COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Despite strong play against the team's seventh ranked opponent of the season, the Maryland volleyball team fell, 3-0 to No. 14 Nebraska Saturday evening.
“I think the team got themselves in a better place to compete,” said head coach Steve Aird. “I think they did a better job preparing themselves. But credit to Nebraska – they're a powerhouse. They've had a lot of success over the years and they have veteran players who compete hard.”
For the fourth straight match, senior outside hitter Ashleigh Crutcher led the Terps in kills. Crutcher posted 12 against the Huskers.
Maryland (9-14, 2-10 Big Ten) and Nebraska (14-7, 8-4) started the match with a thrilling first set that saw 12 ties and six lead changes. The Terps took a 10-8 lead with a kill from sophomore middle blocker Chavi St. Hill. With Maryland up 13-10, the Huskers use a pair of important blocks to tie the set at 14.
The teams remained neck and neck for the remainder, with the last tie coming at 22. Nebraska took a 24-22 lead, and despite a Crutcher kill, took the set, 25-23.
The second set played out similarly, with the Terps and Huskers evenly matched. After a Nebraska kill knotted the game at 13, the Huskers scored five of the next six points. Maryland began chipping at the lead, tallying four straight points – including a Crutcher kill and a solo block from sophomore middle blocker Ashlyn MacGregor – to tie the set at 18.
Junior outside hitter Emily Fraik and Murray combined for a block late in the game, but a trio of Husker kills allowed them to take a 2-0 match lead into intermission.
The Huskers took early control of the third set, building a 9-4 lead before Maryland took a timeout. Fraik and Crutcher each made three kills in the set as the Terps attempted to push the match to extra sets, but three straight Husker kills gave the 14th-ranked squad a 25-16 set win and the match victory.
Sophomore setter Carlotta Oggioni dished 18 assists and three service errors.
The Terps hit the road for a four-game stint away from College Park. Next weekend, Maryland travels to No. 17 Ohio State and No. 6 Penn State Friday and Saturday.
