SMU Nebraska Volleyball: SMU made history with a surprising and powerful victory over Nebraska in volleyball. On a night that many thought would see Nebraska rise to the top, the SMU Mustangs turned the tables and secured a sweeping win. This match, played in front of a record crowd at Moody Coliseum, will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets in SMU volleyball history.
Nebraska, ranked No. 2 in the nation, was expected to dominate. However, SMU came in with determination and confidence, ready to challenge the volleyball giants. The Mustangs, who had never charged for tickets to a home volleyball match before, filled the stadium with energy and excitement.
A Night to Remember
The SMU Mustangs defeated Nebraska in straight sets: 25-23, 25-21, and 25-18. This victory marked Nebraska’s first loss to an unranked team since 2017. It was also a night where SMU proved they could compete with the best in the country.
Naya Shime and Maya Tabron led the way for SMU, each recording nine kills. Nnedi Okammor was a force at the net with nine blocks, helping to secure the win. The SMU coach, Sam Erger, was ecstatic after the game, expressing how surreal the victory felt. “I feel like I’m in a dream,” Erger said. “I knew in my heart that we could compete with anybody, and tonight we showed that.”
SMU volleyball coach Sam Erger’s opening statement after the Mustangs upset No. 2 Nebraska.
“I feel like I’m in a dream. I knew in my heart that we could compete, I knew in my heart that we could compete with anybody.” pic.twitter.com/eP8aOm0GTJ
— Jacob Richman (@JacobHRichman) September 4, 2024
The Power of the Crowd
The atmosphere at Moody Coliseum played a significant role in SMU’s victory. The crowd’s energy was infectious, making it difficult for Nebraska to find their rhythm. The Huskers committed 11 service errors and managed only one ace throughout the match. SMU, on the other hand, thrived in the electrifying environment.
Naya Shime reflected on the experience, saying, “It was so amazing and electric. It made the playing environment a level up, and it was amazing and fun. I loved it.”
A Historic Upset
This victory is a major milestone for SMU volleyball. It’s not just a win; it’s a statement that SMU is ready to compete at the highest levels. The Mustangs entered this season as a new member of the ACC and immediately made their presence known. This victory over Nebraska, a team with a rich history and numerous championships, will be remembered for years to come.
Coach Erger emphasized the importance of this win for the program. “We wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and show them what SMU volleyball is all about,” she said. “The environment was really cool, with everyone chanting ‘SMU’ and ‘Go, Big Red.’ It was just really fun.”
Looking Ahead
SMU’s victory over Nebraska sets the stage for an exciting season. The Mustangs are entering a new era, and this win could be the start of something special. As they continue in the ACC, they will face more tough competition, but with the confidence gained from this historic win, SMU is ready for the challenge.
In conclusion, SMU’s stunning victory over Nebraska in volleyball is a momentous event for the program. It showcases the team’s growth and potential and signals that SMU is a force to be reckoned with in the world of NCAA volleyball. This victory is more than just a win; it’s a new chapter in SMU volleyball history.
