North Platte, Ne - The Nebraska Sparklers, is the Nebraska chapter of the Miss America’s Little Sisters Mentoring Program. The program began as a goodwill gesture between girls in the local community and the visiting delegates. Miss Nebraska Organization's Megan Doughty says Sparklers is for little girls 6-12 years old, "they are paired with one of the Miss or Teen delegate during the Miss Nebraska and Miss Nebraska's Teen cometition in June for the entirety of the week. The girls get to dance with the delgates on stage, are introduced to the pageant crowd and more".&nbsp;

The POST spoke in depth about Miss Nebraska Organization's events over the winter and Nebraska Sparklers. <a href="http://www.npkubota.com">Enjoy the conversation below, sponsored by North Platte Kubota.</a>

The entry deadline is at the end of February,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missnebraska.org/little-sister-form" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to apply</a>.&nbsp;

Application deadline nears for Miss Nebraska "Sparklers" (PODCAST)

North Platte, Ne - It's Nebraska 4-H month! Tonight, the Lincoln/Logan/McPherson County 4H'rs are hosting an open house at the North Platte Extension Office on State Farm Road. Learn about 4-H and how you can get involved. They will have light refreshments and kid friendly activities. 4-H club leaders &amp; professionals will be present to answer questions. Enroll on sight! The event is from 4pm-7pm at the North Platte Extension Office at 348 West State Farm Road.

LISTEN TO CONVERSATION with Caitlyn Jacobson (4H Extension Educator) about tonights event. <a href="http://www.npkubota.com">Podcast Sponsored by North Platte Kubota.</a>

4H Open House tonight in North Platte

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss last week's victory over the #1 team in the Region 9 South Lamar Community College, as well as discussing the overall development and growth of the team down the stretch.

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #8 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Neb. - The 2025 NEBRASKALand DAYS Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash is quickly approaching this Saturday at the D&amp;N Event Center. The event is set to begin with the doors opening at 6:00pm, a live auction at 7:00pm and live music from local artist Drew Phillips Band to begin at 9:00pm. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online or at the door. Tickets get you entry for two drink tickets and also a meal will be served. This year's theme is Star Wars.

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with NEBRASKALand DAYS Executive Director Bob Lantis about the upcoming event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) NEBRASKAland Days Prepares for 2025 Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash

Winter weather has once again struck North Platte and the listening area. Snow is falling and is expected to fall until tomorrow. An extreme cold advisory is in effect until tomorrow. POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Bill Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, North Platte office about this storm. To learn more, check out their conversation on top.

(LISTEN) Hazardous conditions hitting the listening area over the next few days

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss last week's crazy games, which concluded with the Knights winning their last two against inner state rivals Central and Southeast. Coach Brandl also opens up about his coaching philosophies and overall culture goals for his program.

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #7 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Neb. - Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren has a had a busy schedule for her with plenty different events to attend but she recently attended the Miss America Pageant in Orland Florida in late December to early January. During her trip to Florida, Warren experienced many different fun filled activities and connecting with the other states misses. Miss Nebraska roommate was Miss Montana and for Warren there might have been an 8-year age gap, but the two had a blast.&nbsp;

"It was really fun because I am one of the oldest candidates but I'm 28 and my roommate was 20 and it was quite fun. There's an age gap there but we did some Tik Tok videos, and we had so much fun together rehearsing, we got to do a ton of production rehearsals," said Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren.&nbsp;

Also happening this weekend in North Platte is the Crown and Gowns which welcomes the 2025 contestants who are in town for their headshots, get their gowns and attend workshops. On Friday, all the 2025 contestants are meeting up with Miss Nebraska for a big roller-skating party. Warren plans on keeping herself busy for the next 6 months doing events throughout the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren to talk about her experience and everything else going on. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Miss Nebraska Raechel Warren stops by the Eagle Studio to recap her experience at the Miss America  Pageant  and more!

North Platte, Neb. - A local fan favorite event is back in North Platte on February 7th when the Business &amp; Professional Women - NP host the Wine and Brew Event. The event is taking place at Venue 304 and doors open at 6:00pm with the event starting at 6:30pm. Tickets are limited at the door, so purchase your tickets online by<a href="https://www.northplattebpw.com/events-1/wine-brew-1"> clicking here.</a> &nbsp;

Different local brewers will be on site and guests can try all the different wines and brews brought to the event. There will also be a silent auction that has lots of great items to bid on.&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Brandy Jamerman, the president of the Business &amp; Professional Women - NP about the event. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Business & Professional Women - NP preparing to host this years Wine & Brew event!

North Platte, Neb. - The Prairie Arts Center in North Platte has announced a new variety of classes that community members can take. There are plenty of classes that everyone can enjoy. The PAC also welcomes in 2 new galleries beginning in February. Lastly the PAC will be launching two new programs.&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Holly Carlini from the PAC about all the news things going on. The Prairie Arts Center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 11am - 4pm. To view the PAC website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prairieartscenter.org/">click here.</a>&nbsp;to learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Prairie Arts Center announces different classes, new galleries and more!

Ogallala, Ne - St. Luke's Catholic 5th Graders&nbsp;Jetta Peterson and Elizabeth Tickle along with Lisa Kraus joined Derek Beck on Sandhills Spotlight on Z93.5 Country Thursday morning to talk about Catholic Schools Week at St. Luke's and the annual Winter Festival set for this Sunday afternoon at the Keith County Fairgrounds. (<a href="https://npkubota.com/">Post Podcast sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a>)

There will be lunch available, along with Kids Games, a Cakewalk, a Silent and Live Auction, Raffle and more.

(Podcast) St. Luke's Catholic School in Ogallala holding Winter Festival Sunday

Post news director Canon Rath chatted with Scrappy the president for the Guardians of the Children (GOC) about the upcoming 11th annual "caller" chili/soup, rib/meat cook off and silent auction taken place this Saturday at the D&amp;N Event Center in North Platte.&nbsp;

The event runs from 11:00am - 2:00pm and costs $5 at the door to get in. That $5 paid will let you taste all the chili/meats being served. The event is in honor of Ed "Caller" Clafin. The Lil' Guardians will be on location selling drinks and cinnamon rolls. Attendees will have the chance to vote on the best chili/soup, rib/meat and best decorated booth. 

The GOC is still looking for teams to participate in the event. If you would like to participate, it does cost $45 per team. To get the contact information, check out the flyer attached to the story.

To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Guardians of the Children invites the community to the 11th annual "Caller" chili/soup & rib/meat cookoff and silent auction this Saturday

The Hot Sheets: February 21st, 2025

The Hot Sheets: February 20th, 2025

The Hot Sheets: February 19th, 2025

School Closings coming in for Wednesday

The Hot Sheets: February 18th, 2025

February 17, 2025 (OMAHA, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is heartbroken to announce that a Nebraska State Trooper has been killed in the line of duty today.

The&nbsp; Trooper was Kyle McAcy #302, who gave his life in the line of duty this morning while assisting motorists who had been involved in a crash on Interstate 80 near Ashland. 

Preliminary investigation shows that Trooper McAcy was responding with other troopers to a crash on Interstate 80 near mile marker 424, between Ashland and Greenwood. During that response, Trooper McAcy was outside his patrol unit and was struck by a snowplow.

Trooper McAcy has been a dedicated Trooper for 10 years and an incredible friend to countless people. Please keep his family, friends, colleagues, and all who have the honor of knowing him in your hearts following this unimaginable loss.&nbsp; Trooper McAcy served in North Platte prior to taking post on the eastern side of the state.

“Our NSP family is devastated today,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Kyle was a dedicated trooper, a devoted public servant, and most importantly a good friend to many in Omaha and beyond. His loss is being felt by countless people. Please keep his family, friends, colleagues, and community in your hearts as they deal with this unimaginable loss.”

Trooper McAcy, 31, was a ten-year veteran of the Nebraska State Patrol. He was a graduate of Camp 56 and wore badge #302. Trooper McAcy has served in the Patrol Division, Carrier Enforcement, and as a Crisis Negotiator. He was stationed in Omaha.

NSP has asked the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the crash investigation. As winter weather conditions continue across the state, NSP urges all motorists to be safe if they must travel.&nbsp;

Former North Platte Trooper killed while responding to crash on Interstate 80 near Ashland

The University of Nebraska Medical Center has announced its fall 2024 dean’s list for students enrolled in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and the allied health professions of medical imaging and therapeutic sciences program and medical laboratory science.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To qualify for the dean’s list, nursing and the allied health students must be enrolled for 12 or more hours during the semester and have a grade point average of 3.75 or above. To qualify for the pharmacy dean’s list, students must place in the top 20% of their class and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or above. Dental students must be in the top 10% of their class for the semester.&nbsp;

The following is a list of students, their hometowns and the colleges in which they are enrolled.&nbsp;The names of students who chose not to be listed due to privacy reasons — protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act — are not included.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lincoln -- Tanner Cromer, Kathleen Nguyen, Jason Vo 

Omaha -- Mehrnaz Alishiri, Noah Bratt, Alyssa Butler, Kayli Comine, Alexandra Duminy, Sophie Hassenstab, Alyssa Meisenbach, Annika Muse, Lauren Wintz

Papillion -- Elizabeth Eidem, Tatum Jorgensen, Benjamin Yanovich, Sydney Zych

COLLEGE OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Omaha -- Thomas Casart, Tiana Krukar, Gabriel Ruiz-Herrera, Jessica Steckelberg

Fullerton -- Ethan Ciancio, Jurnee Patton

Grand Island -- Haley Hellwege, Emma Tennant, Elizabeth Trausch

Lincoln -- Maya Anthens, Kara Linder, Hogan Wingrove

Minden -- Kendall Colby, Bailee Schurmann

Omaha -- Haley Bourassa, Stephanie Corwin, Jacey Garrett, Abbie Gaube, Madison Hansen, Kelsey Jarnagin, Ilana Miller, Yesenia Mora-Lopez, Shelby Sanchez, Bethany Van Schooneveld, Connor Zimmerman

Grand Island -- Ana De Orta Canela, Amanda Kulp, Sebastiana Mateo-Domingo, Samantha Roby

Kearney -- Aspen Brandich, Josie Jakubowski, Kyerie Lechman, Rylee McCurdy, Madison Mishou, Carli Pofahl, Taelyn Pritchard

UNMC Announces Fall 2024 Dean’s List

North Platte Community College’s 56th annual Inter-High Day lured in 373 students from 14 area high schools Thursday.

They competed for scholarships and other prizes while taking tests in everything from art, accounting and criminal justice to auto body, welding and diesel technology. The scholastic contest was spread across both of NPCC’s campuses.

Schools earned points based on how well their students placed in the academic divisions. The top three point earning schools received a plaque and a $500 scholarship to award to a student of their choice.

Individual first place winners received a medal, a $500 scholarship and three credit hours of summer tuition to the college. Second and third place recipients earned medals as well as three credit hours of summer tuition.

The top three winners in each of the applied technology competitions also received industry-based prizes related to their test areas.

Third – Leyton Connell, McPherson County

Business Communications&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First – Porter Connick, St. Patrick’s

Chemistry &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First –&nbsp;Saije Phelps, McPherson County

Second –&nbsp;Brody Lytle, McCook

Dramatic Arts/Theater (11th-12th grades)

Third – Braxtton Songster, North Platte

Dramatic Arts/Theater (9th-10th grades)

Second – Isabella Frazier, North Platte

Third – Natalie Wiezorek, St. Patrick’s

Third – Lauren Marchlewski, North Platte

Second – Bennett Korensky, St. Patrick’s

Area students win big at NPCC Inter-High Day

Ogallala Indian Hoops on Flatrock 100.7 FM

Bridgeport (24-1) 57-41 over Ogallala(16-9)

Radio Only Broadcast on Flatrock 100.7, <a href="https://bit.ly/3PabxMW">STREAM US Here</a>

LISTEN ONLINE - Ogallala Girls vs. Bridgeport (C1-10 Sub Final)

Omaha, Ne - The Nebraska Girls State Wrestling Meet is going on in Omaha today and Wednesday. See results here, along with exclusive video interviews and pictures from the POST.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">CLICK HERE</a>

Great first night for Girls State Wrestling in Omaha (Results, Videos and Pictures)

North Platte, Ne - Girls basketball subdistricts in classes C1, C2, D1 &amp; D2 begin around the state on Monday, February 17. An expected snow storm could change some of the game times and locations of the brackets below. Watch our cancellations page for updates on any changes to these games. Class A and B will begin next week.

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C1-8 at Milford High School

Tuesday - #1 Milford (20-1) vs.
(St.Paul/Cozad Winner)

Tuesday - #3 Grand Island Central Catholic
(11-11) vs. #2 Broken Bow (17-5)

Thursday – (Tuesday Winners at 6:30pm
CT)

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C1-9 at Gothenburg High School

Monday - #4 Adams Central (8-12)
vs. #5 Gibbon (2-20)

Monday - #3 Kearney Catholic
(11-11) vs. #6 Wilber-Clatonia (0-23)

Tuesday - #1 Gothenburg (17-3)
vs. (Adams Central/Gibbon Winner) 5:30pm CT

Tuesday - #2 Central City (22-2)
vs. (Kearney Catholic/Wilber-Clatonia Winner) 7pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C1-10 at Bridgeport Public Schools

Monday - #4 Hershey (12-9)
vs. #5 Chadron (11-12) 5pm MT

Monday - #3 Chase County
(11-9) vs. #6 Mitchell (8-14) 6:30 MT

Tuesday - #1 Bridgeport (22-1) vs.
(Hershey/Chadron Winner) 5pm MT

Tuesday - #2 Ogallala
(15-8) vs. (Chase County/Mitchell Winner) 6:30pm MT (Game on Flatrock
100.7 FM)

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C2-7 at Cross County High School

Monday - #4 Maxwell (12-10)
vs. #5 Wood River (6-17) 5pm CT

Tuesday - #1 Cross County (21-2)
vs. (Maxwell/Wood River Winner) 5pm CT

Tuesday - #3 Sandy Creek (13-9)
vs. #2 Sutton (18-6) 6:45pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C2-8 at Maywood High School

Monday - #4 Centura (12-11) vs. #5
Shelby-Rising City (6-16) 4:30pm CT

Monday - #3 Arcadia/Loup City
(14-9) vs. #6 South Loup (2-19) 5:45pmCT

Tuesday - #1 Maywood-Hayes
Center (21-4) vs. (Centura/SRC Winner) 5pm CT

Tuesday - #2 Hastings St. Cecilia
(13-8) vs. (ALC/South Loup Winner) 6:15pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
C2-10 at Gordon-Rushville High School

Monday - #4 Perkins County
(8-12) vs. #5 North Platte St. Pat’s (4-18) will be played in Grant at
5pm MT

Tuesday - #1 Gordon-Rushville
(9-13) vs. (PC/NPSP Winner) 4:30pm MT

Tuesday - #3 Bayard (10-11) vs. #2
Valentine (6-16) 6pm MT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D1-10 at Bartley, NE

Monday - #4 Wauneta-Palisade
(9-11) vs. # Hi-Line (4-16) 6:30pm

Tuesday - #1 Southwest (20-1) vs.
(WP/HL Winner) 6pm CT

Tuesday - #3 Cambridge (12-10) vs.
#2 Arapahoe (15-9) 7:30pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D1-11 at Brady High School

Tuesday - #1 Brady (15-7)
vs. #4 Sandhills Valley (0-17) 7pm CT

Tuesday - #3 Sutherland
(3-16) vs. #2 South Platte (17-6) 5:30pm CT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D2-9 at Dundy County Stratton High School, Benkelman, NE

Tuesday - #1 Dundy
County-Stratton (14-6) vs. #4 Medicine Valley (2-19) 5pm MT

Tuesday - #3 Wallace (5-14)
vs. #2 Hitchcock County (8-12) 6:30pm MT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D2-10 at Mullen High School, Mullen NE

Tuesday - #1 Mullen (17-2)
vs. #4 Arthur County (6-10) 4:30pm MT

Tuesday - #3 Sandhills/Thedford
(13-9) vs. #2 Paxton (13-8) 6pm MT

Girls Basketball Subdistrict
D2-11 at Leyton High School (Dalton)

Monday - #4 Creek Valley
(2-15) vs. #5 Minatare (1-13) 6pm MT

Tuesday - #1 Leyton (19-2) vs.
(Creek Valley/Minatare Winner) 6pm MT

Tuesday - #3 Banner County (4-15)
vs. #2 Garden County (13-9) NO GAME FORFEIT

Thursday – (Leyton/CV-Minarare
Winner) vs. #2 Garden County 6pm MT

Girls Basketball Subdistricts begin Monday (Brackets)

Story by NU Athletic Communication

Champaign, Ill.&nbsp;- Nebraska led 31-30 at halftime, but home-standing Illinois took control in the third quarter and held on for a 77-68 win over the Husker women's basketball team on Sunday afternoon at the State Farm Center.

Nebraska slipped to 17-9 overall and 8-7 in the Big Ten, while Illinois notched its eighth consecutive victory to improve to 21-5 overall and 11-4 in the conference.

Alexis Markowski tied her career high with 28 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter to help the Huskers stay within three points of the Illini at 63-60 with three minutes left in the game. Markowski had 17 in the second half, including NU's first nine points in the opening 2:30 of the fourth quarter.&nbsp;

Illinois answered with a huge second half from Adalia McKenzie, who had 17 of her team-high 23 points after halftime including a three-point play with 2:35 left to put Illinois back up by six. Another three-point play for McKenzie just over a minute later extended the Illini lead to nine points at 71-62. McKenzie added eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals on the day.

The Huskers refused to quit but could not overcome the execution and free throw shooting of the Illini down the stretch.

Nine different Huskers scored in the game, but Markowski was the only player in double figures for Nebraska. The 6-3 center also grabbed eight rebounds in a strong performance. Britt Prince added nine points and matched her career high for the second straight game with eight assists, but she was injured in the closing minutes when she landed on McKenzie's foot on a late three-point attempt.

Alberte Rimdal managed seven points off the bench, while Jessica Petrie contributed five points and a team-high nine rebounds. Logan Nissley and Kendall Coley both contributed five points, while Amiah Hargrove added four points and six rebounds off the bench.

Kendall Bostic helped Illinois to victory with 19 points and 11 rebounds for her 51st career double-double, while Berry Wallace added 15 big points off the bench in place of injured starter Jasmine Brown-Hagger who left the game late in the first quarter with a leg injury.

Genesis Bryant managed 12 points and four assists while helping Illinois seal the win at the line down the stretch.

For the game, Nebraska hit 25-of-63 shots from field (.397), including 6-of-18 three-pointers (.333), but Illinois held the Huskers down from long range in the second half, as Rimdal hit NU's only shot from beyond the arc with 16 seconds left. The Huskers were 12-for-16 at the free throw line and won the rebounding battle, 40-38, but Illinois took the turnover margin 10-7.

Illinois hit 28-of-62 shots (.452), including 6-of-17 threes, while going 15-of-22 at the free throw line.

In a back and forth first half, Nebraska fought to a 31-30 halftime lead thanks to a late three-pointer from Coley.&nbsp; It was NU's fifth three-pointer of the half and it capped a 5-0 run to end the period after Illinois had matched its biggest lead of the half at 30-26 with a 10-0 run.

The Huskers, who led 16-13 at the end of the first quarter, claimed their biggest margin of the half at 26-20 after a three-pointer from Nissley with 5:14 left in the half, before NU went more than four minutes without scoring during the Illini run.

Markowski led the Huskers in the first half with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Nissley and Prince each added five first-half points. Wallace led the Illini with 10 points off the bench, including a pair of three-pointers. Bostic added seven points for Illinois but missed much of the second quarter with foul trouble.

Nebraska hit just 11-of-31 shots from the field, but connected on 5-of-11 threes and all four of its free throws with all four coming from Markowski. The Huskers held Illinois to 11-for-32 shooting, including 4-of-11 threes, while Illinois hit 4-of-6 free throws. The Big Red out-rebounded Illinois, 21-20, but lost the first-half turnover battle, 6-3.

The Huskers return to Pinnacle Bank Arena for their final home stand of the season beginning with Oregon on Wednesday night. Tip-off between Nebraska and the Ducks in their first-ever trip to Lincoln is set for 7 p.m. with tickets available now at Huskers.com. A live video stream of the game will be available to B1G+ subscribers, while live audio coverage will be provided by the Huskers Radio Network, including Huskers.com.

Huskers Fall in Tight Battle at Illinois

Story by Omaha Supernovas Communication

OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001iEy5QC7522QlWYsFqHpv0gLzL3hZAqK08tb4t7D4oqWeMXpwIJ0BmU_POqVMp0EEo73OUvw--4XwpeGfpNK5WguRsizka3iqgtBn1h2-_GDpKzwqSsGj0BcJrg0CDT_TjNbsX3AtCwqq0NOOtDqnnKSae4LQTSPNkV7b7m2ksxaKSAY36MbXldMYsJdmDMlW&amp;c=2cWNji880CItOIPYu6jTZPcSr7m9s6kiezNi9SaIdrdG0DXDB-VobA==&amp;ch=Quc-tYtDe2WxH7hklWr-9cGuJxnwJNtcTyCI4PoLL9AWDZPTyWm09w==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, dominated the San Diego Mojo (3-7) in a 25-21, 25-19, 25-18 sweep Sunday afternoon at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;for the team’s third-straight win.&nbsp;

The Supernovas (7-3) – who have won five of their last six matches – hosted&nbsp;12,768&nbsp;fans which is the&nbsp;second most-attended U.S. Pro Volleyball match in history.&nbsp;All four of Omaha's 2025 home matches rank among the top six in overall attendance, including the three largest crowds. With Sunday's crowd, the Supernovas now hold the top 11 most-attended U.S. Pro Volleyball matches.

Omaha outside hitter&nbsp;Reagan Cooper&nbsp;continued her impressive run of offense, producing a match-high 11 points with 10 kills on a .444 hitting percentage. She also added six digs with a block. Fellow pin hitter&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;chipped in nine kills along with her first ace of the season. Opposite&nbsp;Emily Londot&nbsp;made her third career pro start, posting seven kills, eight digs and three blocks for 10 points on the afternoon.&nbsp;

Omaha middle blocker&nbsp;Kayla Caffey&nbsp;had five kills with a pair of blocks and digs. Although, her best display came from the service line, putting constant pressure on the Mojo serve receive which included an ace.&nbsp;Kaitlyn Hord&nbsp;recorded three kills and added to her league-leading block total with four stuffs. Rookie&nbsp;Toyosi Onabanjo&nbsp;saw action late in the third set, putting down three kills on three swings.&nbsp;

Setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;dished out 34 assists and 10 digs for a double-double, which also included a trio of kills. Libero and 2025 PVF All-Star&nbsp;Camila Gómez&nbsp;finished with nine digs and two assists.&nbsp;

The Supernovas hit .299 as a team with 42 kills and only 10 hitting errors. Omaha posted 10 blocks alongside a pair of aces.&nbsp;

San Diego was led by Kayla Lund who had a team-high 10 kills on a .320 clip with nine digs. The Mojo was limited to a .170 team hitting percentage with three blocks and one ace.&nbsp;

Omaha faces San Diego for the second-straight match on Thursday, February 20, but this time on the road. First serve at Viejas Arena is set for 9:05 p.m. CST with the match set to be streamed on&nbsp;VBTV. The Supernovas are next at home for a pair of matches against the Orlando Valkyries on&nbsp;Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m. CST&nbsp;followed by a rematch with the Indy Ignite on&nbsp;Sunday, March 2 at 3 p.m. CST.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;Caffey got the Supernovas rolling with the first kill of the night, but the Mojo quickly answered with kills from Lauren Page and Lund. A Mojo serving error leveled the score at 3-3 before Londot took charge, racking up three early kills to account for half of Omaha’s first six points. Nuneviller and Caffey added kills, while Valentín-Anderson chipped in two of her own, pushing the lead to 10-6 and forcing an early San Diego timeout. Nuneviller kept the momentum going with a kill out of the break, but Rainelle Jones stopped the run with a kill of her own. Omaha answered with a kill from Cooper and a block from Hord before three straight Supernovas’ errors cut the lead to 14-11. Nuneviller forced the Mojo into their second timeout with another kill. Out of the break, the Mojo found a rhythm with kills from Page, Lund, and Kendra Dahlke. Cooper fired back with a kill before Lund’s block made it 19-14. Elise McGhee and Ronika Stone added a kill and a block to make it 21-18. Nuneviller and Londot delivered a kill each to bring up set point at 24-20. Page managed a late kill for Mojo, but an attacking error sealed a 25-21 Omaha win.

Omaha hit .275 in the set, with Nuneviller leading the charge with four kills on a .444 clip. San Diego posted a .212 hitting percentage, with Lund and Page having three kills each.

Set 2:&nbsp;Omaha raced out to a 4-0 start behind a Nuneviller ace, Cooper kill, and back-to-back points from Caffey. Dahlke got the Mojo on the board with their first point of the set. Cooper fired back with a kill and Caffey delivered an ace to force San Diego into an early timeout. Page responded with a kill to cut the deficit to 6-2, but Hord quickly answered with one of her own to keep the Supernovas in control. After the two teams traded errors, Maya Tabron found the floor with a kill for the Mojo. Caffey came up big at the net with a block to extend Omaha’s lead to 13-6. A couple of Supernovas’ errors brought the Mojo to 14-9, but Hord answered with a kill and a block to push the lead to 16-9 and force San Diego another timeout. Out of the break, Stone sparked the Mojo with a kill and a block, and Lund dropped in an ace to narrow the gap to 19-15. Nuneviller went off for three kills, with Cooper adding another to make it 22-16. Tabron halted the run with a kill, but Caffey and Cooper closed the set with a kill apiece, securing a 25-19 Supernovas win.

The Supernovas hit .300 in the set, with Cooper leading the way with four kills on an impressive .800 clip. The Mojo finished with a .133 hitting percentage.

Set 3:&nbsp;The set began with both teams trading early attacking errors. From there, the Supernovas unleashed a dominant seven-point run, with kills from Hord, Londot, Valentín-Anderson, Cooper, and a block from Hord. Tabron stopped the run with a kill for San Diego, but Londot quickly responded with a kill of her own. Mojo’s Tabron and Lund strung together consecutive kills to keep the gap manageable, but two blocks from Londot and Hord stretched the lead to 11-5. Stone and former Nebraska volleyball player&nbsp;Leyla Blackwell&nbsp;responded with back-to-back kills for the Mojo, but Cooper found the floor again, and Onabanjo notched her first kill of the night, extending the lead to 16-9. Cooper came out of the break with a block, but Tabron kept Mojo alive with another kill. The two teams traded kills throughout the remainder of the set.&nbsp;Kelsie Payne&nbsp;made her mark late, registering her first kill of the match before slamming down the final point to secure a 25-18 Supernovas victory.

Omaha hit .324 in the set, with Onabanjo putting away three kills on three swings. San Diego posted a .163 hitting percentage, with Tabron recording five kills.

Every match this season can be heard on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network, led by its flagship station&nbsp;KCRO 660 AM&nbsp;as part of Walnut Media. The SRN can be heard in five states with the support of its affiliates in&nbsp;KXCB Bluffs Country 106.5 FM, Boomer Radio 106.7 FM, ESPN Tri Cities, KNCY in Nebraska City, KGMT in Fairbury&nbsp;and&nbsp;KSID-AM in Sidney.

Supernovas sweep Mojo for third straight win, draw 12,768 fans for second largest crowd in U.S. Pro Volleyball history

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Will Walsh tossed seven scoreless innings and the Husker offense erupted for 13 runs, as No. 24 Nebraska recorded a 13-0 win vs. San Diego State at the MLB Desert Invitational on Sunday night at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz.

Nebraska (2-1) totaled 13 runs on 12 hits, while San Diego State (1-2) recorded seven hits and committed three errors.

Cayden Brumbaugh was 2-for-5 at the plate with a double, triple, two RBI and a pair of runs scored. Max Buettenback drove in a career-high four RBI with a 1-for-3 night and a two-run homer. Will Jesske and Riley Silva pieced together two-hit performances, while Dylan Carey, Gabe Swansen, Robby Bolin, Joshua Overbeek and Rhett Stokes tallied one hit apiece.

Will Walsh improved to 1-0 on the season, posting his fourth career start of at least seven innings. The southpaw tossed seven scoreless frames and struck out six Aztecs while surrendering five hits. Redshirt freshman Carson Jasa made his Husker debut and took the mound for the final two innings, allowing two hits and striking out a pair with one walk.

Brumbaugh began the bottom of the first with a triple to right field on the first pitch, while Buettenback lifted a sacrifice fly to center to give the Big Read a 1-0 lead.

The Huskers loaded the bases in the bottom of the second with no outs after three consecutive singles from Overbeek, Jesske and Silva. Brumbaugh added to the NU lead with a two-RBI double to left field, plating Overbeek and Jesske to make it a 3-0 game.

The NU offense added a pair of more runs in the inning after Buettenback’s RBI groundout brought home Silva, followed by a sacrifice fly from Carey to score Brumbaugh.

For the second consecutive inning, the Huskers loaded the bases after a walk to Cael Frost and a pair of hit-by-pitches to Overbeek and Jesske. The NU offense was only able to scratch across one run in the frame when Silva’s RBI groundout allowed Frost to cross the plate and grow the lead to six after three innings.

An infield single and stolen base placed Silva on second with two outs in the bottom of the fifth, setting the table for Buettenback’s two-run blast into the left-field berm for his first homer on the season.

Nebraska poured on five more runs in the bottom of the seventh with two outs to blow the game open at 13-0. Swansen began the scoring with a two-RBI single up the middle with the bases loaded to plate Buettenback and Carey. The Huskers add three more runs in the frame with consecutive RBI singles by Bolin, Stokes and Jesske.

The Huskers will remain in Arizona an extra day, as Nebraska takes on Grand Canyon tomorrow afternoon at Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark in Phoenix. First pitch between the Big Red and Lopes is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

Walsh silences Aztecs in 13-0 Rout

Gabe Swansen went 3-for-4 at the plate and matched his career high with six RBI, as No. 24 Nebraska knocked off No. 16 Vanderbilt with a 6-4 win at the MLB Desert Invitational on Saturday night at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The Huskers (1-1) scored six runs on eight hits, while the Commodores (1-1) tallied four runs on seven hits.

Swansen doubled twice and homered for the first time this season while driving in a career-high six runs for the third time in his Husker career. Cayden Brumbaugh was 2-for-5 with a double, while Joshua Overbeek recorded a triple on the night. Case Sanderson scored a team-high two runs, and the sophomore joined Riley Silva with NU’s other two hits on Saturday.

Ty Horn allowed three runs on four hits across four innings in the start. The sophomore struck out a career-high six batters and issued a pair of walks in the no-decision. Jalen Worthley picked up the victory after pitching 1.2 scoreless innings in relief to maintain the lead for the Huskers. Tucker Timmerman tossed 2.1 innings, allowing one run on two hits and striking out a pair. Luke Broderick collected the save in his Husker debut after tossing a scoreless ninth inning with a punchout.

The Huskers raced out to a three-run lead in the opening frame behind a pair of base hits. Brumbaugh led off the evening with a single up the middle, while walks to Max Buettenback and Dylan Carey loaded the bases for the Big Red with no outs.

Swansen came through for the NU offense, hammering an 0-2 breaking pitch to the wall in left-center for a bases-clearing RBI double to give the Huskers a 3-0 lead.

The Commodores answered immediately with two runs of their own to make it a 3-2 game after the first. A leadoff homer plated the first run, while a pair of doubles into the right-center alley trimmed the Big Red’s lead to one.

Sanderson reached on a one-out single to left in the top of the third, before Swansen ripped an RBI double down the left-field line for his fourth RBI on the night to double the lead to 4-2 for the Huskers.

Horn drew a groundout and collected his career-high fifth and sixth punchouts of the night in the bottom of the fourth to maintain Nebraska’s 4-2 lead through four innings of play.

Vandy capitalized on a trio of walks in the bottom of the fifth after a two-out RBI infield single to third brought the Commodores within a run. Worthley induced a ground ball with the bases loaded and two outs to hold onto the one-run lead going into the sixth inning.

Sanderson reached on a one-out walk to set the table for Swansen’s towering, two-run shot into the berm in left field that stretched the Huskers’ lead to three at the seventh-inning stretch.

Timmerman retired the Vandy offense in order in the bottom of the seventh with a trio of groundouts to keep the 6-3 advantage heading into the final two innings.

The Commodores cut the NU lead to two in the bottom of the eighth with a pair of hits. A one-out double into the right-center gap put one in scoring position, before a sharp line drive ricocheted off Carey’s glove for a two-out RBI single.

Broderick took the mound in the ninth for the Huskers and struck out the first batter he faced. The junior induced a pair of lineouts from the next two hitters to clinch Nebraska’s 6-4 win over Vanderbilt.

Nebraska continues play at the MLB Desert Invitational, as the No. 24 Huskers face San Diego State tomorrow night at Sloan Park. First pitch between the Big Red and Aztecs is set for 6 p.m. CT on www.mlb.com.

Local

Region

Sports

Podcasts