The Long Island University Sharks face an enormous challenge tonight as they take on the undefeated No. 1 overall seed Nebraska Cornhuskers in the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship first round at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln. With a perfect 30-0 record and dominant defensive stats, the Huskers stand as the team to beat this tournament.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Nebraska enters the tournament undefeated at 30-0 overall and 20-0 in Big Ten play
- Long Island University won the Northeast Conference championship, finishing 20-8 overall
- Match begins approximately 8:00 PM ET on Friday, December 5, 2025
- This is only the second all-time meeting between these programs since the 2023 NCAA Tournament
Nebraska Brings Perfect Record and Elite Defensive Prowess
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The Nebraska Cornhuskers arrive in Lincoln as the tournament’s most dominant squad, having completed an undefeated regular season for the third time in program history. The Huskers dropped only seven sets all season and just one in Big Ten conference play, showcasing remarkable consistency from start to finish.
More impressively, Nebraska boasts a 60-match home win streak dating back to December 1, 2022. The team has won 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament matches at the Devaney Center, adding significant pressure on any visiting opponent. Their .352 hitting percentage leads the nation, while their .125 opponent hitting percentage ranks first defensively.
Long Island’s Path Through the Northeast Conference Championship
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The Long Island University Sharks earned their berth by capturing the Northeast Conference championship for the 13th time in program history. With a 20-8 overall record and 15-1 NEC mark, the Sharks claimed their 12th regular season title before dominating the tournament bracket.
Sara van Gisteren leads the LIU offense, averaging 3.92 kills per set and ranking 20th nationally with 52 aces on the season. The 6-foot-3 junior from the Netherlands earned NEC Tournament MVP honors, proving her value against tournament competition.
Key Players to Watch Under the Lights
| Position | Nebraska Player | Long Island Player |
| Setter | Bergen Reilly – Big Ten Player of the Year, 10.31 APSet | Karly Klaer – NEC Setter of the Year, 10.06 APSet |
| Outside Hitter | Harper Murray – 3.55 KPS, 28 aces | Sara van Gisteren – 3.92 KPS, 52 aces |
| Middle Blocker | Andi Jackson – .471 hitting percentage | Yasmeen Muhammad – .453 hitting percentage |
| Libero | Laney Choboy – 2.74 DPS | Miabella Musignac – NEC Defensive Player of the Year |
Series History and Tournament Precedent
These two programs have faced each other just once before in NCAA Tournament play. In the 2023 first round in Lincoln, Nebraska dominated with scores of 25-13, 25-16, and 25-22. The Huskers’ home-court advantage proved decisive that night, and similar conditions await on Friday.
Dani Busboom Kelly, Nebraska’s new head coach in her first season, has already made history by winning the Big Ten Conference Championship in her inaugural year. She becomes the first coach in Big Ten history to accomplish this feat at a new school.
What Must Long Island Do to Compete Tonight?
For the Sharks to remain competitive, they need Sara van Gisteren to sustain her aggressive attack while Karly Klaer manages the transition game effectively. Miabella Musignac‘s defensive excellence will be critical to dig Nebraska’s relentless attack, and Yasmeen Muhammad’s solid hitting at .453 must remain consistent.
The match begins approximately 8:00 PM ET at the Bob Devaney Sports Center and will stream on ESPN+. Saturday’s second round will feature the winner facing either San Diego or Kansas State at 7:00 PM CST, continuing Nebraska’s home tournament run.
“LIU is led by Sara van Gisteren, who averages 3.92 kills per set and was named the NEC tournament MVP. Karly Klaer was named the NEC Setter of the Year, while Miabella Musignac earned NEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.”
— Nebraska Huskers Official Athletics, Scouting Report
Sources
- University of Nebraska Official Athletics – Official tournament preview and team statistics
- Long Island University Athletics – Sharks roster and championship accomplishments
- NCAA – Official tournament bracket and scheduling information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.