Coming off a 3-2 opening Big Ten win against the Ohio State Buckeyes, No. 20 USC (9-3, 1-1 Big Ten) faced a tough test against the No. 2 Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-1, 2-0) in front of an electric crowd at the Devaney Sports Center.
With 8,869 fans in attendance, the stakes were high, especially for USC’s graduate outside hitter Ally Batenhorst, who returned to face her former team in Lincoln, adding an additional emotional layer to the night.
USC could not outmatch its new Big Ten foe, falling to the Cornhuskers in three sets (25-18, 25-22, 25-16).
The Trojans started their first set shakily, their nerves evident as they committed several errors that gave Nebraska an early advantage. The Huskers capitalized on the Trojans’ mistakes, and jumped out to a quick lead with six kills on the first eight swings, taking a 13-8 advantage.
A dominant 7-0 run showcased Nebraska’s offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, pushing their lead to 24-12.
Batenhorst powered the USC offense with six kills in the opening frame, but the Trojans hit just .192 as a team and surrendered seven points on serves with four service errors and three reception errors.
Although USC mounted a late rally with a 6-0 run fueled by freshman outside hitter Jadyn Livings’ serving, it wasn’t enough to overcome Nebraska’s initial surge, and the Huskers secured the first set 25-18, with 12 kills and a .364 hitting percentage, led by four kills from sophomore middle blocker Andi Jackson and other strong performances from standout players like senior outside hitter Merrit Beason, senior libero Lexi Rodriguez and senior outside hitter Lindsay Krause.
The second set was a rough start for both the Trojans and the Huskers; continuous, aggressive back-and-forth action ensued. USC gained momentum, going ahead 10-8 after a 4-1 run. Nebraska fought back after two kills from sophomore outside hitter Harper Murray kept them within striking distance at 14-13.
Batenhorst and her teammates fought hard to extend their advantage to 17-14, but a kill by Krause and a USC hitting error brought the Huskers back within one. A kill by Beason, along with back-to-back kills by Murray, put Nebraska in front at 19-18. The Trojans hit .205 with 15 kills in the set, getting five from Batenhorst, but the Huskers responded with 16 kills, led by nine from Murray, hitting .262.
Despite Nebraska’s pushback, the Trojans’ front row, led by offensive plays from freshman middle blocker Favor Anyanwu, kept the Huskers on their toes. But Nebraska’s relentless blocking, spearheaded by Krause, proved to be too much. USC fought back in the set, with Batenhorst leading the charge. Yet, ultimately the Huskers proved too much for the Trojans and won the set 25-22.
In the third set, USC put up a determined fight, managing to slow down Nebraska’s middle hitters and forcing them to adjust. The Trojans took an early two-point lead, 5-3. The Huskers adjusted quickly.
Throughout the entirety of the third set, Nebraska anticipated unusual hits from the Trojans and continued to respond effectively. Nebraska rallied to establish a lead, bolstered by a block from Krause and another by Allick and Beason, leveling the score to 8-7.
Midway through the set, USC challenged a potential touch on a Nebraska attack, hoping to shift momentum, but the challenge was unsuccessful, leaving USC without any further challenges unless the match went to a fifth set. Nebraska pressed on, taking a commanding lead at 24-13.
Nebraska utilized its momentum — with sophomore setter Bergen Reilly and Murray adding crucial kills — and an ace from Murray sealed the match. Murray (a collective 12 kills and 2 aces) alongside Beason (a collective 11 kills and 9 digs) helped the Huskers anticipate and counter USC’s attacks, securing the final set 25-16 and completing the sweep.
While USC showed potential, they were ultimately outmatched by Nebraska’s play. This match not only marked Nebraska head coach John Cook’s 701st career victory, but also emphasized the challenges USC will need to address as it navigates a competitive Big Ten schedule.
“Ultimately we’re trying to just focus on ourselves and play our game,” Batenhorst said. “I think that is just something that’s most important when you’re playing other teams.”
That focus will be critical as the Trojans aim to regroup and sharpen their consistency. While Batenhorst’s leadership and the team’s ability to rally showed potential, the match underscored the importance of minimizing errors and capitalizing on key moments.
The Trojans will look to bounce back in their next match against Michigan on October 4 at 7 p.m. at Galen Center.