Story by USA Volleyball Communications

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 3, 2024)&nbsp;– Twenty talented players from around the country have been selected for the 2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team roster.

The team will train June 14-22 in Anaheim, California. During that time, 12 athletes out of the 20 will be selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Women’s U21 NORCECA Continental Championship on June 23-July 1 in Toronto, Canada.

In 2023, 13 players trained or competed with U.S. age group national teams.

U.S. U19 National Team Members included&nbsp;Lizzy Andrew,&nbsp;Favor Anyanwu,&nbsp;Jaela Auguste,&nbsp;Julia Blyashov,&nbsp;Brooklyn DeLeye,&nbsp;Campbell Flynn,&nbsp;Taylor Harvey,&nbsp;Olivia Mauch,&nbsp;Abigail Mullen,&nbsp;Logan Parks,&nbsp;Teraya Sigler&nbsp;and&nbsp;Abby Vander Wal.

Of this group, Andrew, Auguste, Blyashov, Parks, Sigler and Vander Wal competed on the team that won the 2023 Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico.

Anyanwu, Auguste, Flynn, Mauch, Mullen, Sigler, and Vander Wal competed on the team that won gold at the 2023 World Championship in Croatia.

Due to the NCAA season preventing many U21 athletes from competing at the 2023 Women’s U21 World Championship in Mexico, Andrew, Flynn, Harvey, Mullen, and Vander Wal stepped up to the challenge and placed sixth.

Kennedy Martin&nbsp;was a part of the 2023 Women’s U21 Team training for the Pan American Cup in Mexico where the team took home gold.

Other players on the team with previous age group national team experience are&nbsp;Laney Choboy,&nbsp;Andi Jackson,&nbsp;Harper Murray&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bergen Reilly.

Taylor Anderson,&nbsp;Ramsey Gary&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kamryn Gibadlo&nbsp;are newcomers to U.S. age group national teams.

Heather Olmstead, head coach of the BYU women’s volleyball team, will be the Women’s U21 head coach assisted by&nbsp;Jaylen Reyes&nbsp;(Nebraska) and&nbsp;Alex Dunphy&nbsp;(Stanford).

“Coaching for USA Volleyball is one of the highest honors in our sport,” Olmstead said. “It’s a humbling opportunity for me to learn from some of the best coaches and players in the United States. (U.S. Women’s Head Coach) Karch Kiraly and his staff have done an incredible job with the culture and performance of USA Volleyball. The chance to lead any U.S. team is an honor. I’m very grateful and excited to have this opportunity to work with this talented group of athletes and staff.”

Story by USA Volleyball CommunicationsCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 3, 2024)&nbsp;– Twenty talented players from around the country have been selected for the 2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team roster.The team will train June 14-22 in Anaheim, California. During that time, 12 athletes out of the 20 will be selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Women’s U21 NORCECA Continental Championship on June 23-July 1 in Toronto, Canada.In 2023, 13 players trained or competed with U.S. age group national teams.U.S. U19 National Team Members included&nbsp;Lizzy Andrew,&nbsp;Favor Anyanwu,&nbsp;Jaela Auguste,&nbsp;Julia Blyashov,&nbsp;Brooklyn DeLeye,&nbsp;Campbell Flynn,&nbsp;Taylor Harvey,&nbsp;Olivia Mauch,&nbsp;Abigail Mullen,&nbsp;Logan Parks,&nbsp;Teraya Sigler&nbsp;and&nbsp;Abby Vander Wal.Of this group, Andrew, Auguste, Blyashov, Parks, Sigler and Vander Wal competed on the team that won the 2023 Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico.Anyanwu, Auguste, Flynn, Mauch, Mullen, Sigler, and Vander Wal competed on the team that won gold at the 2023 World Championship in Croatia.Due to the NCAA season preventing many U21 athletes from competing at the 2023 Women’s U21 World Championship in Mexico, Andrew, Flynn, Harvey, Mullen, and Vander Wal stepped up to the challenge and placed sixth.Kennedy Martin&nbsp;was a part of the 2023 Women’s U21 Team training for the Pan American Cup in Mexico where the team took home gold.Other players on the team with previous age group national team experience are&nbsp;Laney Choboy,&nbsp;Andi Jackson,&nbsp;Harper Murray&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bergen Reilly.Taylor Anderson,&nbsp;Ramsey Gary&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kamryn Gibadlo&nbsp;are newcomers to U.S. age group national teams.Heather Olmstead, head coach of the BYU women’s volleyball team, will be the Women’s U21 head coach assisted by&nbsp;Jaylen Reyes&nbsp;(Nebraska) and&nbsp;Alex Dunphy&nbsp;(Stanford).“Coaching for USA Volleyball is one of the highest honors in our sport,” Olmstead said. “It’s a humbling opportunity for me to learn from some of the best coaches and players in the United States. (U.S. Women’s Head Coach) Karch Kiraly and his staff have done an incredible job with the culture and performance of USA Volleyball. The chance to lead any U.S. team is an honor. I’m very grateful and excited to have this opportunity to work with this talented group of athletes and staff.”<div><style type="text/css">
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<table class="tg">
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 <th class="tg-mcqj">2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team</th>
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</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Taylor Anderson (S, 6-1, 2005, San Antonio Texas, Purdue University, Lone Star)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Ridgefield HS, Columbia Empire)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-2, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Sachse HS, North Texas)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lonestar)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Julia Blyashov (OH, 6-3, 2005, San Diego, Calif., Stanford University, Southern California)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Laney Choboy (L, 5-3, 2005, Raleigh, N.C., University of Nebraska, Carolina)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Campbell Flynn (S, 6-3, 2006, Rochester Hills, MI, Mercy HS, Lakeshore)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., Indiana University, Hoosier)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Andi Jackson (MB, 6-3, 2005, Brighton, Colo., University of Nebraska, Rocky Mountain)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Kennedy Martin (OPP, 6-6, 2005, Fort Mill, S.C., University of Florida, Badger)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Olivia Mauch (L, 5-6, 2005, Bennington, Neb., University of Nebraska, Great Plains)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., Liberty HS, Heart of America)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Harper Murray (OH, 6-2, 2005, Ann Arbor, Mich., University of Nebraska, Lakeshore)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Logan Parks (OPP,5-11,2006, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley North HS, Heart of America)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-73oq">Bergen Reilly (S, 6-1, 2005, Sioux Falls, S.D., University of Nebraska, North Country)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Teraya Sigler (OH, 6-2, 2006, Horizon HS, Scottsdale, Ariz., Arizona)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., Timothy Christian HS, Great Lakes)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Assistant Coach: Jaylen Reyes (Nebraska)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Assistant Coach: Alex Dunphy (Stanford)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham (USC)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Athletic Trainer: Rachel Menze (CSUN)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-mcqj">Team Lead: Courtney Smith (USAV NTDP)</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

Five Huskers named to U.S. U21 Women's National Team

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska track and field continues its outdoor campaign this weekend at the Jim Click Shootout, hosted at Drachman Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Combined events begin at 12:30 p.m. (CT) on Friday, with field events starting at 1 p.m. (CT).

Location:&nbsp;Tucson, Ariz. (Drachman Stadium)

Start Times (CT):&nbsp;Friday - Combined Events: 12:30 p.m. / Field Events: 1 p.m.; Saturday - Combined Events: 12 p.m. / Field Events: 1 p.m. / Running Events: 2:30 p.m.

Meet Schedule:&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/huskers-com-prod/2024/04/02/bTxfduO90UKPdeIOCJ38S24EK0ijuXhSmjGcgUzD.pdf" target="_blank">Link</a>

<a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/huskers-com-prod/2024/04/02/bTxfduO90UKPdeIOCJ38S24EK0ijuXhSmjGcgUzD.pdf" target="_blank"></a>Participating Schools:&nbsp;Nebraska, Arizona, Kansas, Kansas State, Eastern Michigan, Iowa, Cincinnati

NCAA LeadersNebraska has 10 athletes that currently rank inside the top 20 of the NCAA in their respective events:

Rhianna Phipps, Triple Jump, 43-10 (13.36m), No. 4 NCAAEniko Sara, Javelin, 177-11 (54.23m), No. 6 NCAAAmelia Flynt, Shot Put, 56-1 (17.09m), No. 7 NCAAEmmanuela Casadei, Javelin, 173-6 (52.88m), No. 12 NCAALishanna Ilves, Long Jump, 20-11 ¼ (6.38m), t-No.13 NCAAMirta Kulisic, Javelin, 170-6 (51.97m), No. 16 NCAAAshley McElmurry, Triple Jump, 42-4 ¼ (12.91m), No. 20 NCAAMicaylon Moore, Triple Jump, 52-1 (15.87m), No. 7 NCAADarius Luff, 110m Hurdles, 13.46, t-No. 7 NCAANiko Schultz, 800m, 1:47.40, No. 6 NCAA

All-Time Top-10 PerformancesThe following Huskers have either improved their marks or cracked the all-time top-10 outdoor charts at Nebraska this season:&nbsp;

Niko Schultz, 800m, 1:47.40, No. 6Amelia Flynt, Shot Put, 56-1 (17.09m), No. 5Hillevi Carlsson, Hammer Throw, 203-11 (62.16m), No. 5Mine De Klerk, Discus, 181-0 (55.17m), No. 6Darby Thomas, 100m, 11.35, t-No.6Berlyn Schutz, 1500m, 4:19.94, No. 8Eniko Sara, Javelin, 177-11 (54.23m), No. 9Rhianna Phipps, Triple Jump, 43-10 (13.36m), No. 9

Huskers in the PollsNebraska women’s track and field is ranked 11th in the second week of the USTFCCCA rankings after a majority of the team spent the weekend in Gainesville, Fla. at the Pepsi Florida Relays.

The women were ranked 59th in last season’s week two poll, before quickly dropping to 11th during the week five rankings.

Through the first weekend competing this season, the Husker women posted five marks inside the top-15 nationally, while adding seven all-time marks.

Rhianna Phipps ranks fourth nationally in the triple jump, after hitting 43-10 (13.36m) at the Florida Relays. The Huskers have three javelin throwers in the top-16 of the NCAA, led by Eniko Sara at sixth with a 177-11 (54.23m). Newcomer Emmanuela Casadei is ranked 12th with a 173-6 (52.88m) and Mirta Kulisic is 16th with a 170-6 (51.97m). Amelia Flynt won the shot put at the Florida Relays with the current seventh-best mark in the country, 56-1 (17.09m). Lishanna Ilves leads the long jump corps as she’s tied for 13th in the NCAA with a distance of 20-11 ¼ (6.38m).

On the men’s side, Darius Luff (110m hurdles), Micaylon Moore (triple jump) and Niko Schultz (800m) all rank inside the top 10 nationally.

2024 Indoor Season RecapThe Husker men and women closed the indoor season inside the top 25, with the men tying for 12th and the women claiming 25th at the NCAA Championships. Out of 12 Husker entries, eight earned First-Team All-America honors by placing in the top eight.

Till Steinforth recorded his highest-career NCAA finish in the heptathlon to finish third, a day after becoming the first Husker to become a long jump First-Team All-American in the last decade with a seventh-place finish. The last Husker to place third or higher in the heptathlon at the NCAA Indoor Championships was Björn Barrefors in 2009. Tyus Wilson and Jenna Rogers each pitched in a top-eight finish in the high jump, while Micaylon Moore represented NU as a First-Team All-American in the triple jump. Rhianna Phipps placed fifth in the triple jump, Mine De Klerk took seventh in the shot put and Henry Zimmerman finished seventh in the weight throw to round out Nebraska’s First-Team All-Americans.

With Nebraska sending 11 athletes and 12 entries to the NCAA Championships, that marked the most athletes to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships since 2010 and the most entries since 2011.

At the Big Ten Championships, the Husker men finished second as a team, only four points behind Wisconsin. The women finished in eighth. Wilson (high jump), Moore (triple jump), Steinforth (long jump) and De Klerk (shot put) brought in Big Ten titles.&nbsp;

Zimmerman broke the weight throw school record on four occasions, while Berlyn Schutz broke the school record in the mile as a freshman. Altogether, 26 performances either broke into the all-time list for the first time or moved up the list during the indoor season.

2023 Outdoor Season RecapNebraska’s last outdoor season was marked by the men claiming the Big Ten title and the women finishing third. Both finishes were the best placements since the 2016 season. The team combined for 12 event titles throughout the meet. The women, powered by Axelina Johansson (shot put) and Rhema Otabor (javelin) bringing in NCAA titles, took eighth place at the NCAA Championships. That was the best finish since the 2006 season, when the Huskers tied for fourth. The men tied for 17th, their best team finish in seven years. The men and women combined for eight First-Team All-America honors, seven school records and 32 new top-10 marks throughout the outdoor season.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska track and field continues its outdoor campaign this weekend at the Jim Click Shootout, hosted at Drachman Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Combined events begin at 12:30 p.m. (CT) on Friday, with field events starting at 1 p.m. (CT).Jim Click Shootout Meet Information Date:&nbsp;Friday-Saturday, April 5-6Location:&nbsp;Tucson, Ariz. (Drachman Stadium)Start Times (CT):&nbsp;Friday - Combined Events: 12:30 p.m. / Field Events: 1 p.m.; Saturday - Combined Events: 12 p.m. / Field Events: 1 p.m. / Running Events: 2:30 p.m.Meet Schedule:&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/huskers-com-prod/2024/04/02/bTxfduO90UKPdeIOCJ38S24EK0ijuXhSmjGcgUzD.pdf" target="_blank">Link</a><a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/huskers-com-prod/2024/04/02/bTxfduO90UKPdeIOCJ38S24EK0ijuXhSmjGcgUzD.pdf" target="_blank"></a>Participating Schools:&nbsp;Nebraska, Arizona, Kansas, Kansas State, Eastern Michigan, Iowa, CincinnatiNCAA LeadersNebraska has 10 athletes that currently rank inside the top 20 of the NCAA in their respective events:Rhianna Phipps, Triple Jump, 43-10 (13.36m), No. 4 NCAAEniko Sara, Javelin, 177-11 (54.23m), No. 6 NCAAAmelia Flynt, Shot Put, 56-1 (17.09m), No. 7 NCAAEmmanuela Casadei, Javelin, 173-6 (52.88m), No. 12 NCAALishanna Ilves, Long Jump, 20-11 ¼ (6.38m), t-No.13 NCAAMirta Kulisic, Javelin, 170-6 (51.97m), No. 16 NCAAAshley McElmurry, Triple Jump, 42-4 ¼ (12.91m), No. 20 NCAAMicaylon Moore, Triple Jump, 52-1 (15.87m), No. 7 NCAADarius Luff, 110m Hurdles, 13.46, t-No. 7 NCAANiko Schultz, 800m, 1:47.40, No. 6 NCAAAll-Time Top-10 PerformancesThe following Huskers have either improved their marks or cracked the all-time top-10 outdoor charts at Nebraska this season:&nbsp;Niko Schultz, 800m, 1:47.40, No. 6Amelia Flynt, Shot Put, 56-1 (17.09m), No. 5Hillevi Carlsson, Hammer Throw, 203-11 (62.16m), No. 5Mine De Klerk, Discus, 181-0 (55.17m), No. 6Darby Thomas, 100m, 11.35, t-No.6Berlyn Schutz, 1500m, 4:19.94, No. 8Eniko Sara, Javelin, 177-11 (54.23m), No. 9Rhianna Phipps, Triple Jump, 43-10 (13.36m), No. 9Huskers in the PollsNebraska women’s track and field is ranked 11th in the second week of the USTFCCCA rankings after a majority of the team spent the weekend in Gainesville, Fla. at the Pepsi Florida Relays.The women were ranked 59th in last season’s week two poll, before quickly dropping to 11th during the week five rankings.Through the first weekend competing this season, the Husker women posted five marks inside the top-15 nationally, while adding seven all-time marks.Rhianna Phipps ranks fourth nationally in the triple jump, after hitting 43-10 (13.36m) at the Florida Relays. The Huskers have three javelin throwers in the top-16 of the NCAA, led by Eniko Sara at sixth with a 177-11 (54.23m). Newcomer Emmanuela Casadei is ranked 12th with a 173-6 (52.88m) and Mirta Kulisic is 16th with a 170-6 (51.97m). Amelia Flynt won the shot put at the Florida Relays with the current seventh-best mark in the country, 56-1 (17.09m). Lishanna Ilves leads the long jump corps as she’s tied for 13th in the NCAA with a distance of 20-11 ¼ (6.38m).On the men’s side, Darius Luff (110m hurdles), Micaylon Moore (triple jump) and Niko Schultz (800m) all rank inside the top 10 nationally.2024 Indoor Season RecapThe Husker men and women closed the indoor season inside the top 25, with the men tying for 12th and the women claiming 25th at the NCAA Championships. Out of 12 Husker entries, eight earned First-Team All-America honors by placing in the top eight.Till Steinforth recorded his highest-career NCAA finish in the heptathlon to finish third, a day after becoming the first Husker to become a long jump First-Team All-American in the last decade with a seventh-place finish. The last Husker to place third or higher in the heptathlon at the NCAA Indoor Championships was Björn Barrefors in 2009. Tyus Wilson and Jenna Rogers each pitched in a top-eight finish in the high jump, while Micaylon Moore represented NU as a First-Team All-American in the triple jump. Rhianna Phipps placed fifth in the triple jump, Mine De Klerk took seventh in the shot put and Henry Zimmerman finished seventh in the weight throw to round out Nebraska’s First-Team All-Americans.With Nebraska sending 11 athletes and 12 entries to the NCAA Championships, that marked the most athletes to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships since 2010 and the most entries since 2011.At the Big Ten Championships, the Husker men finished second as a team, only four points behind Wisconsin. The women finished in eighth. Wilson (high jump), Moore (triple jump), Steinforth (long jump) and De Klerk (shot put) brought in Big Ten titles.&nbsp;Zimmerman broke the weight throw school record on four occasions, while Berlyn Schutz broke the school record in the mile as a freshman. Altogether, 26 performances either broke into the all-time list for the first time or moved up the list during the indoor season.2023 Outdoor Season RecapNebraska’s last outdoor season was marked by the men claiming the Big Ten title and the women finishing third. Both finishes were the best placements since the 2016 season. The team combined for 12 event titles throughout the meet. The women, powered by Axelina Johansson (shot put) and Rhema Otabor (javelin) bringing in NCAA titles, took eighth place at the NCAA Championships. That was the best finish since the 2006 season, when the Huskers tied for fourth. The men tied for 17th, their best team finish in seven years. The men and women combined for eight First-Team All-America honors, seven school records and 32 new top-10 marks throughout the outdoor season.

Huskers take on Jim Click Shootout

Story by Supernovas Communications

OMAHA, Neb. -&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;(10-5) return home after a brief road trip to take on the Columbus Fury (5-7) on Thursday, April 4 at the CHI Health Center for Heroes Night. First serve is set for 7 p.m. CDT with&nbsp;News Channel Nebraska&nbsp;providing television coverage.&nbsp;John Baylor&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nancy Metcalf&nbsp;will be on the call.&nbsp;

The match will be broadcast live on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network, featuring its flagship station&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ICzRaSrZW3kyt4uTY2Hm9PEJLX0VF-0Kb6BgxwCdw4szZIEsUppz-K-OlS3JBbSKkVqP5bvyxHaDjIrEWDm8PRzu3bgeDDSCw8qsAbeWNC9xhWW4WVpUeaLYnDFOcSXx-xZsm71g6z8wixSuEY6Dhw==&amp;c=4lUSiZ5H12sYw3HZz0MAwg6jR1bApY57ltaNAH9klzyHBbrtTN1Fiw==&amp;ch=shkxR4oBUANEslgzn-5IqcqVAvZy79JKC8A3UkAWP4AeErnn1no6cA==" target="_blank">93.7 The Ticket.</a>&nbsp;The broadcast will also be live on 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff), and KTIC (West Point).&nbsp;

Thursday’s contest will also be streamed live on the Pro Volleyball Federation's YouTube channel.&nbsp;

Full match notes can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ICzRaSrZW3kyt4uTY2Hm9PEJLX0VF-0Kb6BgxwCdw4szZIEsUppz-P1RtTpLcUF1DKyLORJJUIHJbYW9vTLvJbUEJ2qtQF62vfBoGASQZ8dv9qpl-Ou8fgRXKgTkGVqN_glu66QPqargIjh9rfPUnrs5N7-yP4SvNWBOBVnNLwgvMMcLjWwlalClKR7icraUHQHlP6G5Usz006w-hMop-UByaq5qBFe_qObePgwFf-51g7gHEsIkdeNF1n95DsIM38umm9UK6GY=&amp;c=4lUSiZ5H12sYw3HZz0MAwg6jR1bApY57ltaNAH9klzyHBbrtTN1Fiw==&amp;ch=shkxR4oBUANEslgzn-5IqcqVAvZy79JKC8A3UkAWP4AeErnn1no6cA==" target="_blank">here.</a>

The Supernovas look to rebound after a tough four-set loss to the San Diego Mojo on Tuesday, April 2 in San Diego. Prior to that match, the Supernovas had won three straight and enter Thursday having won six of their last eight matches.&nbsp;

The Fury are in a bit of a dry spell losing five of their last six which includes being swept in their last two matches against Atlanta on March 27 and Orlando on March 29. Although, the Fury were dominant in the first matchup between the two teams on Feb. 21 in Columbus with a four-set win. Reagan Cooper popped off for 22 kills while star middle blocker Asjia O’Neal hammered down 15 kills and hit over .500 for the match.&nbsp;

The Supernovas enter Thursday leading the league with 68 aces in 15 matches for a 4.53 match average. Those numbers include the league-leading 24 aces by Supernovas outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz. Columbus sits second-to-last in the league in aces per match (3.0) totaling 38 in 12 contests. Cooper leads the Fury with seven aces.&nbsp;

De la Cruz turned in one of the best perfomances in the league’s young history, hammering down a franchise-record 26 kills on a .418 clip on Tuesday against the Mojo. Her 26 tallies accounted for 50% of the team’s kills. She also totaled 13 digs to go with three blocks, one assist and one ace.&nbsp;

Cooper leads the Fury attack with 181 kills which is eighth in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Her 22 kills in the first match against the Supernovas is one of four matches this season she’s eclipsed 20 kills.&nbsp;

The middle blockers will be another storyline to watch. Supernovas&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;has become a dominant duo for Omaha. Both are tied for third in total blocks with 42 apiece. Vuchkova has had the hotter hand, setting a franchise record of six blocks in the last match against the Mojo. Vuchkova initially started slow after arriving from the Chinese League, recording 10 blocks in her first five matches. She’s turned it on in the latest string of matches, totaling 32 blocks in the last seven matches alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Omaha starts a nine-day break following Thursday. The Supernovas will next be in action on Saturday, April 13 when they travel to Atlanta to face the Vibe in what will be a battle of the top two teams in the league.

The Omaha Supernovas aim to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation&nbsp;Jason Derulo&nbsp;and entrepreneurs&nbsp;Danny White&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is the present&nbsp;and&nbsp;future of professional volleyball in North America. The League began play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players joined by elite standouts from around the world. Seven teams have taken the court in the first season, with 10 teams scheduled for the 2025 campaign. Our focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players and the entire fan experience is world class and the best offered anywhere. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ICzRaSrZW3kyt4uTY2Hm9PEJLX0VF-0Kb6BgxwCdw4szZIEsUppz-KtZCqQEiUBrwcN9PTpRWc4_xYFjaUMB8vpJcQbgEdgk4m2i7qVeulksr804L9jhjZ_2jdp8LxM8X6zad1mi65Z9fWkBcDBwUQ==&amp;c=4lUSiZ5H12sYw3HZz0MAwg6jR1bApY57ltaNAH9klzyHBbrtTN1Fiw==&amp;ch=shkxR4oBUANEslgzn-5IqcqVAvZy79JKC8A3UkAWP4AeErnn1no6cA==" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;

Story by Supernovas CommunicationsOMAHA, Neb. -&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;(10-5) return home after a brief road trip to take on the Columbus Fury (5-7) on Thursday, April 4 at the CHI Health Center for Heroes Night. First serve is set for 7 p.m. CDT with&nbsp;News Channel Nebraska&nbsp;providing television coverage.&nbsp;John Baylor&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nancy Metcalf&nbsp;will be on the call.&nbsp;The match will be broadcast live on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network, featuring its flagship station&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ICzRaSrZW3kyt4uTY2Hm9PEJLX0VF-0Kb6BgxwCdw4szZIEsUppz-K-OlS3JBbSKkVqP5bvyxHaDjIrEWDm8PRzu3bgeDDSCw8qsAbeWNC9xhWW4WVpUeaLYnDFOcSXx-xZsm71g6z8wixSuEY6Dhw==&amp;c=4lUSiZ5H12sYw3HZz0MAwg6jR1bApY57ltaNAH9klzyHBbrtTN1Fiw==&amp;ch=shkxR4oBUANEslgzn-5IqcqVAvZy79JKC8A3UkAWP4AeErnn1no6cA==" target="_blank">93.7 The Ticket.</a>&nbsp;The broadcast will also be live on 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff), and KTIC (West Point).&nbsp;Thursday’s contest will also be streamed live on the Pro Volleyball Federation's YouTube channel.&nbsp;Full match notes can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ICzRaSrZW3kyt4uTY2Hm9PEJLX0VF-0Kb6BgxwCdw4szZIEsUppz-P1RtTpLcUF1DKyLORJJUIHJbYW9vTLvJbUEJ2qtQF62vfBoGASQZ8dv9qpl-Ou8fgRXKgTkGVqN_glu66QPqargIjh9rfPUnrs5N7-yP4SvNWBOBVnNLwgvMMcLjWwlalClKR7icraUHQHlP6G5Usz006w-hMop-UByaq5qBFe_qObePgwFf-51g7gHEsIkdeNF1n95DsIM38umm9UK6GY=&amp;c=4lUSiZ5H12sYw3HZz0MAwg6jR1bApY57ltaNAH9klzyHBbrtTN1Fiw==&amp;ch=shkxR4oBUANEslgzn-5IqcqVAvZy79JKC8A3UkAWP4AeErnn1no6cA==" target="_blank">here.</a>The Supernovas look to rebound after a tough four-set loss to the San Diego Mojo on Tuesday, April 2 in San Diego. Prior to that match, the Supernovas had won three straight and enter Thursday having won six of their last eight matches.&nbsp;The Fury are in a bit of a dry spell losing five of their last six which includes being swept in their last two matches against Atlanta on March 27 and Orlando on March 29. Although, the Fury were dominant in the first matchup between the two teams on Feb. 21 in Columbus with a four-set win. Reagan Cooper popped off for 22 kills while star middle blocker Asjia O’Neal hammered down 15 kills and hit over .500 for the match.&nbsp;The Supernovas enter Thursday leading the league with 68 aces in 15 matches for a 4.53 match average. Those numbers include the league-leading 24 aces by Supernovas outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz. Columbus sits second-to-last in the league in aces per match (3.0) totaling 38 in 12 contests. Cooper leads the Fury with seven aces.&nbsp;De la Cruz turned in one of the best perfomances in the league’s young history, hammering down a franchise-record 26 kills on a .418 clip on Tuesday against the Mojo. Her 26 tallies accounted for 50% of the team’s kills. She also totaled 13 digs to go with three blocks, one assist and one ace.&nbsp;Cooper leads the Fury attack with 181 kills which is eighth in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Her 22 kills in the first match against the Supernovas is one of four matches this season she’s eclipsed 20 kills.&nbsp;The middle blockers will be another storyline to watch. Supernovas&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;has become a dominant duo for Omaha. Both are tied for third in total blocks with 42 apiece. Vuchkova has had the hotter hand, setting a franchise record of six blocks in the last match against the Mojo. Vuchkova initially started slow after arriving from the Chinese League, recording 10 blocks in her first five matches. She’s turned it on in the latest string of matches, totaling 32 blocks in the last seven matches alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha starts a nine-day break following Thursday. The Supernovas will next be in action on Saturday, April 13 when they travel to Atlanta to face the Vibe in what will be a battle of the top two teams in the league.ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas aim to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation&nbsp;Jason Derulo&nbsp;and entrepreneurs&nbsp;Danny White&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is the present&nbsp;and&nbsp;future of professional volleyball in North America. The League began play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players joined by elite standouts from around the world. Seven teams have taken the court in the first season, with 10 teams scheduled for the 2025 campaign. Our focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players and the entire fan experience is world class and the best offered anywhere. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ICzRaSrZW3kyt4uTY2Hm9PEJLX0VF-0Kb6BgxwCdw4szZIEsUppz-KtZCqQEiUBrwcN9PTpRWc4_xYFjaUMB8vpJcQbgEdgk4m2i7qVeulksr804L9jhjZ_2jdp8LxM8X6zad1mi65Z9fWkBcDBwUQ==&amp;c=4lUSiZ5H12sYw3HZz0MAwg6jR1bApY57ltaNAH9klzyHBbrtTN1Fiw==&amp;ch=shkxR4oBUANEslgzn-5IqcqVAvZy79JKC8A3UkAWP4AeErnn1no6cA==" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;

Supernovas return home to face Fury for Heroes Night 

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Redshirt freshman&nbsp;Zach Ourada&nbsp;has been named the NCAA Division II Rookie of the Year by the&nbsp;<a href="https://nwcaonline.com/news/2024/4/2/ncaa-division-2-men-mcgeary-named-wrestler-of-the-year-ourada-rookie-of-the-year-to-close-out-dii-mens-season.aspx" target="_blank">National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).</a>

A vote of D2 coaches selects this award along with the National Wrestler of the Year. That went to Ty McGeary of West Liberty (W.V.).

Ourada (Omaha Skutt), also tabbed as the Top Rookie in Super Region VI, finished fifth at 125-pounds at the NCAA Division II Championships last month in Wichita. He went 25-7 on the season, winning a regional title and earning first-team All-MIAA honors. Finally, Ourada maintains a 3.89 GPA as an Exercise Science major, qualifying him for the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and making him a MIAA Scholar Athlete.

“Zach does everything the right way in all aspects of his life and is very deserving of this award,” said UNK head coach&nbsp;Dalton Jensen. “The future is bright for Zach, and we look forward to what’s to come from this top-notch student-athlete.”

UNK went 18-4 during the dual season, finished second in the MIAA, won a Super Region VI title and placed third at the NCAA meet. That marked the program’s 22nd&nbsp;consecutive Top 8 finish at nationals.

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Redshirt freshman&nbsp;Zach Ourada&nbsp;has been named the NCAA Division II Rookie of the Year by the&nbsp;<a href="https://nwcaonline.com/news/2024/4/2/ncaa-division-2-men-mcgeary-named-wrestler-of-the-year-ourada-rookie-of-the-year-to-close-out-dii-mens-season.aspx" target="_blank">National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).</a>A vote of D2 coaches selects this award along with the National Wrestler of the Year. That went to Ty McGeary of West Liberty (W.V.).Ourada (Omaha Skutt), also tabbed as the Top Rookie in Super Region VI, finished fifth at 125-pounds at the NCAA Division II Championships last month in Wichita. He went 25-7 on the season, winning a regional title and earning first-team All-MIAA honors. Finally, Ourada maintains a 3.89 GPA as an Exercise Science major, qualifying him for the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and making him a MIAA Scholar Athlete.“Zach does everything the right way in all aspects of his life and is very deserving of this award,” said UNK head coach&nbsp;Dalton Jensen. “The future is bright for Zach, and we look forward to what’s to come from this top-notch student-athlete.”UNK went 18-4 during the dual season, finished second in the MIAA, won a Super Region VI title and placed third at the NCAA meet. That marked the program’s 22nd&nbsp;consecutive Top 8 finish at nationals.

Ourada tabbed as D2’s top rookie

Four members of Nebraska's swimming and diving program were selected to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team.

Gena Jorgenson, JoJo Randby, Lexi Kucera and Emily Haimes were announced to the list on Tuesday. The 2024 Academic All-District Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in the pool and in the classroom.

Jorgenson has school records in the 400 IM, 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 1650 freestyle, 800m freestyle and 1500 freestyle. The sophomore from Aberdeen, S.D. is coming off her second NCAA Championship appearance, where she became the first Husker swimmer to be named a First-Team All-American since 2006. Jorgenson was named a First-Team CSCAA Scholar All-American last season as a freshman.

Randby owns the 100 breaststroke school record, has the 10th-best 200 breaststroke time in school history and is a member of four relays on the all-time list. A junior from Omaha, Neb., she has 18 individual top-five finishes this season. Academically, Randby was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District team, a two-time second-team CSCAA Scholar All-American and a 2023 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.

Kucera is listed on Nebraska's all-time page nine times, including being No. 10 in the 50 freestyle, No. 7 in the 100 freestyle, No. 8 in the 100 butterfly, No. 5 in the 200 medley relay, No. 2 and 5 in the 400 medley relay, No. 4 in the 400 freestyle relay and No. 3 and 5 in the 800 freestyle relay. From Hutchinson, Minn., Kucera was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District Team, named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Haimes has contributed to four Husker relays on the all-time list, including the second-fastest 200 medley relay in school history. The senior from Enfield, London, England was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District team and a Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar. She adds a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honor and Academic All-Big Ten honor.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFour members of Nebraska's swimming and diving program were selected to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team.Gena Jorgenson, JoJo Randby, Lexi Kucera and Emily Haimes were announced to the list on Tuesday. The 2024 Academic All-District Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in the pool and in the classroom.Jorgenson has school records in the 400 IM, 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 1650 freestyle, 800m freestyle and 1500 freestyle. The sophomore from Aberdeen, S.D. is coming off her second NCAA Championship appearance, where she became the first Husker swimmer to be named a First-Team All-American since 2006. Jorgenson was named a First-Team CSCAA Scholar All-American last season as a freshman.Randby owns the 100 breaststroke school record, has the 10th-best 200 breaststroke time in school history and is a member of four relays on the all-time list. A junior from Omaha, Neb., she has 18 individual top-five finishes this season. Academically, Randby was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District team, a two-time second-team CSCAA Scholar All-American and a 2023 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.Kucera is listed on Nebraska's all-time page nine times, including being No. 10 in the 50 freestyle, No. 7 in the 100 freestyle, No. 8 in the 100 butterfly, No. 5 in the 200 medley relay, No. 2 and 5 in the 400 medley relay, No. 4 in the 400 freestyle relay and No. 3 and 5 in the 800 freestyle relay. From Hutchinson, Minn., Kucera was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District Team, named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and an Academic All-Big Ten selection.Haimes has contributed to four Husker relays on the all-time list, including the second-fastest 200 medley relay in school history. The senior from Enfield, London, England was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District team and a Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar. She adds a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honor and Academic All-Big Ten honor.

Four Huskers Swimmers selected to Academic All-District Team

Nebraska senior guard Keisei Tominaga will continue a busy week on Friday, as he was selected to play in the Reese's NABC All-Star Game.

The game takes place this Friday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. (central) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., as part of Final Four Friday. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.

The game is a showcase for college seniors, and Tominaga is the eighth Husker player or coach to participate in the NABC All-Star game. He is the second Husker in as many years to earn the honor, as Derrick Walker played in the 2023 event.

Tominaga will also compete in the Hanes Men’s 3-Point Championship on Thursday evening, as part of the State Farm College Slam Dunk &amp; 3-Point Championships.

Tominaga enjoyed his best season in 2023-24, averaging 15.1 points per game while posting career highs in nearly every offensive category en route to second-team All-Big Ten honors. His 76 3-pointers ranks eighth on NU’s single-season chart while he was sixth in the Big Ten in 3-pointers per game.

Tominaga comes off his eighth 20-point game of the year by scoring 21 points, including five 3-pointers in the Huskers’ NCAA Tournament game against Texas A&amp;M. He had a career-high 31 points at Illinois, one of three career 30-point efforts as a Husker. A two-time All-Big Ten honoree, he totaled 1,074 points in three seasons at Nebraska and finished seventh on NU’s career 3-point list with 178.

His efforts helped Nebraska to a 23-11 record, a third-place Big Ten finish and the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014.

Tominaga, who will play for the West team, is one of three Big Ten players participating, joining Ohio State’s Jamison Battle and Maryland’s Jahmir Young.

Oakland’s Greg Kampe and San Diego’s Steve Lavin will serve as coaches in the All-Star Game.

Reese’s Division I East All-Stars

Reese’s Division I West All-Stars

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska senior guard Keisei Tominaga will continue a busy week on Friday, as he was selected to play in the Reese's NABC All-Star Game.The game takes place this Friday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. (central) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., as part of Final Four Friday. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.The game is a showcase for college seniors, and Tominaga is the eighth Husker player or coach to participate in the NABC All-Star game. He is the second Husker in as many years to earn the honor, as Derrick Walker played in the 2023 event.Tominaga will also compete in the Hanes Men’s 3-Point Championship on Thursday evening, as part of the State Farm College Slam Dunk &amp; 3-Point Championships.Tominaga enjoyed his best season in 2023-24, averaging 15.1 points per game while posting career highs in nearly every offensive category en route to second-team All-Big Ten honors. His 76 3-pointers ranks eighth on NU’s single-season chart while he was sixth in the Big Ten in 3-pointers per game.Tominaga comes off his eighth 20-point game of the year by scoring 21 points, including five 3-pointers in the Huskers’ NCAA Tournament game against Texas A&amp;M. He had a career-high 31 points at Illinois, one of three career 30-point efforts as a Husker. A two-time All-Big Ten honoree, he totaled 1,074 points in three seasons at Nebraska and finished seventh on NU’s career 3-point list with 178.His efforts helped Nebraska to a 23-11 record, a third-place Big Ten finish and the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014.Tominaga, who will play for the West team, is one of three Big Ten players participating, joining Ohio State’s Jamison Battle and Maryland’s Jahmir Young.Oakland’s Greg Kampe and San Diego’s Steve Lavin will serve as coaches in the All-Star Game.Reese’s Division I East All-StarsJamison Battle, Ohio StateIsaiah Cozart, Eastern KentuckyJack Gohlke, OaklandJordan King, RichmondJosh Oduro, ProvidenceQuincy Olivari, XavierDrew Pember, UNC AshevilleQuinten Post, Boston CollegeTyler Thomas, HofstraJahmir Young, MarylandHead Coach: Greg Kampe, OaklandReese’s Division I West All-StarsBranden Carlson, UtahIsaiah Crawford, Louisiana TechSean East II, MissouriJesse Edwards, West VirginiaEnrique Freeman, AkronJalen House, New MexicoIsaac Jones, Washington StateGabe McGlothan, Grand CanyonElijah Pepper, UC DavisTylor Perry, Kansas StateKeisei Tominaga, Nebraska

Tominaga selected to Reese's NABC All-Star Game

Emmerson Cope and Kaylin Kinney combined on a six-hit shutout to lead the Nebraska softball team to a 4-0 victory over Kansas on Tuesday at Bowlin Stadium.

Cope (2-0) started and scattered five hits over a career-long 4.1 innings. Kinney then came in and picked up her third save with 2.2 shutout innings of relief.

Offensively, Brooke Andrews went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, Samantha Bland was 3-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs and Billie Andrews slugged her 13th home run of the season.

With the win, Nebraska improved to 22-13 on the season. Kansas, which was ranked last week, fell to 22-12-1 on the year. Kasey Hamilton (9-8) took the loss, allowing three runs in 3.2 innings.

Nebraska jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Brooke Andrews singled with one out and scored on a two-out, RBI double from Bland.

The Huskers added another run in the third inning. Brooke Andrews led off with a single before Ava Bredwell walked. Bland then delivered an RBI single through the left side that scored Andrews. Leading 2-0, Nebraska had runners at second and third with no outs but could not add to its lead.

NU did add to its lead in the fourth inning. Bella Bacon led off with a single and was at second base with two outs for Brooke Andrews, who delivered an RBI single to make it 3-0. Two more walks loaded the bases before a fly out ended the inning.

In the top of the fifth, Kansas got a leadoff double followed by a single, but on the single Brooke Andrews made a perfect throw to home plate to get the runner attempting to score.&nbsp;

It remained a 3-0 lead for the Big Red until Billie Andrews led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a home run.

Kinney then retired the side in order in the top of the seventh to secure Nebraska's second shutout of the season.

Nebraska remains home this weekend when the Huskers host Penn State for a three-game series on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsEmmerson Cope and Kaylin Kinney combined on a six-hit shutout to lead the Nebraska softball team to a 4-0 victory over Kansas on Tuesday at Bowlin Stadium.Cope (2-0) started and scattered five hits over a career-long 4.1 innings. Kinney then came in and picked up her third save with 2.2 shutout innings of relief.Offensively, Brooke Andrews went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, Samantha Bland was 3-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs and Billie Andrews slugged her 13th home run of the season.With the win, Nebraska improved to 22-13 on the season. Kansas, which was ranked last week, fell to 22-12-1 on the year. Kasey Hamilton (9-8) took the loss, allowing three runs in 3.2 innings.Nebraska jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Brooke Andrews singled with one out and scored on a two-out, RBI double from Bland.The Huskers added another run in the third inning. Brooke Andrews led off with a single before Ava Bredwell walked. Bland then delivered an RBI single through the left side that scored Andrews. Leading 2-0, Nebraska had runners at second and third with no outs but could not add to its lead.NU did add to its lead in the fourth inning. Bella Bacon led off with a single and was at second base with two outs for Brooke Andrews, who delivered an RBI single to make it 3-0. Two more walks loaded the bases before a fly out ended the inning.In the top of the fifth, Kansas got a leadoff double followed by a single, but on the single Brooke Andrews made a perfect throw to home plate to get the runner attempting to score.&nbsp;It remained a 3-0 lead for the Big Red until Billie Andrews led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a home run.Kinney then retired the side in order in the top of the seventh to secure Nebraska's second shutout of the season.Nebraska remains home this weekend when the Huskers host Penn State for a three-game series on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Post-Game Notes<ul>
 <li>The win was the 1,600th victory in Nebraska softball history.</li><li>Nebraska posted its second shutout of the season, with both shutouts coming against teams who have been ranked this season (Kansas and Oregon).</li><li>Emmerson Cope started and went 4.1 innings to post the longest outing of her career. Her previous long outing was 3.1 innings against San Diego State on Feb. 23.</li><li>Kaylin Kinney earned her third save of the season. She has now earned either the win or the save in 17 of the Huskers' 22 wins this season.</li><li>Brooke Andrews produced her third game this season with three or more hits while Bland had at least three hits for the fourth time.</li><li>Billie Andrews had one hit in the game, and she moved into 10th place in Nebraska history with 217 career hits.</li>
 </ul>

Huskers shut out Jayhawks

Nebraska suffered a 5-3 setback at Creighton on Tuesday, ending the nation's second-longest active win streak at 10 games.

Nebraska (20-6) scored three runs on seven hits and two errors, while Creighton (21-4) totaled five runs on 11 hits and two errors.

Will Walsh started for the Big Red, lasting two frames while allowing two runs on four hits with three strikeouts. A seven-man bullpen committee comprised of Ty Horn, Caleb Clark, Tucker Timmerman, Casey Daiss, Jalen Worthley, Rans Sanders and Kyle Perry combined to allow just two runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings of relief.

Cayden Brumbaugh and Riley Silva led the Big Red at the plate with two hits each, combining to score all three runs. Dylan Carey finished 1-for-4 and notched his team-leading 10th double of the season. Cole Evans and Will Jesske drove in the only three runs for the Huskers, while Josh Caron added a hit.

Following a scoreless first inning on both sides, Creighton got to Walsh after a single set up a two-run home run from Hogan Helligso to put the Bluejays up 2-0. The southpaw settled in shortly after and limited the damage, forcing a flyout to strand runners on the corners.

A pair of Huskers reached to open the third frame, as Carey doubled and Stokes got on base on a throwing error. Bluejays’ starter Malaki Vetock forced three consecutive outs to bring an end to the threat and keep the Bluejays in front by two.

In the bottom of the third, Nebraska prevented a Creighton score with Silva and Rhett Stokes connecting on a relay to cut down a run at the plate after Teddy Deter’s double. However, Creighton’s offense regained its offense momentum in the fourth inning, adding three runs on two hits.&nbsp;

Nebraska finally broke through in the sixth inning, as consecutive singles from Brumbaugh and Silva forced a Bluejays’ pitching change.

Evans put the Huskers on the board with an RBI double, plating Brumbaugh and cutting the deficit to 5-1. Jeske pinch-hit for Tyler Stone and grounded back to the pitcher, bringing home Silva to make it a three-run game.

Timmerman worked a scoreless bottom half, and the Big Red continued to chip away at the lead after Brumbaugh’s two-out triple put him in scoring position. Silva beat out a throw from second base to drive in Brumbaugh and cut the lead to 5-3.

In relief of Timmerman, Daiss tossed a scoreless seventh inning to keep the Huskers within striking distance. Worthley retired two of three batters faced in the next frame, before Perry entered and recorded the final out to send the game to the ninth.

The Huskers drew a two-out walk but went down quietly in the final frame to snap NU’s 10-game winning streak.

Nebraska returns home for a three-game conference series this weekend with Ohio State on Friday-Sunday, April 5-7 at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. First pitch of Friday’s series opener between the Huskers and Buckeyes is set for 6:05 p.m.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska suffered a 5-3 setback at Creighton on Tuesday, ending the nation's second-longest active win streak at 10 games.Nebraska (20-6) scored three runs on seven hits and two errors, while Creighton (21-4) totaled five runs on 11 hits and two errors.Will Walsh started for the Big Red, lasting two frames while allowing two runs on four hits with three strikeouts. A seven-man bullpen committee comprised of Ty Horn, Caleb Clark, Tucker Timmerman, Casey Daiss, Jalen Worthley, Rans Sanders and Kyle Perry combined to allow just two runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings of relief.Cayden Brumbaugh and Riley Silva led the Big Red at the plate with two hits each, combining to score all three runs. Dylan Carey finished 1-for-4 and notched his team-leading 10th double of the season. Cole Evans and Will Jesske drove in the only three runs for the Huskers, while Josh Caron added a hit.Following a scoreless first inning on both sides, Creighton got to Walsh after a single set up a two-run home run from Hogan Helligso to put the Bluejays up 2-0. The southpaw settled in shortly after and limited the damage, forcing a flyout to strand runners on the corners.A pair of Huskers reached to open the third frame, as Carey doubled and Stokes got on base on a throwing error. Bluejays’ starter Malaki Vetock forced three consecutive outs to bring an end to the threat and keep the Bluejays in front by two.In the bottom of the third, Nebraska prevented a Creighton score with Silva and Rhett Stokes connecting on a relay to cut down a run at the plate after Teddy Deter’s double. However, Creighton’s offense regained its offense momentum in the fourth inning, adding three runs on two hits.&nbsp;Nebraska finally broke through in the sixth inning, as consecutive singles from Brumbaugh and Silva forced a Bluejays’ pitching change.Evans put the Huskers on the board with an RBI double, plating Brumbaugh and cutting the deficit to 5-1. Jeske pinch-hit for Tyler Stone and grounded back to the pitcher, bringing home Silva to make it a three-run game.Timmerman worked a scoreless bottom half, and the Big Red continued to chip away at the lead after Brumbaugh’s two-out triple put him in scoring position. Silva beat out a throw from second base to drive in Brumbaugh and cut the lead to 5-3.In relief of Timmerman, Daiss tossed a scoreless seventh inning to keep the Huskers within striking distance. Worthley retired two of three batters faced in the next frame, before Perry entered and recorded the final out to send the game to the ninth.The Huskers drew a two-out walk but went down quietly in the final frame to snap NU’s 10-game winning streak.Nebraska returns home for a three-game conference series this weekend with Ohio State on Friday-Sunday, April 5-7 at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. First pitch of Friday’s series opener between the Huskers and Buckeyes is set for 6:05 p.m.

Huskers fall to Bluejays on Tuesday

SAN DIEGO, CA. - Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;each broke a franchise record as the&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;(10-5) fell to the San Diego Mojo (4-7) 25-20, 21-25, 23-25, 22-25, Tuesday night at Viejas Arena in San Diego.&nbsp;

De la Cruz had one of the best performances in the league’s young history, recording a franchise-record 26 kills on a .418 hitting percentage along with 13 digs, three blocks, one assist and her league-leading 24th ace of the season. The soon to be three-time Olympian accounted for 50% of the team’s kills with no other player going above six. Her three blocks are also a season high. De la Cruz has dominated San Diego in the two matches, combining to hit .427 with 39 kills, 19 digs, three blocks and two aces.&nbsp;

Vuchkova broke her own franchise record, coming up with six blocks on the night to go along with six kills and three digs. The Bulgarian matched the previous record of five blocks four separate times before Tuesday.&nbsp;

Including Vuchkova, three different players finished with six kills for Omaha as team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;and&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;equaled that total. Briggs chipped in a team-high 16 digs. Opposite&nbsp;Nia Reed&nbsp;and middle blocker&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;each tallied three kills.&nbsp;

Setter&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;finished with 39 assists and 12 digs. Liberos&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;and&nbsp;Gabby Thompson&nbsp;combined for 20 digs and nine assists. The Supernovas hit .204 with 13 blocks which ties a season high. Omaha also had three aces.

Outside hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara led the Mojo with 22 kills and 17 digs. Kendra Dahlke and Papa Valeria were the other two to finish in double-digit kills as Dahlke added 17 kills and Valeria 13. Ronika Stone hit above .300 and chipped in eight kills and tied a team high with three blocks. Setter Tomkom Nootsara dished out 51 assists and tied a match-high 21 digs.&nbsp;

The Mojo hit .205 with 10 blocks and six aces which matches the highest total an opponent has recorded against the Supernovas serve receive.

Set 1:&nbsp;Tied at three to begin the match, Hilley served an 8-0 run including two Vuchkova kills and a block to make it 11-4 Supernovas. De la Cruz also chipped in a pair of kills during the run. Former Supernova Lindsay Vander Weide ended the run with a kill and the Mojo quickly turned around to start a run of their own. The Mojo leaned on Thomas-Ailara as she earned four kills in a 5-0 run to cut the lead to 13-9. Reed and Vuchkova combined on a block to end the run. San Diego cut the lead to 15-13 off two more kills from Thomas-Ailara, but back-to-back kills from Nuneviller and de la Cruz extended the lead back to 17-13.&nbsp;

The Mojo got back within two off a Stone kill, but a de la Cruz termination and a pair of hitting errors brought the lead to 21-16 Omaha. Hilley picked up another ace on a short serve to make it 23-19. Thomas-Ailara recorded three more kills in a 4-1 Mojo run, but a service error gave Omaha a 25-20 opening-set win.&nbsp;

The Supernovas hit .200 as a team with three blocks and two aces. De la Cruz totaled a team-high six kills while Nuneviller and Vuchkova each hammered three kills. San Diego hit .152 with two blocks and no aces. Thomas-Ailara had one of her best sets of the season with nine kills on a .333 hitting percentage.

Set 2:&nbsp;De la Cruz picked up two more kills to begin the set. The Mojo went off on a 6-1 run to take an 8-4 lead as back-to-back kills from Dahlke forced a Supernovas timeout at 8-4. Trailing 10-6, Omaha went off on a 4-0 run to tie the match as de la Cruz continued her impressive night with two more kills and a solo block. Reed also recorded her second kill in the run. The two teams exchanged blows as de la Cruz recorded her league-leading 24th ace to make it 14-13 Omaha. Tied at 17, San Diego mustered a 3-1 run to take a 20-17 lead. De la Cruz earned another kill to cut the lead to one, but back-to-back points put the Mojo ahead 22-19. Thomas-Ailara used a block touch to make it set point with Stone finishing it off with a kill to mark a 25-21 Mojo set-two win.

San Diego hit .302 in the set with two blocks and no aces. Dahlke went off for eight kills on a .438 clip to lead the Mojo offense. Papa contributed four kills while Stone chipped in three. Omaha hit .194 with one block and one ace. De la Cruz was once again dominant with seven kills on a whopping .538 hitting percentage. Nuneviller added three kills.

Set 3:&nbsp;San Diego shot out to a 5-1 lead to begin the set which included an ace from Nootsara. Reed earned a kill to cut into the lead which was followed by a de la Cruz kill and a Vuchkova block. De la Cruz terminated two more times while Reed added another to tie the match at eight. The set turned into a game of runs as the Mojo ripped off an 8-1 run to take control. San Diego put down two aces and two kills apiece from Stone and Dahlke. Briggs had a solo block to end the run which she followed up with a kill of her own. De la Cruz took over from there scoring six straight for the Supernovas as the match was tied at 20. Each team went back-and-forth with Briggs hammering down two more kills. With Omaha leading 23-22, the Mojo scored three straight to win the set 25-23.&nbsp;

San Diego hit .296 with one block and four aces. Thomas-Ailara led the way with six kills, five for Dahlke and three each from Stone and Papa. Omaha hit .326 with only one hitting error as well as two blocks, but no aces. De la Cruz put down nine more kills on a .533 clip with Briggs tallying four kills in the set.&nbsp;

Set 4:&nbsp;San Diego climbed to an early 3-1 lead, but de la Cruz continued her onslaught with three more kills and a block. Vuchkova added two more blocks to her total as the Supernovas used a 4-0 run to take a 7-4 lead. The Mojo tied the match at seven after a few Omaha errors, but the Supernovas grabbed the edge once again off a trio of Mojo errors to lead 11-7.&nbsp;The Mojo reclaimed momentum with a run of their own as two aces and a block tied the match at 13. San Diego used three more Thomas-Ailara kills to enact a 4-1 run and take a 17-16 lead. The Supernovas turned it around briefly, as Vuchkova came up with another block and a kill as well as a de la Cruz termination to make it 20-18 Omaha.&nbsp;

However, there was a sustained delay after a technology error following a Mojo double sub. The delay iced de la Cruz from the service line, resulting in a service error. San Diego took it from there finishing the match on a 7-2 run including a Morgan Lewis kill to finish it off.&nbsp;

The Supernovas fly home to take on the Columbus Fury on Thursday, April 4 with first serve set for 7 p.m. CDT at th CHI Health Center.&nbsp;News Channel Nebraska&nbsp;will provide television coverage with&nbsp;John Baylor&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nancy Metcalf&nbsp;on the call.

Fans can also listen to all the action on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network&nbsp;which is led by the flagship station,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001g_uGjwarEtuXPR540G0nlxDxm9GT6A5Tt-zFgOvPEcWaKYEAiVc24iJK0vRetaflS7Eemutk7X3Bf9PJDHMyWgiX9F-B0fF0PFEJFLJYPdDZd7T0SUy6u9rhnrW_L6tVU_IqnuTpQo3xnlghMsCBFA==&amp;c=nMcM_vEtxikJkULAWr7_uNdS_BKIO3NrN2zHAoEFun6-5CDf84KsNA==&amp;ch=KUewAU7Tz1Ii7RJpSerC2ANPCrelc2v1Z9uQIKe5E21Hna0-faWisg==" target="_blank">93.7 The Ticket</a>. Radio coverage is also on 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTIC (West Point).&nbsp;

Story by Supernovas CommunicationsSAN DIEGO, CA. - Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;each broke a franchise record as the&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;(10-5) fell to the San Diego Mojo (4-7) 25-20, 21-25, 23-25, 22-25, Tuesday night at Viejas Arena in San Diego.&nbsp;De la Cruz had one of the best performances in the league’s young history, recording a franchise-record 26 kills on a .418 hitting percentage along with 13 digs, three blocks, one assist and her league-leading 24th ace of the season. The soon to be three-time Olympian accounted for 50% of the team’s kills with no other player going above six. Her three blocks are also a season high. De la Cruz has dominated San Diego in the two matches, combining to hit .427 with 39 kills, 19 digs, three blocks and two aces.&nbsp;Vuchkova broke her own franchise record, coming up with six blocks on the night to go along with six kills and three digs. The Bulgarian matched the previous record of five blocks four separate times before Tuesday.&nbsp;Including Vuchkova, three different players finished with six kills for Omaha as team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;and&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;equaled that total. Briggs chipped in a team-high 16 digs. Opposite&nbsp;Nia Reed&nbsp;and middle blocker&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;each tallied three kills.&nbsp;Setter&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;finished with 39 assists and 12 digs. Liberos&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;and&nbsp;Gabby Thompson&nbsp;combined for 20 digs and nine assists. The Supernovas hit .204 with 13 blocks which ties a season high. Omaha also had three aces.Outside hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara led the Mojo with 22 kills and 17 digs. Kendra Dahlke and Papa Valeria were the other two to finish in double-digit kills as Dahlke added 17 kills and Valeria 13. Ronika Stone hit above .300 and chipped in eight kills and tied a team high with three blocks. Setter Tomkom Nootsara dished out 51 assists and tied a match-high 21 digs.&nbsp;The Mojo hit .205 with 10 blocks and six aces which matches the highest total an opponent has recorded against the Supernovas serve receive.Set 1:&nbsp;Tied at three to begin the match, Hilley served an 8-0 run including two Vuchkova kills and a block to make it 11-4 Supernovas. De la Cruz also chipped in a pair of kills during the run. Former Supernova Lindsay Vander Weide ended the run with a kill and the Mojo quickly turned around to start a run of their own. The Mojo leaned on Thomas-Ailara as she earned four kills in a 5-0 run to cut the lead to 13-9. Reed and Vuchkova combined on a block to end the run. San Diego cut the lead to 15-13 off two more kills from Thomas-Ailara, but back-to-back kills from Nuneviller and de la Cruz extended the lead back to 17-13.&nbsp;The Mojo got back within two off a Stone kill, but a de la Cruz termination and a pair of hitting errors brought the lead to 21-16 Omaha. Hilley picked up another ace on a short serve to make it 23-19. Thomas-Ailara recorded three more kills in a 4-1 Mojo run, but a service error gave Omaha a 25-20 opening-set win.&nbsp;The Supernovas hit .200 as a team with three blocks and two aces. De la Cruz totaled a team-high six kills while Nuneviller and Vuchkova each hammered three kills. San Diego hit .152 with two blocks and no aces. Thomas-Ailara had one of her best sets of the season with nine kills on a .333 hitting percentage.Set 2:&nbsp;De la Cruz picked up two more kills to begin the set. The Mojo went off on a 6-1 run to take an 8-4 lead as back-to-back kills from Dahlke forced a Supernovas timeout at 8-4. Trailing 10-6, Omaha went off on a 4-0 run to tie the match as de la Cruz continued her impressive night with two more kills and a solo block. Reed also recorded her second kill in the run. The two teams exchanged blows as de la Cruz recorded her league-leading 24th ace to make it 14-13 Omaha. Tied at 17, San Diego mustered a 3-1 run to take a 20-17 lead. De la Cruz earned another kill to cut the lead to one, but back-to-back points put the Mojo ahead 22-19. Thomas-Ailara used a block touch to make it set point with Stone finishing it off with a kill to mark a 25-21 Mojo set-two win.San Diego hit .302 in the set with two blocks and no aces. Dahlke went off for eight kills on a .438 clip to lead the Mojo offense. Papa contributed four kills while Stone chipped in three. Omaha hit .194 with one block and one ace. De la Cruz was once again dominant with seven kills on a whopping .538 hitting percentage. Nuneviller added three kills.Set 3:&nbsp;San Diego shot out to a 5-1 lead to begin the set which included an ace from Nootsara. Reed earned a kill to cut into the lead which was followed by a de la Cruz kill and a Vuchkova block. De la Cruz terminated two more times while Reed added another to tie the match at eight. The set turned into a game of runs as the Mojo ripped off an 8-1 run to take control. San Diego put down two aces and two kills apiece from Stone and Dahlke. Briggs had a solo block to end the run which she followed up with a kill of her own. De la Cruz took over from there scoring six straight for the Supernovas as the match was tied at 20. Each team went back-and-forth with Briggs hammering down two more kills. With Omaha leading 23-22, the Mojo scored three straight to win the set 25-23.&nbsp;San Diego hit .296 with one block and four aces. Thomas-Ailara led the way with six kills, five for Dahlke and three each from Stone and Papa. Omaha hit .326 with only one hitting error as well as two blocks, but no aces. De la Cruz put down nine more kills on a .533 clip with Briggs tallying four kills in the set.&nbsp;Set 4:&nbsp;San Diego climbed to an early 3-1 lead, but de la Cruz continued her onslaught with three more kills and a block. Vuchkova added two more blocks to her total as the Supernovas used a 4-0 run to take a 7-4 lead. The Mojo tied the match at seven after a few Omaha errors, but the Supernovas grabbed the edge once again off a trio of Mojo errors to lead 11-7.&nbsp;The Mojo reclaimed momentum with a run of their own as two aces and a block tied the match at 13. San Diego used three more Thomas-Ailara kills to enact a 4-1 run and take a 17-16 lead. The Supernovas turned it around briefly, as Vuchkova came up with another block and a kill as well as a de la Cruz termination to make it 20-18 Omaha.&nbsp;However, there was a sustained delay after a technology error following a Mojo double sub. The delay iced de la Cruz from the service line, resulting in a service error. San Diego took it from there finishing the match on a 7-2 run including a Morgan Lewis kill to finish it off.&nbsp;The Supernovas fly home to take on the Columbus Fury on Thursday, April 4 with first serve set for 7 p.m. CDT at th CHI Health Center.&nbsp;News Channel Nebraska&nbsp;will provide television coverage with&nbsp;John Baylor&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nancy Metcalf&nbsp;on the call.Fans can also listen to all the action on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network&nbsp;which is led by the flagship station,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001g_uGjwarEtuXPR540G0nlxDxm9GT6A5Tt-zFgOvPEcWaKYEAiVc24iJK0vRetaflS7Eemutk7X3Bf9PJDHMyWgiX9F-B0fF0PFEJFLJYPdDZd7T0SUy6u9rhnrW_L6tVU_IqnuTpQo3xnlghMsCBFA==&amp;c=nMcM_vEtxikJkULAWr7_uNdS_BKIO3NrN2zHAoEFun6-5CDf84KsNA==&amp;ch=KUewAU7Tz1Ii7RJpSerC2ANPCrelc2v1Z9uQIKe5E21Hna0-faWisg==" target="_blank">93.7 The Ticket</a>. Radio coverage is also on 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTIC (West Point).&nbsp;

De la Cruz, Vuchkova break franchise records as Supernovas fall to Mojo

CHICAGO (AP) — Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Christopher Morel and Garrett Cooper homered, and the Chicago Cubs pounded the Colorado Rockies 12-2 on Tuesday night for their third straight win.

Bellinger's two-run drive off the right-field scoreboard at Wrigley Field was his first homer of the season. The 2019 NL MVP re-signed with the Cubs for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bellinger-cubs-boras-hoyer-376e3f6e314f649ea6230dee33397274">$80 million, three-year contract</a>&nbsp;in February.

Cooper hit a three-run shot in the sixth that gave Chicago a 10-0 lead. He also doubled and tripled in his first home start with the Cubs.

Nick Madrigal added two hits and three RBIs on a chilly, breezy night at Wrigley Field. Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson each had two of the Cubs' 14 hits.

Chicago right-hander Javier Assad allowed four hits in six scoreless innings. He struck out five and walked one in his first start of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712112208280.jpeg" alt="Bellinger Cubs MLB" />
 <figcaption>Bellinger Cubs MLB</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Christopher Morel and Garrett Cooper homered, and the Chicago Cubs pounded the Colorado Rockies 12-2 on Tuesday night for their third straight win.Bellinger's two-run drive off the right-field scoreboard at Wrigley Field was his first homer of the season. The 2019 NL MVP re-signed with the Cubs for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bellinger-cubs-boras-hoyer-376e3f6e314f649ea6230dee33397274">$80 million, three-year contract</a>&nbsp;in February.Cooper hit a three-run shot in the sixth that gave Chicago a 10-0 lead. He also doubled and tripled in his first home start with the Cubs.Nick Madrigal added two hits and three RBIs on a chilly, breezy night at Wrigley Field. Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson each had two of the Cubs' 14 hits.Chicago right-hander Javier Assad allowed four hits in six scoreless innings. He struck out five and walked one in his first start of the season.

Belli-bomb & more HRs embarrass Rockies in Chicago 12-2

Tri-State Track Meet at Creek Valley - Tuesday, April 2 Boys Team Champion:&nbsp;North Platte St. Pat's Girls Team Champion: Paxton

<a href="https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/532399/results">Detailed Results Link</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679325206316.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tri-State Track Meet at Creek Valley - Tuesday, April 2 Boys Team Champion:&nbsp;North Platte St. Pat's Girls Team Champion: Paxton<a href="https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/532399/results">Detailed Results Link</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt="" />
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RESULTS: Tri-State Track Meet at Creek Valley

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712088687857.jpeg" alt="Zach Ourada (UNK Athletics).jpg" />
 <figcaption>Zach Ourada (UNK Athletics).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Redshirt freshman&nbsp;Zach Ourada&nbsp;has been named the NCAA Division II Rookie of the Year by the&nbsp;<a href="https://nwcaonline.com/news/2024/4/2/ncaa-division-2-men-mcgeary-named-wrestler-of-the-year-ourada-rookie-of-the-year-to-close-out-dii-mens-season.aspx" target="_blank">National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).</a>A vote of D2 coaches selects this award along with the National Wrestler of the Year. That went to Ty McGeary of West Liberty (W.V.).Ourada (Omaha Skutt), also tabbed as the Top Rookie in Super Region VI, finished fifth at 125-pounds at the NCAA Division II Championships last month in Wichita. He went 25-7 on the season, winning a regional title and earning first-team All-MIAA honors. Finally, Ourada maintains a 3.89 GPA as an Exercise Science major, qualifying him for the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and making him a MIAA Scholar Athlete.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712088717173.png" alt="Zach Ourada (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Zach Ourada (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Zach does everything the right way in all aspects of his life and is very deserving of this award,” said UNK head coach&nbsp;Dalton Jensen. “The future is bright for Zach, and we look forward to what’s to come from this top-notch student-athlete.”UNK went 18-4 during the dual season, finished second in the MIAA, won a Super Region VI title and placed third at the NCAA meet. That marked the program’s 22nd&nbsp;consecutive Top 8 finish at nationals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712088740965.jpeg" alt="Zach Ourada 2 (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Zach Ourada 2 (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>

UNK Wrestling: Loper Redshirt Frosh Wins National Award

Story by NPPC Athletic Communications

Charlotte, N.C. – The National Junior College Athletic Association announced that longtime North Platte Community College men's basketball Head Coach Kevin O'Connor has been selected to be inducted into the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

"It is very humbling to receive this recognition by the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame," said O'Connor. "Though this award is given to an individual, it could never have been accomplished without the dedication and hard work of many assistant coaches and players who I had the privilege to work with over the years."

O'Connor was a fixture on the sideline for the black and gold for 39 years, owning a 744-439 overall record during his tenure. The winningest coach in Region IX men's basketball history guided North Platte to two NJCAA National Tournament appearances and 22 Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference titles.

During his prestigious career, O'Connor was named Region IX Coach of the Year four times, while also earning NCCAC Coach of the Year honors over 20 times and Omaha World Herald's Male College Coach of the Year in 2013.

"I owe a great deal of gratitude to Steve Aggers, who was my college coach, and took a chance on hiring me to be an assistant straight out of Kearney State College at the College of Great Falls in 1980," said O'Connor. "The knowledge and experience I gained working for him became the foundation for what we built here."

O'Connor is thankful for the community of North Platte and the college for the many years of support. He stated that this honor would not be meaningful without the support of his wife Cindy and son Sean.

O'Connor will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Paul Cisek (Brookdale Community College) and Ed Janka during the NJCAA Hall of Fame Award Dinner in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 17.

Story by NPPC Athletic CommunicationsCharlotte, N.C. – The National Junior College Athletic Association announced that longtime North Platte Community College men's basketball Head Coach Kevin O'Connor has been selected to be inducted into the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame."It is very humbling to receive this recognition by the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame," said O'Connor. "Though this award is given to an individual, it could never have been accomplished without the dedication and hard work of many assistant coaches and players who I had the privilege to work with over the years."O'Connor was a fixture on the sideline for the black and gold for 39 years, owning a 744-439 overall record during his tenure. The winningest coach in Region IX men's basketball history guided North Platte to two NJCAA National Tournament appearances and 22 Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference titles.During his prestigious career, O'Connor was named Region IX Coach of the Year four times, while also earning NCCAC Coach of the Year honors over 20 times and Omaha World Herald's Male College Coach of the Year in 2013."I owe a great deal of gratitude to Steve Aggers, who was my college coach, and took a chance on hiring me to be an assistant straight out of Kearney State College at the College of Great Falls in 1980," said O'Connor. "The knowledge and experience I gained working for him became the foundation for what we built here."O'Connor is thankful for the community of North Platte and the college for the many years of support. He stated that this honor would not be meaningful without the support of his wife Cindy and son Sean.O'Connor will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Paul Cisek (Brookdale Community College) and Ed Janka during the NJCAA Hall of Fame Award Dinner in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 17.

Breaking News: Longtime NPCC basketball coach to be inducted into Hall of Fame

The Nebraska women’s gymnastics team is set to compete in the second round of the NCAA Championships on Thursday, April 4, at the Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. The Huskers will compete in Session I, which starts at 1 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on ESPN+. NU will face off against No. 7 Kentucky, No. 12 Arkansas and No. 24 Arizona.

The top two teams from each of the two sessions taking place on Thursday will advance to the NCAA Regional Final, which will be on Saturday, April 6 at 5 p.m. (CT). Session II features No. 2 LSU, No. 15 Minnesota, Oregon State and the winner of a first-round matchup between Boise St. and BYU.

The Big Red kicked off its postseason stand at the Big Ten Championships and placed seventh with a score of 196.250.&nbsp;

Emma Spence, Csenge Bácskay, Martina Comin and Sophia McClelland were named to the Big Ten Conference Championship teams, as they tied for or outright won first place in their respective events in the first session. Spence tied for fifth in the all-around through both sessions with a 39.450. She also tied for third on bars (9.900), while Bácskay tied for third on vault (9.900).&nbsp;

Michigan State finished in first with a score of 197.600.

Session I of the Arkansas Regional will include Nebraska, along with No. 7 Kentucky, No. 12 Arkansas and No. 24 Arizona.

The No. 7 Wildcats are 11-4 on the season with a 4-3 mark in conference competition. They own an NQS of 197.810, including a high score of 198.100. Most recently, they finished in third at the SEC Championships with a 197.600.

The Razorbacks have an NQS of 197.445 and a high score of 198.100. They are 10-11-1 overall (4-2-1 SEC). The Huskers have already faced Arkansas, and UA came out with the 198.100-197.375 victory.

Arizona is 7-10 on the season and 2-5 in conference competition. They earned a season-high of 197.000 on Jan. 27 and own an NQS of 196.885. The Wildcats were in NU’s session at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad on Jan. 12, and took first with a 196.475.

Fans can follow the Huskers on Facebook at HuskerWGym, Twitter at HuskerWGym or Instagram at huskerwgym for live updates during the meet. The meet will also be streamed live on ESPN+.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women’s gymnastics team is set to compete in the second round of the NCAA Championships on Thursday, April 4, at the Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. The Huskers will compete in Session I, which starts at 1 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on ESPN+. NU will face off against No. 7 Kentucky, No. 12 Arkansas and No. 24 Arizona.The top two teams from each of the two sessions taking place on Thursday will advance to the NCAA Regional Final, which will be on Saturday, April 6 at 5 p.m. (CT). Session II features No. 2 LSU, No. 15 Minnesota, Oregon State and the winner of a first-round matchup between Boise St. and BYU.Last Time OutThe Big Red kicked off its postseason stand at the Big Ten Championships and placed seventh with a score of 196.250.&nbsp;Emma Spence, Csenge Bácskay, Martina Comin and Sophia McClelland were named to the Big Ten Conference Championship teams, as they tied for or outright won first place in their respective events in the first session. Spence tied for fifth in the all-around through both sessions with a 39.450. She also tied for third on bars (9.900), while Bácskay tied for third on vault (9.900).&nbsp;Michigan State finished in first with a score of 197.600.Scouting the CompetitionSession I of the Arkansas Regional will include Nebraska, along with No. 7 Kentucky, No. 12 Arkansas and No. 24 Arizona.The No. 7 Wildcats are 11-4 on the season with a 4-3 mark in conference competition. They own an NQS of 197.810, including a high score of 198.100. Most recently, they finished in third at the SEC Championships with a 197.600.The Razorbacks have an NQS of 197.445 and a high score of 198.100. They are 10-11-1 overall (4-2-1 SEC). The Huskers have already faced Arkansas, and UA came out with the 198.100-197.375 victory.Arizona is 7-10 on the season and 2-5 in conference competition. They earned a season-high of 197.000 on Jan. 27 and own an NQS of 196.885. The Wildcats were in NU’s session at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad on Jan. 12, and took first with a 196.475.Follow the HuskersFans can follow the Huskers on Facebook at HuskerWGym, Twitter at HuskerWGym or Instagram at huskerwgym for live updates during the meet. The meet will also be streamed live on ESPN+.

Huskers look to NCAA Championships

&nbsp; CHADRON –&nbsp;An accomplished administrator with more than two decades of athletic experience and a former vice president for the Denver Broncos, Dr. China Jude, has been named as Chadron State College's interim athletic director President Ron K. Patterson announced Tuesday.

Jude, who begins April 8, will lead and supervise the CSC athletic department as the college searches for its permanent athletic director. Ted Tewahade, who was serving in the interim athletic director role, will return to his position as associate athletic director.

"I'm excited that Dr. Jude will be joining Chadron State College because she's a great leader," Patterson said. "Dr. Jude has a proven track record of success, demonstrates inclusivity, and builds engagement, and she will provide strategic thinking and direction to our athletic program. I'm eager to see what she will be able to accomplish. I also want to commend Ted Tewahade on the excellent leadership he demonstrated while supervising the athletic program in a temporary role."

Jude is the CEO and founder of Auggie Oliver, LLC, a consulting firm that works to strengthen organizational demographics, as well as increasing engagement and culture. Jude's clients include several universities, professional athletic organizations, and collegiate athletic conferences.

"I really am excited for the opportunity to re-enter the college space," Jude said. "Having the opportunity to connect with President Patterson and learning about his vision for the college, as well as learning more about the wonderful people at the institution and the great things that are being done made me want to be a part of CSC. There's a great team at Chadron State and it is a great opportunity."

Prior to consulting, Jude was the inaugural Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the Denver Broncos from 2021-23. During her time with the Broncos, Jude collaborated with a variety of departments that emphasized cross-functional capabilities. She also helped launch events geared toward diversity, equity, and inclusion, and assisted with employee engagement and retention. She led the organization's DEI strategy and represented the Broncos on social justice initiatives. &nbsp;Before working with the Broncos, Jude was senior associate athletic director and senior woman administrator (SWA) at the University of Wyoming from 2018-21. 

Jude oversaw seven programs at UW, including volleyball and women's soccer. She continued efforts to increase employee engagement and developed strategies to increase the talents of the athletic department staff. While at Wyoming, Jude was named to the Sports Business Journal's Women in Sports Business Class of 2020 and was honored as the 2019 Women Leaders in College Sports Nell Jackson Administrator of the Year. Jude worked closely with the Title IX office and assisted with an eight percent increase in ethnic minority and female employees in under-represented areas by helping strengthen the university's diversity and inclusion recruitment and professional development programming.

A native of Waukegan, Illinois, Jude, who was honorably discharged from the United States Naval Reserves, earned a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Alabama State University. She also has a masters degree in sports management and marketing from the United States Sports Academy. She received her doctorate in athletics administration from Northcentral University.

Jude has experience working in Division II athletic departments at Queens College in New York and Cheyney University in Pennsylvania. She was the Assistant Vice President for Athletics at Queens College from 2011-18. She managed a staff of 50 employees while leading fundraising initiatives that raised $3.7 million dollars annually. During her time at Queens College, the Knights won 14 East Coast Conference championships. At Cheyney University, the oldest Historically Black College and University in the United States, Jude served as the Athletics Director from 2007-11.

Jude's other athletic career experience includes volleyball coaching stops at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington, Coppin State University, and the University of the District of Colombia. She also served as SWA at Coppin State and was the university's director of compliance.

Jude was named one of the 50 Most Influential Black People in Sports by USA Today Sports, one of CORE Magazine's 100 Most Influential Blacks Today, and was named in the 10th annual Sports Business Journal Game Changers: Women in Sports Business Class of 2020. Jude was also honored with the Women Leaders in College Sports Nell Jackson Administrator of the Year in 2019, which is given to an individual who demonstrates courage, conviction, and perseverance, and is an advocate for gender equity and diversity.

Jude is a current member of the board of trustees at the United States Sports Academic and the Sports Business Journal All-In Conference. Previously, she was the National Board President for the Minority Opportunities Athletics Association.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712074182042.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State College Athletics&nbsp; CHADRON –&nbsp;An accomplished administrator with more than two decades of athletic experience and a former vice president for the Denver Broncos, Dr. China Jude, has been named as Chadron State College's interim athletic director President Ron K. Patterson announced Tuesday.Jude, who begins April 8, will lead and supervise the CSC athletic department as the college searches for its permanent athletic director. Ted Tewahade, who was serving in the interim athletic director role, will return to his position as associate athletic director."I'm excited that Dr. Jude will be joining Chadron State College because she's a great leader," Patterson said. "Dr. Jude has a proven track record of success, demonstrates inclusivity, and builds engagement, and she will provide strategic thinking and direction to our athletic program. I'm eager to see what she will be able to accomplish. I also want to commend Ted Tewahade on the excellent leadership he demonstrated while supervising the athletic program in a temporary role."Jude is the CEO and founder of Auggie Oliver, LLC, a consulting firm that works to strengthen organizational demographics, as well as increasing engagement and culture. Jude's clients include several universities, professional athletic organizations, and collegiate athletic conferences."I really am excited for the opportunity to re-enter the college space," Jude said. "Having the opportunity to connect with President Patterson and learning about his vision for the college, as well as learning more about the wonderful people at the institution and the great things that are being done made me want to be a part of CSC. There's a great team at Chadron State and it is a great opportunity."Prior to consulting, Jude was the inaugural Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the Denver Broncos from 2021-23. During her time with the Broncos, Jude collaborated with a variety of departments that emphasized cross-functional capabilities. She also helped launch events geared toward diversity, equity, and inclusion, and assisted with employee engagement and retention. She led the organization's DEI strategy and represented the Broncos on social justice initiatives. &nbsp;Before working with the Broncos, Jude was senior associate athletic director and senior woman administrator (SWA) at the University of Wyoming from 2018-21. Jude oversaw seven programs at UW, including volleyball and women's soccer. She continued efforts to increase employee engagement and developed strategies to increase the talents of the athletic department staff. While at Wyoming, Jude was named to the Sports Business Journal's Women in Sports Business Class of 2020 and was honored as the 2019 Women Leaders in College Sports Nell Jackson Administrator of the Year. Jude worked closely with the Title IX office and assisted with an eight percent increase in ethnic minority and female employees in under-represented areas by helping strengthen the university's diversity and inclusion recruitment and professional development programming.A native of Waukegan, Illinois, Jude, who was honorably discharged from the United States Naval Reserves, earned a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Alabama State University. She also has a masters degree in sports management and marketing from the United States Sports Academy. She received her doctorate in athletics administration from Northcentral University.Jude has experience working in Division II athletic departments at Queens College in New York and Cheyney University in Pennsylvania. She was the Assistant Vice President for Athletics at Queens College from 2011-18. She managed a staff of 50 employees while leading fundraising initiatives that raised $3.7 million dollars annually. During her time at Queens College, the Knights won 14 East Coast Conference championships. At Cheyney University, the oldest Historically Black College and University in the United States, Jude served as the Athletics Director from 2007-11.Jude's other athletic career experience includes volleyball coaching stops at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington, Coppin State University, and the University of the District of Colombia. She also served as SWA at Coppin State and was the university's director of compliance.Jude was named one of the 50 Most Influential Black People in Sports by USA Today Sports, one of CORE Magazine's 100 Most Influential Blacks Today, and was named in the 10th annual Sports Business Journal Game Changers: Women in Sports Business Class of 2020. Jude was also honored with the Women Leaders in College Sports Nell Jackson Administrator of the Year in 2019, which is given to an individual who demonstrates courage, conviction, and perseverance, and is an advocate for gender equity and diversity.Jude is a current member of the board of trustees at the United States Sports Academic and the Sports Business Journal All-In Conference. Previously, she was the National Board President for the Minority Opportunities Athletics Association.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadron State College announces Dr. China Jude as interim athletic director

KEARNEY –Marty Levinson&nbsp;has been hired as head men's basketball coach at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Director of Athletics&nbsp;Marc Bauer&nbsp;announced today. UNK will formally introduce Levinson on April 5 (Friday) at 9 a.m. in the Health &amp; Sports Center. He begins his duties immediately.

"It's an honor to announce Marty Levinson as Head Men's Basketball Coach at UNK. Coach Levinson is enthusiastic about his return home to Nebraska and to lead the Loper Men's Basketball program in the MIAA," said Bauer. "He has proven his ability to build programs and lead with integrity while ensuring his players excel in the classroom, community, and life."

Levinson, 42,&nbsp;is no stranger to Nebraska or UNK men's basketball. The Grand Island native is a ​Bellevue West High School and UNK graduate, played high school, college, and professional basketball in the state, and held coaching positions at Grand Island Central Catholic, UNK, Central C.C.-Columbus, and assisted with Everything to Gain (ETG), one of the top AAU programs in Nebraska.

Having worked at the collegiate level for the past 17 years, Levinson has been a successful head coach at Central C.C. (2012-14), Southern Arkansas University Tech (2018-23) and Trinity Valley, Texas (2023-24). He was the first-ever coach in SAU Tech history, building the program up from the ground floor.

Levinson has amassed a career record of 191-94 (.670 winning pct.), been named District Coach of the Year five times and Region C.O.Y on four occasions. Finally, he saw five of his teams qualify for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament, finishing as high as third.

"I'm honored and grateful to be named the head men's basketball coach at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. To follow in the footsteps of great men like Dr. Tom Kropp, Jerry Heuser and Kevin Lofton is a responsibility that I do not take lightly," said Levinson. "Many special people and great teams have worn Loper Blue and Gold, and I will put my heart and soul into building relationships and preparing young men for the world just like the leaders before me."

Holding undergraduate and graduate degrees from UNK, Levinson has coached many players that have had successful careers at the NCAA Division I and Division II levels and some that have continued to play professionally. 

That large group includes Quinston Reggins (D1 Coppin State, Md. &amp; UNK), Tre'Shawn Thurman (UNO, Nevada &amp; G-League), Tra-Deon Hollins (UNO &amp; G-League), Shereef Mitchell (Creighton &amp; Ohio U.), and&nbsp;Kezie Okpala (Stanford &amp; NBA).

​"During the search, it became more evident that Coach Levinson was the best fit for our program because of his connections on campus, in the community, across the state, and with the alumni. Although challenging, I fully expect him to come in, get after it, and achieve great things at UNK," said Bauer.&nbsp;Playing for Southeast C.C., Augustana (S.D.), UNK and the professional Nebraska Cranes in Kearney, Levinson has also served as an assistant coach at six colleges. That includes Division I Pacific (Calif.) and at UNK when the Lopers were a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)."

Growing up in Central Nebraska and coming to Kearney to watch guys like Eric Strand, Kenya Crandell, and Mike Hancock inspired me as a young man! I hope to bring back the passion, brotherhood, and success that those guys and their teams displayed," said Levinson. "UNK has always been a place where the top Nebraska kids from Scottsbluff to Omaha could come play and have their family and friends share the experience. I want those players to be excited and proud to put Lopers across their chest and know that they represent themselves, their families, the local community as well as a lot of great players that paved the way before them."

Levinson was a key guard on one of the most successful men's basketball teams in UNK history. The 2002-03 Lopers went 30-3, won the RMAC regular season title and reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II Tournament. In the North Central Regional finals, UNK beat rival Metro (Colo.) State, 94-87, in front of a sold-out Health &amp; Sports Center crowd. Levinson redshirted during 2003-04 when the Lopers reached the Sweet 16 and helped the 2004-05 squad win 23 games and get back to the NCAA Tournament.

"The Health &amp; Sports Center is one of if not the best facilities and atmospheres in all of Division II. When we won the 2003 regional title, Metro head coach Mike Dunlap (a longtime college and NBA coach), walked out to center court after defeat and turned in a circle to salute the capacity crowd," said Levinson. "The energy in the building was special and my dream is to revive that. We need the community, school, and all the Loper faithful to get behind us. The younger generation of players and fans don't know how great UNK can be and I will give everything I can to get it back!"

Meet Marty Levinson&nbsp;Coaching Experience

Personal:&nbsp;Mother, Brenda, and stepfather, Kris Sime, reside in Gretna; father, Byron, resides in Ashton; Brother, Cody, and his wife, Michelle, reside in Gretna and have three children (Hailey, Connor &amp; Jordyn)

Education:&nbsp;B.A. in Education, UNK '06; Master's in Education, UNK '11

Playing Experience:&nbsp;Grand Island Senior H.S. (1996-98; 31-11 record); Bellevue West H.S. (1998-00; 45-4 record; state runners up &amp; state champs); Augustana U., S.D. (200-01); Southeast C.C. (2001-02; first-team all-state); UNK (2003-05; 81-15 record; second-team All-RMAC in 2005); Nebraska Cranes of the U.S. Basketball League (2005)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712072857022.jpeg" alt="Coach Levinson 2 (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Levinson 2 (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKEARNEY –Marty Levinson&nbsp;has been hired as head men's basketball coach at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Director of Athletics&nbsp;Marc Bauer&nbsp;announced today. UNK will formally introduce Levinson on April 5 (Friday) at 9 a.m. in the Health &amp; Sports Center. He begins his duties immediately."It's an honor to announce Marty Levinson as Head Men's Basketball Coach at UNK. Coach Levinson is enthusiastic about his return home to Nebraska and to lead the Loper Men's Basketball program in the MIAA," said Bauer. "He has proven his ability to build programs and lead with integrity while ensuring his players excel in the classroom, community, and life."Levinson, 42,&nbsp;is no stranger to Nebraska or UNK men's basketball. The Grand Island native is a ​Bellevue West High School and UNK graduate, played high school, college, and professional basketball in the state, and held coaching positions at Grand Island Central Catholic, UNK, Central C.C.-Columbus, and assisted with Everything to Gain (ETG), one of the top AAU programs in Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712072844221.jpeg" alt="Coach Levinson (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Levinson (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Having worked at the collegiate level for the past 17 years, Levinson has been a successful head coach at Central C.C. (2012-14), Southern Arkansas University Tech (2018-23) and Trinity Valley, Texas (2023-24). He was the first-ever coach in SAU Tech history, building the program up from the ground floor.Levinson has amassed a career record of 191-94 (.670 winning pct.), been named District Coach of the Year five times and Region C.O.Y on four occasions. Finally, he saw five of his teams qualify for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament, finishing as high as third."I'm honored and grateful to be named the head men's basketball coach at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. To follow in the footsteps of great men like Dr. Tom Kropp, Jerry Heuser and Kevin Lofton is a responsibility that I do not take lightly," said Levinson. "Many special people and great teams have worn Loper Blue and Gold, and I will put my heart and soul into building relationships and preparing young men for the world just like the leaders before me."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712072961415.jpeg" alt="Coach Levinson 3 (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Coach Levinson 3 (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Holding undergraduate and graduate degrees from UNK, Levinson has coached many players that have had successful careers at the NCAA Division I and Division II levels and some that have continued to play professionally. That large group includes Quinston Reggins (D1 Coppin State, Md. &amp; UNK), Tre'Shawn Thurman (UNO, Nevada &amp; G-League), Tra-Deon Hollins (UNO &amp; G-League), Shereef Mitchell (Creighton &amp; Ohio U.), and&nbsp;Kezie Okpala (Stanford &amp; NBA).​"During the search, it became more evident that Coach Levinson was the best fit for our program because of his connections on campus, in the community, across the state, and with the alumni. Although challenging, I fully expect him to come in, get after it, and achieve great things at UNK," said Bauer.&nbsp;Playing for Southeast C.C., Augustana (S.D.), UNK and the professional Nebraska Cranes in Kearney, Levinson has also served as an assistant coach at six colleges. That includes Division I Pacific (Calif.) and at UNK when the Lopers were a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712072978671.png" alt="Marty Levinson MBB (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Marty Levinson MBB (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Growing up in Central Nebraska and coming to Kearney to watch guys like Eric Strand, Kenya Crandell, and Mike Hancock inspired me as a young man! I hope to bring back the passion, brotherhood, and success that those guys and their teams displayed," said Levinson. "UNK has always been a place where the top Nebraska kids from Scottsbluff to Omaha could come play and have their family and friends share the experience. I want those players to be excited and proud to put Lopers across their chest and know that they represent themselves, their families, the local community as well as a lot of great players that paved the way before them."Levinson was a key guard on one of the most successful men's basketball teams in UNK history. The 2002-03 Lopers went 30-3, won the RMAC regular season title and reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II Tournament. In the North Central Regional finals, UNK beat rival Metro (Colo.) State, 94-87, in front of a sold-out Health &amp; Sports Center crowd. Levinson redshirted during 2003-04 when the Lopers reached the Sweet 16 and helped the 2004-05 squad win 23 games and get back to the NCAA Tournament."The Health &amp; Sports Center is one of if not the best facilities and atmospheres in all of Division II. When we won the 2003 regional title, Metro head coach Mike Dunlap (a longtime college and NBA coach), walked out to center court after defeat and turned in a circle to salute the capacity crowd," said Levinson. "The energy in the building was special and my dream is to revive that. We need the community, school, and all the Loper faithful to get behind us. The younger generation of players and fans don't know how great UNK can be and I will give everything I can to get it back!"Meet Marty Levinson&nbsp;Coaching Experience<ul>
 <li>Head Coach, Trinity Valley Community College; Athens, Texas (2023-24)&nbsp;… 27-8 record</li><li>Head Coach, Southern Arkansas University Tech; Camden, Ark. (2017-23)&nbsp;… 95-54 record</li><li>Assistant Coach, Saddleback Community College; Mission Viejo, Calif. (2015-17)</li><li>Assistant Coach, Las Positas Community College; Livermore, Calif. (2014-15)</li><li>Head Coach, Central Community College-Columbus; Columbus, Neb. (2011-14)&nbsp;… 69-32 record</li><li>Graduate Assistant Coach, UNK (2009-11)</li><li>Assistant Coach, San Jose City College; San Jose, Calif. (2008-09)</li><li>Assistant Coach, West Valley College; Saratoga, Calif. (2007-08)</li><li>Assistant Coach, University of the Pacific; Stockton, Calif. (2006-07)</li><li>Assistant Coach, Grand Island Central Catholic H.S. (2005-06)</li>
 </ul>Personal:&nbsp;Mother, Brenda, and stepfather, Kris Sime, reside in Gretna; father, Byron, resides in Ashton; Brother, Cody, and his wife, Michelle, reside in Gretna and have three children (Hailey, Connor &amp; Jordyn)Education:&nbsp;B.A. in Education, UNK '06; Master's in Education, UNK '11Playing Experience:&nbsp;Grand Island Senior H.S. (1996-98; 31-11 record); Bellevue West H.S. (1998-00; 45-4 record; state runners up &amp; state champs); Augustana U., S.D. (200-01); Southeast C.C. (2001-02; first-team all-state); UNK (2003-05; 81-15 record; second-team All-RMAC in 2005); Nebraska Cranes of the U.S. Basketball League (2005)

BREAKING: Grand Island Native, Former Loper Returning Home As Next UNK Men's Basketball Head Coach

Tickets to Nebraska volleyball's May 4 spring match against Denver in Kearney will go on sale to the public Tuesday, April 2 at 10 a.m., at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.

Tickets for the match are $12 for upper-bowl bleacher seats and $25 for lower-bowl chairback seats. All seats are general admission. Tickets must be purchased in person, with cash only, by someone at least 16 years old. A maximum of four tickets are available per person. Lost tickets will not be replaced. Tickets will not be available through the Nebraska, KHS or UNK athletic offices.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsTickets to Nebraska volleyball's May 4 spring match against Denver in Kearney will go on sale to the public Tuesday, April 2 at 10 a.m., at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.Tickets for the match are $12 for upper-bowl bleacher seats and $25 for lower-bowl chairback seats. All seats are general admission. Tickets must be purchased in person, with cash only, by someone at least 16 years old. A maximum of four tickets are available per person. Lost tickets will not be replaced. Tickets will not be available through the Nebraska, KHS or UNK athletic offices.The Huskers will face the Denver Pioneers at UNK's Health and Sports Center on Saturday, May 4 at 2 p.m. Doors to the match will open at 12:30 p.m. The Huskers will sign autographs following the match.The Huskers played their 2017 spring match at Kearney High School but have not played a spring match at UNK's 5,000-seat Health and Sports Center. Kearney Public Schools is the primary host of the event, working in partnership with Nebraska Athletics, UNK and the Kearney Visitors Bureau.For the third consecutive year, the Huskers' spring match will be televised statewide on Nebraska Public Media and streamed online on B1G+. In addition to television and streaming coverage, the match will air on select Huskers Radio Network affiliates and the official Huskers App.The trip back to Kearney continues Nebraska’s tradition of touring the state for spring volleyball matches. Since 2007, Nebraska has played spring matches in North Platte, Scottsbluff, Grand Island, Norfolk, Wayne, Ogallala, Kearney and McCook.