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Huskers volleyball continued its remarkable 2026 season on Saturday, October 31, with a determined 3-1 victory over No. 25 Michigan State in East Lansing. After dropping the opening set, No. 1 Nebraska responded with three dominant frames to defeat the Spartans 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-12.
The result moved Nebraska to 23-0 overall and 12-0 in Big Ten play. It also allowed the Huskers to claim the second-ever Big Ten Discover Challenge after finishing 5-0 in selected challenge matches. Nebraska successfully defended the title it won last season.
Huskers Flip the Script in a Fierce Top-25 Battle
Michigan State looked confident early, using a late surge to take the first set. The Spartans broke away from a 17-17 tie with four consecutive points and held on for a 25-21 win. Andi Jackson led Nebraska with five kills in the frame, while Manaia Ogbechie added four.
The Huskers quickly settled into a stronger rhythm in the second set. Nebraska opened with a 7-2 advantage, but Michigan State fought back and eventually took a 16-15 lead. From there, the Big Red regained control, scoring eight of the final nine points to even the match.
Ogbechie played a central role in the turnaround, contributing three kills and a solo block during a critical stretch. Teraya Sigler then served the final four points, while Harper Murray delivered a kill before two Michigan State attack errors ended the set.
Powerful Blocking Sparks Nebraska’s Surge
Nebraska’s defense became increasingly difficult for the Spartans to solve. The Huskers recorded 15 total blocks and limited Michigan State to a .093 hitting percentage for the match. That defensive pressure helped Nebraska overcome the early setback and control the final three sets.
Ogbechie produced one of the strongest individual performances of the night, finishing with 11 kills on .786 hitting without an error and a team-high eight blocks. According to Nebraska Athletics, she became the first Husker since 2024 to record at least 11 kills and eight blocks in the same match.
Jackson added 12 kills on .360 hitting and six blocks, while Murray also recorded 12 kills along with two blocks and three digs. Ryan Hunter matched her career high with seven kills, doing so on a perfect seven swings.
Bergen Reilly orchestrated the offense with 45 assists, a career-high six blocks, five digs and two kills. Olivia Mauch contributed a team-best 12 digs, helping Nebraska withstand Michigan State’s early attack and maintain defensive stability.
Historic Start Keeps Getting Stronger
With the win, Nebraska opened a season 23-0 for the ninth time in program history. The Huskers also extended their winning streak in road and neutral-site matches to 25 contests. That run ranks 11th all-time in NCAA history and is the nation’s longest since Nebraska won 26 consecutive road or neutral matches during the 2002-03 season.
The Huskers finished the match hitting .340 as a team, a significant contrast to Michigan State’s .093 mark. Nebraska’s efficiency, blocking and balanced attack helped turn a challenging opening set into a convincing road victory.
The fourth set offered a final statement. Nebraska built an early lead behind blocks from Reilly and Ogbechie, then used a 5-0 run to move ahead 14-6. Hunter added two more kills, and Skyler Pierce energized the closing stretch with three kills and the match-ending service ace.
Big Ten Road Test Awaits in the Pacific Northwest
Nebraska now prepares for another demanding weekend away from home. The Huskers will travel to face No. 12 Oregon and No. 20 Washington in two nationally significant Big Ten matchups.
The first match is scheduled for 9 p.m. Central time on Saturday, November 7, at Oregon. The contest will be televised on BTN. With Nebraska still unbeaten, both matches will provide another major test for a team building one of the nation’s most impressive volleyball résumés.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Nebraska and Michigan State?
Nebraska defeated Michigan State 3-1, winning the final three sets by scores of 25-19, 25-17 and 25-12 after losing the opener 25-21.
What is Nebraska’s record after the victory?
The Huskers improved to 23-0 overall and 12-0 in Big Ten play.
Who led Nebraska in blocks?
Manaia Ogbechie led the Huskers with eight blocks. Nebraska recorded 15 blocks as a team.
Who will Nebraska play next?
The Huskers will visit No. 12 Oregon and No. 20 Washington next weekend, beginning with a Saturday night match at Oregon.
