first day, where he put up only 66 strokes, but instead was able to fire off a 73 (+3) and a 69 (-1) in the remaining two rounds. Scheve added five birdies to his tournament total in the final round on Sunday to bring him to one-under on the day, and two-under for the tournament. Four other players tied Scheve for 12th at 208 (-2) on the 7,280-yard Tennessee National course. He has only matched that score one other time in his collegiate career, on April 11th, 2023 at the Tiger Collegiate in Colombia, Mo.&nbsp;

Reed Malleck remained consistent on Sunday with a 73 (+3), to go with the 72 (+2) and 71 (+1) from the first two days. The senior from York, Neb., finished with 216 (+6) and tied for 37th.&nbsp;

Grant Jabenis and Will Marshall tied at 53rd on the leaderboard, leaving the opener with a score of 220 (+10). Jabenis closed out strong, going even (70) on the last day.

Harry Crockett, the junior out of Oxted, England, wrapped up the Nebraska contingent with a 222 (+12), tying for 60th.&nbsp;

Nebraska dropped below Cincinnati for a ninth-place finish out of the 14-team field. The Big Red lineup went 19-over with 859 strokes.

Tournament hosts No. 9 Tennessee (815) were able to fend off an incredible 18-under day from in-conference competitors No. 29 Ole Miss (816) to walk away with the team championship. No. 28 Mississippi State (827) slipped from second to third place, only leading the fourth-place finishers No. 21 East Tennessee State (829) by 2 strokes. No. 25 North Florida (843) held their ground and secured a top-five finish, going three-over.&nbsp;

Mississippi State's Hunter Logan (199) went 11-under on the tournament and took sole possession of first place as an individual.&nbsp;

Nebraska will head to Cincinnati, Ohio for their second tournament of the 2023-24 season. Play is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 18th through the 19th.&nbsp;

1. Hunter Logan, Mississippi State - 199 (-11)

T2. Nick Gabrelcik, North Florida - 200 (-10)

T2. Michael La Sasso, Ole Miss - 200 (-10)

4. Evan Woosley-Reed, Tennessee - 201 (-9)

T6. Mats Ege, East Tennessee State - 204 (-6)

T6. Kobe Valociek, Virginia Tech - 204 (-6)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior Gentry Scheve capped off a strong first tournament of the season with a top-15 finish for the Nebraska men's golf team, tying his personal best 54-hole score with a 208 at the Visit Knoxville Collegiate in Loudon, Tenn.&nbsp;Scheve didn't let up after a stellar first day, where he put up only 66 strokes, but instead was able to fire off a 73 (+3) and a 69 (-1) in the remaining two rounds. Scheve added five birdies to his tournament total in the final round on Sunday to bring him to one-under on the day, and two-under for the tournament. Four other players tied Scheve for 12th at 208 (-2) on the 7,280-yard Tennessee National course. He has only matched that score one other time in his collegiate career, on April 11th, 2023 at the Tiger Collegiate in Colombia, Mo.&nbsp;Reed Malleck remained consistent on Sunday with a 73 (+3), to go with the 72 (+2) and 71 (+1) from the first two days. The senior from York, Neb., finished with 216 (+6) and tied for 37th.&nbsp;Grant Jabenis and Will Marshall tied at 53rd on the leaderboard, leaving the opener with a score of 220 (+10). Jabenis closed out strong, going even (70) on the last day.Harry Crockett, the junior out of Oxted, England, wrapped up the Nebraska contingent with a 222 (+12), tying for 60th.&nbsp;Nebraska dropped below Cincinnati for a ninth-place finish out of the 14-team field. The Big Red lineup went 19-over with 859 strokes.Tournament hosts No. 9 Tennessee (815) were able to fend off an incredible 18-under day from in-conference competitors No. 29 Ole Miss (816) to walk away with the team championship. No. 28 Mississippi State (827) slipped from second to third place, only leading the fourth-place finishers No. 21 East Tennessee State (829) by 2 strokes. No. 25 North Florida (843) held their ground and secured a top-five finish, going three-over.&nbsp;Mississippi State's Hunter Logan (199) went 11-under on the tournament and took sole possession of first place as an individual.&nbsp;Up NextNebraska will head to Cincinnati, Ohio for their second tournament of the 2023-24 season. Play is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 18th through the 19th.&nbsp;Team Leaderboard (Final)1. (9) Tennessee - 815 (-25)2. (29) Ole Miss - 816 (-24)3. (28) Mississippi State - 827 (-13)4. (21) East Tennessee State - 829 (-11)5. (25) North Florida - 843 (+3)6. Virginia Tech - 849 (+9)7. Wisconsin - 856 (+16)8. Cincinnati - 858 (+18)9.&nbsp;Nebraska - 859 (+19)10. Toledo - 863 (+23)11. South Florida - 864 (+24)12. Charlotte - 865 (+25)13. Clemson - 868 (+28)14. UConn - 885 (+45)Individual Leaderboard (Final)1. Hunter Logan, Mississippi State - 199 (-11)T2. Nick Gabrelcik, North Florida - 200 (-10)T2. Michael La Sasso, Ole Miss - 200 (-10)4. Evan Woosley-Reed, Tennessee - 201 (-9)5. Jake Hall, Tennessee - 203 (-7)T6. Mats Ege, East Tennessee State - 204 (-6)T6. Kobe Valociek, Virginia Tech - 204 (-6)T8. Tom Fischer, Ole Miss - 206 (-4)T8. Bryce Lewis, Tennessee - 206 (-4)T10. Cameron Huss, Wisconsin - 207 (-3)T10. Tim Tillmans, Ole Miss 207 (-3)Nebraska IndividualsT12. Gentry Scheve - 208 (-2)T37. Reed Malleck - 216 (+6)T53. Will Marshall - 220 (+10)T53. Grant Jabenis - 220 (+10)T60. Harry Crockett - 222 (+12)

Scheve ties career-best to finish top-15 in Knoxville

RIVER FALLS, Wisconsin - The Mid Plains Community College Rodeo teams finished 1st and 3rd at the 58th Annual Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo in River Falls, Wisconsin. The Mens team took first place, while the Womens team was third.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682363850153.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RIVER FALLS, Wisconsin - The Mid Plains Community College Rodeo teams finished 1st and 3rd at the 58th Annual Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo in River Falls, Wisconsin. The Mens team took first place, while the Womens team was third.Kahiwa Augustiro was the reserve all around cowboy.Barebacks - Jackson Lunn - 1st Place<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02o2K4JCHUUAYymKUQ8vLjyti2J1tNHq8KvPd6jWomrWht4hPoQikQoTZ47GUhSZ81l%26id%3D100057812703422&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="633" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Steer Wrestling - Rex Day - 1st Place, Tucker Even 4th, Cinch Painter 5th, Koby Jacobson 6thTie Down Roping - Matt Miller - 9th PlaceBreakaway - Whitney Jennings - 3rd PlaceTeam Roping - Eli Higa and Kahiwa Augustiro - 1st Place, Jaxton Starr and his partner Colton Zubach from DSU - 4th Place, Jace Richter and Cinch Painter - 8th PlaceBull Riding - DC Cathcart - 3rd Place, Casey Reis - 4th Place, Kahiwa Augustiro - 5th Place, Eli Higa - 9th Place