SMU Nebraska Volleyball: The SMU Mustangs made a powerful statement in the world of NCAA volleyball with a stunning victory over Nebraska, one of the sport’s most dominant teams. The Mustangs’ 3-0 sweep of the Cornhuskers sent shockwaves through the volleyball community, signaling that SMU is a team to watch this season.
The Match That Shocked Everyone
On a historic night, SMU’s Naya Shime delivered the final blow with a perfectly placed tip, sealing the Mustangs’ win. The scores—25-23, 25-21, and 25-18—tell the story of a team that played with confidence and skill. For context, Nebraska, ranked No. 2 in the nation before the match, is not just any team. The Cornhuskers are a powerhouse with five NCAA national championships and six runner-up finishes, including two in the last three years.
The last time Nebraska lost to an unranked opponent was in 2017, and being swept by an unranked team hasn’t happened in a decade. This makes SMU’s victory even more remarkable.
A Turning Point for SMU Volleyball
SMU’s volleyball program has had a challenging history. Since its inception in 1996, the team has seen little success. However, under the leadership of third-year head coach Sam Erger, things have started to change. Last year, the Mustangs made it to the second round of the NCAA postseason, where they were eliminated by No. 1 Texas, the eventual national champions.
But the win over Nebraska could be a turning point for the program. It’s only the third match of the season, but it already feels like SMU is on the verge of something special.
The Powerhouses Behind the Win
SMU’s success this season is largely due to the experience and talent of its veteran players. Naya Shime, a transfer from Wyoming, has become a key player for the Mustangs. She, along with outside hitter Maya Tabron and middle blocker Natalie Foster, both fifth-year seniors, dominated the front row against Nebraska. Shime and Tabron led the team with nine kills each, while Foster added eight kills and five service aces.
The team also benefits from the leadership of starting setter Celia Cullen, a fifth-year transfer from Michigan State, and defensive specialist Ellie Bolton, a fifth-year transfer from Creighton. Their experience and skill have been crucial in SMU’s early success this season.
A New Era in Texas Volleyball?
Texas is known for its strong volleyball programs, with the Texas Longhorns leading the pack with back-to-back national championships. But SMU’s win over Nebraska suggests that a new era may be dawning in Texas volleyball.
As SMU enters its first year in the ACC, it will face some of the toughest competition in the country, including matches against No. 3 Pittsburgh, No. 4 Louisville, and No. 5 Stanford in October. Although SMU was ranked sixth out of 18 teams in the ACC preseason poll, the win over Nebraska has shown that the Mustangs should not be underestimated.
Conclusion
SMU’s victory over Nebraska is more than just a win; it’s a statement. The Mustangs have arrived on the national stage, and they are ready to compete with the best. As the season progresses, SMU will have the chance to prove that this win was not a fluke, but the beginning of a new era for the program. Keep an eye on the Mustangs—they might just surprise everyone again.
