LEWISBURG, Pa.- The Bucknell Bison women’s track & field team will look to bring home the title when the squadron travels to Holy Cross for the 2025 Patriot League Outdoor Championships. The Orange & Blue will attempt to break Navy’s seven-meet winning streak in the Championships. Bucknell finished fourth last year and while the Bison graduated several all-time greats, the program has reloaded for the 2025 campaign. 

Live Results | Schedule of Events | Championship Program | Live Stream

What: 2025 Patriot League Outdoor Championships

Where: Hart Track & Field Complex- Worcester, Mass.

When: May 2-3

Patriot League on ESPN+ Coverage

Track events for the 2024-25 Patriot League Outdoor Track and Field Championships will be streamed on ESPN+. Field events during the championship will not be streamed, but up-to-date content featuring Patriot League multimedia journalist Paige Messier will be available by following @PatriotLeague on Instagram.

2024 Patriot League Outdoor Championships

• Bucknell placed fourth with 122 points.
• Three Bison won First Team All-Patriot League honors for their gold-medal performances: Evelyn Bliss (javelin), Karen Hull (high jump), and Meghan Quinn (200-meter dash).
• Three Bucknell athletes received Second Team All-Patriot League honors: Abby Eisold (heptathlon), Justley Sharp (shot put), and Quinn (100-meter dash).
• Freshman Evelyn Bliss established her presence in the Patriot League by winning the javelin throw. Her toss of 171-11 beat the second-place thrower by over nine feet and brought home ten points. Brylee Tereska placed fourth with a throw of 158-10. She was ranked third until the final round. Her mark won five points and moved her into third all-time in Bucknell history.
• Meghan Quinn wrapped up her Bucknell career with two medals. She equaled her indoor championships accomplishment by winning the 200-meter dash. Despite rainy weather, Quinn blitzed to 23.84, winning ten points. In the 100-meter dash, she overcame a slow start to win silver and eight points via a time of 11.72.
• Karen Hull capped her prestigious high jump career by winning the event. The senior leaped 5-9 ¼ to tie her school record. Hull also won the high jump at the 2024 Patriot League Indoor Championships. 
• Justley Sharp added silver in the shot put to her list of accomplishments, throwing a mark of 50-0. 
• Bucknell history was made in the heptathlon. Senior Abby Eisold won silver with a school-record 4,943 points. She set personal bests in four of the seven events. She led by 120 points entering the final event but was edged by 24 points by Sarah Taylor (Navy), the defending champion. Eisold broke the 41-year-old record of Hall-of-Famer Lonnie Fertik, who had 4,816 points.

Last Time Out (Penn Relays/Maroon & Gold Invite/Red Flash Open)

• Christine Ajao finished 11th in the Penn Relays’s College Shot Put division. Her first throw went 13.62m (44-8.25), placing her 12th. The senior captain’s next attempt flew 13.74m (45-1). She continued to grow stronger and her third and final try traveled 14.00m (45-11.25). The throw slotted her 11th. She missed participating in the finals round by less than a foot. 
• The Bison won two events at the Maroon & Gold Invite. Pole vaulter Elizabeth Bryant moved into second all-time in Bison history in the event last weekend and the junior continued her hot stretch, winning easily today. She cleared 12-5.50, more than five inches better than the second place competition. Bradley Weldon picked up her third win of the outdoor season, easily winning the 5000-meter run. She ran 17:56.26, nearly more than half a minute faster than second place Lauren Joyce. 
• Bucknell picked up several notable results at the Red Flash Open. Clara Knab recorded the program’s highest finish by placing second in the 800-meter run. Her time of 2:17.72 earned the slot. Cassidy Roop was one of two runners in the 3000-meter steeplechase. She placed second, running 12:27.9. 

Up Next

The Bison will compete at the ECAC-IC4A Championships on May 16-18. 

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The USA Volleyball Team announced its U-21 National Team roster, where two Gators were selected to train for the 2025 NORCECA U21 Pan American Cup, July 20–28, in San Jose, Costa Rica.
 
Jaela Auguste and Taylor Parks were two of 18 players selected to participate in a training block from July 13-19 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Following training, 12 athletes will be selected to represent the United States at the Pan Am Cup.
 
Auguste, the 2024 SEC and the All-Southeast Region Freshman of the Year, was a part of the 2024 U21 National Team and the 2023 U19 National Team. She was a member of the U19 Team that won the 2023 Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico and at the 2019 World Championships. This marks Parks first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team.
 
2025 Women’s U21 National Team for U21 Pan American Cup
Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
 
Ayden Ames (MB, 6-4, 2006, Prosper, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Stanford University, Columbia Empire)
Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-3, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, University of Florida, Lone Star)
Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, University of Pittsburgh, North Texas)
Carlie Cisneros (OH, 6-0, 2006, Paola, KS, University of Arizona, Heart of America)
Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)
Charlie Fuerbringer (S, 5-11, 2006, Hermosa Beach, Calif., University of Wisconsin, Southern California)
Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., University of Texas, Hoosier)
Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
Noemie Glover (OPP, 6-2, 2005, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Arizona State University, Southern California)
Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)
Jadyn Livings (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2006, Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., University of Southern California, Heart of America)
Taylor Parks (S, 5-11, 2006, Clearwater, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
Stella Swenson (S, 6-2, 2005, Wayzata, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country)
Molly Tuozzo (L, 5-8, 2005, The Woodlands, Texas, University of Kentucky, Lone Star)
Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes)
 
Coaches
Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)
Assistant Coach: Keith Smith (TCU)
Assistant Coach: Megan Hodge Easy (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: Kolin Koski (LOVB)
Athletic Trainer: Britta Pestak (Hawken School/University Hospital)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (Maryland)
 
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CITY SECTION BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS

Monday, May 5

DIVISION I

First Round

#1 Taft, bye

#9 Verdugo Hills at #8 Cleveland, 4 p.m.

#12 Birmingham at #5 Marquez, 4 p.m.

#13 Narbonne at #4 South East, 4 p.m.

#3 Marshall, bye

#11 South Gate at #6 Kennedy, 4 p.m.

#10 Fremont at #7 Van Nuys, 4 p.m.

#2 Carson, bye

DIVISION II

First Round

#17 LACES at #16 Math & Science College, 4 p.m.

#20 Rancho Dominguez ar #13 Reseda, 4 p.m.

#19 Jordan at #14 San Pedro, 4 p.m.

#18 Bravo at #15 Los Angeles, 4 p.m.

DIVISION III

First Round

#17 Annenberg at #16 Animo Robinson, 4 p.m.

#20 King/Drew at #13 Stern, 4 p.m.

#19 San Fernando at #14 Animo De La Hoya, 4 p.m.

#18 Smidt Tech at #15 Animo Bunche, 4 p.m.

DIVISION IV

First Round

#17 Sotomayor at #16 Jefferson, 4 p.m.

#20 Belmont at #13 USC Hybrid, 4 p.m.

#19 Animo Watts at #14 Neuwirth Leadership, 4 p.m.

#18 Alliance Bloomfield at #15 West Adams, 4 p.m.

DIVISION V

First Round

#17 USC-MAE at #16 Teach Tech Charter, 4 p.m.

#20 Aspire Ollin at #13 Community Charter, 4 p.m.

#19 Alliance Marine-Innovation at #14 New West, 4 p.m.

#18 Alliance Health Services at #15 Academia Avance, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7

OPEN DIVISION

QUARTERFINALS

#8 Grant at #1 Venice, 7 p.m.

#5 Palisades at #4 Granada Hills, 7 p.m.

#6 Eagle Rock at #3 El Camino Real, 7 p.m.

#7 University at #2 Chatsworth, 7 p.m.

Note: Second Round in Divisions II-V, May 8 at 4 p.m. at higher seeds; Quarterfinals in Division I, May 8 at 7 p.m. at higher seeds; Quarterfinals in Divisions II-V, May 12 at 7 p.m. at higher seeds; Semifinals in Open and Division I, May 13 at 7 p.m. at higher seeds; Semifinals in Division DII-V, May 14 at 7 p.m. at higher seeds; Finals in all divisions May 16-17 (sites and times TBD).

Penn Relays is officially over.

But the new postseason schedule means that teams and athletes have a quick turnaround for championship season, which includes a slate of county relays, county/conference championships, and other invitationals.

We are officially three days into “championship season” and we’ve already seen some teams make their mark with team titles at championship meets.

Our latest rankings factor in recent relay meets, including Penn Relays, and early championship results. Check them out below.

1-Toms River North

Last week’s ranking: No. 1

The Mariners maintain their position at the top of the rankings as they enter May. They delivered an impressive performance at the Penn Relays, standing out among schools from the Garden State by qualifying for the 4×400 Championship of America. The team shattered the Shore Conference record twice, initially in the heats with a time of 3:13.16, and then in the C of A with a remarkable 3:11.95, which ranks seventh in N.J. history. Additionally, TRN set a new 4×100 Shore Conference record with a time of 41.63, securing fourth place in the Northeast Final.

Up next: Ocean County Relay Championships, 5/2

2-Christian Brothers

Last week’s ranking: No. 2

Competing in honor of Alex Kemp, the quartet of Ryan Schmitt, Ethan Fianko, Wyatt Falkowski and Joe Barrett won the DMR Championship of America race at Penn Relays on Friday (9:59.17). The time ranks ninth all-time in state history and resets their own Shore Conference record. CBA also had a terrific team effort at the Holmdel Twlight Series on Tuesday, with Gavin Schmitt (9:09.65), Ryan Collins (9:10.97), Sean Galvin (9:23.74) and Thomas Field (9:24.55) all placing within the Top 15.

Up next: Monmouth County Relay Championships, 5/1

3-St. Peter’s Prep

Last week’s ranking: No. 4

St. Peter’s Prep demonstrated its prowess in the sprints at the Penn Relays, with their team of Neko-Luzzi Liggins, Jevon Ledgister, Darryl Coleman, and Hunter Watson clinching victory in the 4×100 Northeast Final with a time of 41.42 seconds. This time not only surpassed the previous Hudson County record of 41.65 set by the Marauders in 2019 but also became the ninth-best time in state history as well. Additionally, the squad’s 3:19.64 in the 4×400 heats ranks fifth in N.J. this season.

Up next: Puma East Coast International Showcase, 5/3

4-Demarest

Last week’s ranking: No. 3

Demarest sent Liam Paneque and its 4×800 relay to Penn Relays last week. Paneque secured eighth place in the long jump, qualifying for finals but missing out on a medal (21-11). Amadeo Bonde, Ivan Timochko, Luke Davis, Alec Stratton ran 8:02.29 in the 4×800 to finish 43rd overall.

Up next: Big North Championships (Freedom & National), 5/2

5-Winslow

Last week’s ranking: No. 5

Winslow showcased its resilience and determination at the Penn Relays, overcoming the setback of losing star runner Jayden Poteat to injury during the 4×400 heats. The squad bounced back to win in the Philadelphia Area 4×400, clocking an impressive New Jersey No. 2 time of 3:16.12. Additionally, they posted a 41.86 in the 4×100 heats. Their strong performance at the Penn Relays followed a dominant showing at the Woodbury Relays, where they clinched the Division 3 team title.

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet, 5/1

6-North Brunswick

Last week’s ranking: No. 7

North Brunswick made history on Tuesday by winning its first-ever Middlesex County Relays title, scoring 85 points. Beating out teams like Edison (65) and South Brunswick (64), North Brunswick won the 4×400 with a N.J. No. 3 time (3:16.74), along with the triple jump relay, long jump relay and pole vault relay. Isaac Gaston (13-0) and Kyal Vreeland combined to go 1-2 in the pole vault relay, while Quincy Pearson and Zachary Jefferson leaped 47-0 and 44-2 to place first and third in the triple jump, respectively.

Up next: GMC Championships, 5/6-5/7

7-Bergen Catholic

Last week’s ranking: No. 6

Bergen Catholic’s quartet consisting of Nicholas Shortridge, Aiden Talley, Xavier Jackson, and Andrew Jermiah Boayke, finished third in the 4×100 Northeast Final with a time of 41.60. The time surpassed the team’s previous Bergen County record of 41.69, which they set with a win the 2023 Meet of Champions. Additionally, Texas commit Benjamin Shue clinchef a third-place finish in the discus championship, delivering a final throw of 198-11.

Up next: Puma East Coast International Showcase, 5/3

8-Union Catholic

Last week’s ranking: No. 8

Union Catholic competed in three different meets over the last few weeks. At the Trotter’s Track Carnival on Friday, UC got a 1-2 finish in the long jump from Jalele Williams (22-7.5) and Noah Cooper (22-0.5). At Penn Relays a week later Union Catholic competed in the 4×100 (43.35), 4×400 (3:21.61) and 4×800 (7:51.97), while Noah Cooper finished 16th in the triple jump. On Tuesday, the Vikings competed at Holmdel Night of 3200s, with Danny Kuran placing seventh (9:15.73).

Up next: Union County Conference Championships, 5/1-5/2

9-Ridgewood

Last week’s ranking: No. 9

Ridgewood’s performance at the Penn Relays was marked by Luke Pash’s impressive run in the 3,000-meter championship. The North Carolina commit secured third place with a time of 8:17.51, setting a significant personal record and marking a notable improvement from his 9:01.90 finish in 22nd place in 2023. The Maroons are set to compete for the Big North Freedom Division title on Friday.

Up next: Big North Freedom & National Division Championships, 5/2

10-Westfield

Last week’s ranking: No. 10

Competing in the DMR Championship of America race at Penn Relays, Westfield finished eighth with a time of 10:13.62. They also fielded 4×100 (44.19) and 4×400 (3:34.86) relays at Franklin Field.

Up next: Union County Conference Championships, 5/1-5/2

11-Elizabeth

Last week’s ranking: No. 11

Elizabeth had a few athletes deliver solid individual performances at the Penn Relays. Maximus Bonilla secured a 12th-place finish in the 3,000-meter run championship with a time of 8:32.81. Meanwhile, Jayden Cadet achieved 14th-place in the triple jump a mark of 44-9 on his second attempt. The team is set to compete in the Union County Conference Championships on Friday.

Up next: Union County Conference Championships, 5/1-5/2

12-Haddonfield

Last week’s ranking: No. 12

Haddonfield won the DMR in the Division 2 race at Woodbury Relays (10:52.50), and also snagged second in the 4×800. In the DMR Championship of America race at Penn Relays, Haddonfield placed seventh (10:13.01) and was the third-fastest N.J. school in the relay. They also competed in the 4×400 (3:33.89)

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet, 5/1

13-Hasbrouck Heights

Last week’s ranking: No. 16

Hasbrouck Heights solidified its status as one of the top teams in the state this spring after securing its 16th-consecutive NJIC Divisional title. The Aviators showcased their dominance with eight event winners, with five athletes claiming two or more titles. Michael Napolitano stood out by winning three events and breaking his own school record in the 100 with a time of 10.87 seconds.

Up next: Bergen County Championships, 5/9

14-Ridge

Last week’s ranking: No. 18

Ridge claimed its fourth straight Somerset County title on Tuesday in dominant fashion, scoring 102 points in the competition. Senior Brenden McMahon cemented himself as one of the most decorated athletes in county history by winning his fourth straight title in the 1600 (4:16.51), while also claiming second in the 3200 (9:24.82).

Up next: Skyland Conference Championships, 5/6

15-Delsea

Last week’s ranking: No. 14

Delsea delivered strong field performances at the Penn Relays. Henry Cifaloglio tied for 13th place in the pole vault, successfully clearing 14-2.5. Meanwhile, Jonathan Harris secured eighth place in the shot put with a throw of 60-6.5 on his fifth attempt. Delsea is set to host the Nike SJTCA Elite Meet on Thursday and the SJTCA Open on Saturday.

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet, 5/1

16-Camden

Last week’s ranking: No. 15

Camden finished second to Woodstown in the Division I team standings at the Woodbury Relays. They pulled off an impressive trio of wins, capturing the 4×100 (42.68), 4×110 hurdles (1:02.77), 4×200 (1:29.02).

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet, 5/1

17-Colts Neck

Last week’s ranking: No. 13

Colts Neck’s DMR quartet, consisting of John Shapiro, Joe Louro, Kyle Schandall, and Jay Adimala, competed in the DMR Championship at the Penn Relays, securing a 13th-place finish with a time of 10:21.59. Adimala delivered an impressive performance on the 1,600-meter leg, clocking in at 4:15.28. In the week prior to Penn, Colts Neck hosted the Colts Neck Spring Invitational, where Adimala triumphed in the 800 with a time of 1:55.08.

Up next: Monmouth County Relay Championships, 5/1

18-South Brunswick

Last week’s ranking: No. 17

South Brunswick ran one of the fastest 4×400 relays statewide at Penn Relays, as the quartet of Jason Keiser, Anshul Jha, Jaylen Brundidge, Bryant Williams finished in 3:21.07. They managed to go even faster at the Middlesex County Relays (3:18.98) in a second-place effort. At that meet, they finished third overall with 64 points. The Vikings claimed wins in the 4×800 (8:11.50), 4×1600 (18:28.19) and 4×400 (54.47)

Up next: GMC Championships, 5/6-5/7

19-Delbarton

Last week’s ranking: No. 19

Peter Donini led Delbarton’s performance at the Penn Relays, earning Top American honors in the shot put. The Michigan commit achieved a throw of 63-11.5 on his fifth attempt, securing fourth place in the event. Delbarton is set to compete for a county relay title at the upcoming Morris County Relay Championships this weekend.

Up next: Morris County Relay Championships, 5/1

20-Cherokee

Last week’s ranking: No. 20

Cherokee sent both its 4×100 and 4×400 relays to Penn Relays. In the 4×400, the quartet of Mateo Rosario, Colin Feehan, Dom Pileri, Tate Midora finished in 3:36.92.

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet

Bakari Tice and Corey Annan can be reached at btice@njadvancemedia.com and cannan@njadvancemedia.com.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 1, 2025) – We are set to begin the DI/II Men’s NCAA Tournament after some surprising upsets last week in the MPSF and Big West Conference Tournaments. In DIII, we crowned Southern Virginia as 2025 National Champion. The DI/DII, quarterfinal round through the championship round will take place in Columbus, Ohio. Stay tuned for our live coverage from the semifinals and final round of the tournament on our Instagram @usavolleyball.

(rankings source: AVCA.org)

NCAA Division I/II

Big West tournament results

There is no place like home for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors who earned the title of 2025 Big West Champions on home court. Hawaii went .500 in the month of April prior to the postseason but showed up in a big way when it came time to battle for the conference championship. Hawaii took a 3-1 win over UCI in the semifinals and a 3-1 win over Long Beach in the Championship.

Big West Final match leaders (Hawaii)

• Kills: Finn Kearney (14)
• Digs: Adrien Roure (9)

NTDP Athlete Performances

LBSU – Nato Dickinson: 21 kills, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 7 digs
LBSU – Isaiah Preuitt: 2 kills, 3 blocks, 1 assist, 1 dig
LBSU – DiAeris McRaven: 8 kills, 3 Blocks, 1 dig
Hawaii – Finn Kearney: 14 kills, 1 block, 4 digs
Hawaii – Justin Todd: 7 kills, 5 blocks, 2 digs
Hawaii – Tread Rosenthal: 5 kills, 42 assists

MPSF Tournament Results

Like Hawaii, Pepperdine made the most of an opportunity to host the MPSF finals, pulling off not one but two upsets to claim the conference title. Outside Ryan Barnett was named AVCA Player of the Week. He averaged 4.75 kills per set in the tournament.

MPSF Final match leaders (Pepperdine)

• Kills: Ryan Barnett (23)
• Digs: Ilay Haver (18)

NTDP Athlete Performances
Pepperdine – Cole Hartke: 8 kills, 3 aces, 3 blocks, 5 digs
Pepperdine – Gabe Dyer: 1 kill, 44 assists, 2 aces, 2 blocks, 4 digs
Pepperdine – Jacob Reilly: 3 assists, 12 digs
USC – Dillon Klein: 16 kills, 2 aces, 8 digs, 5 blocks
USC – Caleb Blanchette: 2 kills, 42 assists, 3 blocks
USC – Parker Tomkinson: 6 kills, 7 blocks, 1 dig
USC – Sterling Foley: 9 kills, 3 assists, 6 blocks, 9 digs
USC – Johnny Dykstra: 2 assists, 16 digs

MIVA Tournament Results

Loyola Chicago put together three sweeps in the MIVA tournament over Queens, Lewis and Ohio State to take the tournament championship. It’s the first time since 2022 that a team won the MVIA tournament with three sweeps. Parker Van Buren was named tournament MVP.

MVIA Final match leaders (Loyola Chicago)

• Kills: Parker Van Buren (22)
• Digs: Ryan McElligott (8)

NTDP Athlete Performances
Loyola Chicago – Parker Van Buren: 22 kills, 1 ace, 1 block, 6 digs
Loyola Chicago – Nicodemus Meyer: 6 kills, 1 assist, 5 blocks, 1 dig
Ohio State – Kyle Teune: 5 kills, 1 ace, 2 blocks, 4 digs
Ohio State – Shane Wetzel: 8 kills, 1 block, 6 digs

View complete conference tournament results on NCAA.com

NCAA Tournament Bracket

Hawaii will face the winner of Daemen vs. Penn State (5/2 at 4 p.m. PT) in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament.

UCLA earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and will face Belmont Abbey in the quarterfinal round (5/8 at 8 a.m. PT). Hawaii and UCLA are on the same side of the bracket, and would meet in the semifinals if both teams advance.

Long Beach earned an at-large selection and will begin the NCAA tournament vs. Ft. Valley State in the quarterfinal round (5/8 @ 2 p.m. PT). The Beach was ranked the No. 1 team by the AVCA for the last 13 consecutive weeks en-route to the team’s sixth Big West regular season championship in the last seven seasons.

Loyola Chicago and Pepperdine will square off in a battle of conference champions in the quarterfinal round (5/8 @ 4:30 p.m. PT). In an earlier meeting this season, The Ramblers and Wave went to five sets, with Loyola outlasting Pepperdine. It is the first NCAA Tournament berth for Loyola Chicago in a decade

Live streaming for all matches, as well as the complete tournament bracket can be found at NCAA.com

This offseason is unique for Nebraska volleyball, and not just because John Cook isn’t roaming the sideline. The Huskers scheduled three opportunities to test themselves against another team heading into Dani Busboom Kelly’s first season in charge. They’ve already faced Omaha in a closed scrimmage and Kansas in front of a full Devaney Center crowd.

On Saturday, they’ll cap the spring with their traditional traveling exhibition, this year visiting Ord, Nebraska, to face South Dakota State.

“I think it’s incredibly helpful,” Rebekah Allick said of the multiple exhibitions. “Like a lot of us said, there were tons of nerves in those first couple points in the first half of the first set, and so just being able to work through that. Obviously, it’ll be a smaller crowd in Ord, and so I think we’ll be able to focus on stuff technically speaking, and run more of those offensive plays, just different things that we have to offer this season.

“I think playing here in Devaney was great. It really is, honestly, the definition of jumping off in the deep end. So I think Ord will be, hopefully, smoother.”

A crowd of 8,592 packed John Cook Arena inside the Devaney Center for Busboom Kelly’s home debut as Nebraska’s head coach. While the team has said the change hasn’t been dramatic, Busboom Kelly is asking the team to speed the tempo up a bit and has brought more set plays with her, giving the Huskers plenty to work on offensively.

The Kansas exhibition offered the returners a chance to get used to the offensive tweaks and the freshmen a chance to work through some first-game jitters. As Allick said, the focus on Saturday will be on execution.

Busboom Kelly said she’s excited to continue the tradition of bringing Nebraska volleyball to small towns in central and western Nebraska.

“I was an assistant when we started that,” Busboom Kelly said. “I don’t even remember where we went, but I know it was far, out in western Nebraska. We played Colorado. I kind of know what to expect, and I know it’s really special to the people in those towns. They put on a show the night before and treat us like royalty, so I know it’ll be a great time. It’s a way to just be really appreciative of what we have in the state of Nebraska.”

Ord, with a population just north of 2,000, is located roughly 70 miles north of Kearney, last year’s site for Nebraska’s exhibition. Tickets for the match sold out in less than 30 minutes.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Busboom Kelly said. “Being away from Nebraska for eight years, you forget a little bit how big of a deal volleyball is here. And then when things like that happen, it’s a quick reminder how amazing it is across the state and how much it means to everybody. So besides the fact it’s on [Kentucky] Derby Day, I’m excited to go out to Ord, and I think they’re going to be really impressed with this team, and also this team is just so amazing at what they can bring to just fans in general. They’re great people, and they really enjoy interacting with fans. I think Ord’s going to be a great time.”

Nebraska’s first public scrimmage showed plenty of potential as Busboom Kelly made use of her deep and talented roster, rolling out different lineups in each set. Busboom Kelly highlighted the potent middle attack — Allick and Andi Jackson combined for 22 kills on .538 hitting — as something she hopes to see again on Saturday and pointed to serve receive, serving and blocking as areas for improvement.

“I do think Kansas served very aggressively, but I thought our serve receive showed some weaknesses, and then just our blocking,” Busboom Kelly said. “But if we’re serving weak, our block is probably going to look weak. So if we serve tougher, hopefully we can smooth out our blocking. Those would be two big areas of improvement.”

The Jackrabbits went 27-3 during the 2024 season, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament as an at-large team before falling to No. 8 seed Miami in the first round at the Devaney Center. They return their starting setter in Rylee Martin, five of their top six attackers led by outside hitter Sylvie Zgonc and their top two defensive specialists. Coach Dan Georgalas also has a Nebraska native on his roster in fifth-year middle blocker Analee Ventling-Brown, a Lincoln East graduate.

First serve at Ord High School on Saturday is set for 2 p.m. CT. Nebraska Public Media will televise the match, with a stream available for Big ten Plus subscribers.