Nebraska VB: Matchup preview as Huskers host Arizona State & Wichita State

Matchup Preview

**Nebraska vs. Arizona State** * **When:** Friday, September 9th, 2023 * **Time:** 7:00 PM CT * **Where:** Devaney Sports Center, Lincoln, NE * **TV:** BTN+ * **Radio:** Husker Sports Network **Nebraska vs. Wichita State** * **When:** Saturday, September 10th, 2023 * **Time:** 7:00 PM CT * **Where:** Devaney Sports Center, Lincoln, NE * **TV:** B1G+ * **Radio:** Husker Sports Network

Scouting the Opponents

**Arizona State** * **2022 Record:** 16-14 (7-11 Pac-12) * **Head Coach:** Sanja Tomasevic (10th season) * **Key Players:** * Junior outside hitter Iman Isanovic (3.18 kills per set, 2.82 digs per set) * Senior middle blocker Claire Jeter (2.92 kills per set, 1.05 blocks per set) * Senior setter Shannon Shields (10.37 assists per set, 3.03 digs per set) **Wichita State** * **2022 Record:** 21-8 (12-4 MVC) * **Head Coach:** Chris Lamb (14th season) * **Key Players:** * Senior outside hitter Brylee Kelly (3.72 kills per set, 2.65 digs per set) * Sophomore middle blocker Sophia Rohling (2.67 kills per set, 1.08 blocks per set) * Junior setter Kayce Litzau (9.98 assists per set, 2.41 digs per set)

Nebraska Outlook

* **2022 Record:** 26-9 (16-4 Big Ten) * **Head Coach:** John Cook (23rd season) * **Key Players:** * Senior outside hitter Madi Kubik (4.01 kills per set, 2.40 digs per set) * Junior middle blocker Kaitlyn Hord (3.09 kills per set, 1.32 blocks per set) * Sophomore setter Ally Batenhorst (10.99 assists per set, 2.85 digs per set) As the Huskers prepare to host Arizona State and Wichita State this weekend, they come into the 2023 season with high expectations. Nebraska was ranked No. 4 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, returning several All-American and All-Big Ten performers, led by Kubik and Hord. All-American libero Lexi Rodriguez will also be a key cog for the Huskers. Her 4.53 digs per set ranked fourth nationally last season.

Matchup Keys

The Huskers will need to be at their best to win the matches against Arizona State and Wichita State. * **Serve aggressively:** Nebraska has one of the best serving teams in the country, and they will need to use that to their advantage against both Arizona State and Wichita State. * **Control the net:** Nebraska has a size advantage at the net, and they will need to use that to their advantage by blocking and attacking effectively. * **Limit errors:** Nebraska can't afford to make too many mistakes against Arizona State and Wichita State.

Prediction

The Huskers should be favored to win both matches this weekend. They are the more experienced and talented team. The Sun Devils and Shockers are both solid teams, but they don't have the same firepower as Nebraska. References: [Nebraska Volleyball Schedule](https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule/2023) [Arizona State Volleyball Schedule](https://thesundevils.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule/2023) [Wichita State Volleyball Schedule](https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule/2023) [2023 AVCA Coaches Poll](https://www.avca.org/polls/volleyball/d1-coaches/2023/women/poll-08-29-2023)