Lincoln Journal Star
NU’s largest lead: 5 (9-4).
Stanford's largest lead: 3 (24-21).
The star: It's hard to overlook the back-to-back aces served up by Kate Formico to tie the match at 18-18. Stanford made it 19-18 on Kathryn Plummer's kill, and the lead was pushed to 24-21, though the Huskers rallied to tie the match.
Don’t forget about: Stanford could not get its hitters on track for much of the opening set, but five service aces kept the Cardinal within striking distance. Nebraska coach John Cook challenged one of Formico's kills; the original call was in and the call was upheld. It took some time for Plummer to get going. In fact, her first kill didn't come until midway through the set, and NU forced her into four hitting errors.
Trends: Stanford hit .268 in the first set, and the Huskers hit .302. … NU freshman setter Nicklin Hames had 16 set assists. … NU's Lauren Stivrins had five kills on six attempts, while Mikaela Foecke had seven kills on 14 swings.
NU’s largest lead: 4 (21-17).
Stanford's largest lead: 1 (15-14).
The star: When you need to respond, you turn to your star. Foecke heated up in the second set, racking up eight kills. When Stanford used two rallies to pull within 21-19, it was Foecke with back-to-back kills to give momentum back to the Huskers.
Don’t forget about: Stivrins continued her hot start, adding five more kills during the set. Her stat line through two: 10 kills on 13 swings, two blocks and a .692 hitting percentage. Stivrins ricocheted a block off the Stanford block for the set-clinching kill.
Trends: Nebraska hit .326 in the second set and had just four hitting errors. Stanford hit .353. … Hames pushed her assist total to 33 through two sets.
NU’s largest lead: No lead.
Stanford's largest lead: 11 (20-9).
The stars: Kills early in the set by Plummer and Audriana Fitzmorris set the tone for the Cardinal. Fitzmorris had five kills in the set.
Don’t forget about: Capri Davis' kill pulled the Huskers to within 10-8, but it was all Stanford after that. The Cardinal took advantage of four consecutive Husker hitting errors to build a 16-8 lead. It was 19-9 on a service ace and 20-9 on another Husker hitting error. Nebraska hit .027 for the set and had eight hitting errors.
Trends: Stanford hit .238 for the set.
NU’s largest lead: 10 (25-15).
Stanford's largest lead: No lead.
The star: Stivrin's career night caught fire in the fourth set. She had six kills in the set en route to finishing with a career-high 19.
Don’t forget about: After looking out of it in the third set, the Huskers responded quickly and furiously. They jumped to an 8-1 lead on back-to-back kills by Stivrins, and 11-3 on another Stivrins kill. The Huskers hit a blistering .412 in the set. Just when it looked like Stanford might be getting back into it at 17-11, Sweet sent a kill to the floor to get the Huskers going again.
Trends: The Huskers held Stanford to a .121 hitting clip in the fourth set.
NU’s largest lead: 2 (3-1).
Stanford's largest lead: 4 (14-10).
The star: Every time the Huskers took a swing in the fifth, Holly Campbell answered for Stanford. After NU tied it at 9-9, Campbell landed a kill to give the lead back to the Cardinal. Davis got the Huskers back within one at 11-10 and Campbell answered again.
Don’t forget about: The turning point came on the challenge card from Stanford coach Kevin Hambley. Officials originally called a serve out to pull NU to within 13-11, but officials saw enough video evidence to overturn the call, giving Stanford four chances at match point. Meghan McClure's back-row kill clinched the Cardinal's eighth national title.
Trends: Entering the match, Nebraska had won four straight five-set matches in the NCAA postseason, including Thursday's Final Four match against Illinois. … Nebraska hit .286 in the set. Stanford hit .273. … Foecke finished with 27 kills on 71 swings and 11 digs.
Photos: The Huskers are bested by Stanford in five sets
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Mikaela Foecke (2) elevates for a fourth-set kill to give the Huskers a 4-0 lead against Stanford on Dec. 16 during the NCAA national volleyball championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Stanford, 12.15
Nebraska’s Mikaela Foecke (top left) talks to her teammates after the Huskers lost in five sets to Stanford on Saturday during the NCAA Division I national championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska head coach John Cook and assistant Jaylen Reyes ponder what to say to the team after calling timeout in the fifth set on Saturday during the NCAA national volleyball championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska fans look glum as the fifth set against Stanford heads towards its conclusion on Saturday during the NCAA national championship volleyball match at the Target Center in Minneapolis. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska fans cheer after the Huskers score in the fifth set against Stanford on Saturday during the NCAA national volleyball championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
A Stanford kill gets past Nebraska’s Mikaela Foecke (2) in the fifth set on Saturday during the national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Official Michelle Prater calls a Stanford serve in after a fifth-set challenge on Saturday during the NCAA national volleyball championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford's Courtney Bowen makes a confetti angel following the team's win over Nebraska in the NCAA championship on Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford players (left) celebrate their five-set win over Nebraska on Saturday during the NCAA Division I national championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska head coach John Cook talks with Nicklin Hames as they head into the fifth set against Stanford on Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska head coach John Cook watches as Stanford celebrates its NCAA championship win Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford players celebrate after defeating Nebraska in five sets on Saturday during the NCAA Division I national championship at Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska head coach John Cook hugs Kenzie Maloney as they exit the court following Stanford's win of the NCAA championship on Saturday at the Target Center in Minnesota.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Lexi Sun (left) reacts after the team lost to Stanford in the fifth set on Saturday during the NCAA Division I national championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
The Nebraska team huddles as head coach John Cook challenges the final call during the Dec. 15 championship match against Stanford at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Mikaela Foecke (back) consoles teammate Lexi Sun after the Huskers lost to top-ranked Stanford in five sets in Saturday's NCAA championship match at Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Sporting a Santa hat, Lil' Red dances as the band plays during a pep rally in December 2018 at Marriott City Center in Minneapolis.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Mikaela Foecke makes a kill against Stanford on Saturday during the second set of the NCAA championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Husker fans gather for a pep rally Saturday at Marriott City Center in Minneapolis before the NCAA volleyball championship between Stanford and Nebraska.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Husker fans (from left) Amy Schmitt, Tori Moser, both of Norfolk, and C.J. Johnson, of Lincoln, cheer during a pep rally Saturday for the NCAA volleyball final at Marriott City Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Husker fans cheer during a pep rally Saturday at Marriott City Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska fans cheer after the Huskers score on a kill by Mikaela Foecke on Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Mikaela Foecke points to Jazz Sweet after she made a kill against Stanford on Dec. 15 during the second set of the national championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford's Kathryn Plummer returns a serve against Nebraska on Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Mikaela Foecke (2) attempts a kill against Stanford’s Tami Alade (6) and Kathryn Plummer in the first set of the NCAA championship match on Dec. 15 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska came up just short of winning the national championship last season, losing in five sets against Stanford in the championship match in Minneapolis. One of the themes for the 2019 season -- "To Be Continued" -- builds off of last season.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star File photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Lexi Sun (10) and Kenzie Maloney run into each other chasing a Stanford serve in the first set as Nicklin Hames (1) looks on Saturday during the NCAA championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Nicklin Hames can't get to to a shot from Stanford’s Kathryn Plummer in the first set Saturday during the NCAA championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Lexi Sun prepares to serve against Stanford on Saturday during the national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Kenzie Maloney (11) watches as a serve by Stanford’s Meghan McClure (4) passes by her and stays inbounds in the first set on Saturday during the NCAA championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Hayley Densberger's nephew Paxton Peltz from Malcom claps as he dances in front of the 2018 NCAA Tournament bracket on Dec. 15, 2018, at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Lexi Sun high-fives her teammates during player introductions prior to the 2018 NCAA volleyball championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Husker fan Kasey Albers cheers as fans leave Marriott City Center following a pep rally for the Huskers as they make their way to the match Saturday in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
The Husker band plays for fans during a pep rally Saturday at Marriott City Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford against Nebraska on Saturday at Marriott City Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Lexi Sun high-fives her teammates during player introductions on Saturday before the NCAA cChampionship Final at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Mikaela Foecke (2) goes up for a kill against Stanford’s Holly Campbell (3) in the first set Saturday during the NCAA championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Lauren Stivrins crushes a kill against Stanford during the NCAA championship match Dec. 15 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford’s Kathryn Plummer (2) goes for the kill against Nebraska’s Lauren Stivrins (26) and Jazz Sweet (12) in the first set on Saturday during the NCAA championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Mikaela Foecke (2) leads the Huskers out onto the court for pregame warmups on Saturday prior to the NCAA championship against Stanford at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Nicklin Hames (from bottom to top), Mikaela Foecke, Lexi Sun and Sami Slaughter are greeted by Husker fans as they enter the Target Center in Minneapolis before the 2018 NCAA Tournament championship match against Stanford.
Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Mikaela Foecke goes for a kill against Stanford on Saturday during the second set of the NCAA Championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska’s Capri Davis (9) is congratulated by her teammates after a kill against Stanford in the third set in December during the NCAA championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska volleyball assistant coach Jaylen Reyes talks to head coach John Cook (right) during the 2018 NCAA championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford's Jenna Gray sets the ball against Nebraska on Saturday during the national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Kenzie Maloney returns a serve against Stanford on Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Lexi Sun (10) sets the ball as she runs into Kenzie Maloney during the fifth set against Stanford on Saturday during the NCAA championship at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Nicklin Hames (left) returns a serve as Lexi Sun watches her connect with the ball in December during the national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The No. 1 Huskers hope to avenge that championship loss on Wednesday when they host the No. 2 Cardinal.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Mikaela Foecke serves during the NCAA championship against Stanford on Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
The Nebraska volleyball team streams to the net to congratulate Stanford as coach John Cook call a challenge on the last play of the match Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Kenzie Maloney makes a diving save against Stanford during the NCAA championship match Dec. 15 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
A net violation is called on Stanford's Tami Alade (6) as Callie Schwarzenbach's and Mikaela Foecke's (2) hands get tangled at the net Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Mikaela Foecke returns a serve against Stanford on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Jazz Sweet (12) makes a kill against Stanford's Kathryn Plummer (2) on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Mikaela Foecke makes a kill against Stanford's Holly Campbell (3) on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
The Nebraska volleyball team takes the court before the NCAA volleyball national championship match Dec. 15 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford's Jenna Gray sets the ball against Nebraska during the NCAA volleyball national championship match in Minneapolis. Gray and the champion Cardinal take on the Huskers at the Devaney Sports Center on Wednesday.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska fans cheer during a timeout against Stanford on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford's Kathryn Plummer returns a serve against Nebraska on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford's Audriana Fitzmorris (12) makes a kill against Nebraska on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Mikaela Foecke returns a serve against Stanford on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska's Nicklin Hames sets the ball against Stanford on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford head coach Kevin Hambly talks to his team during a timeout against Nebraska on Dec. 16, 2018, during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Journal Star file photo
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Nebraska fan Allie Schrunk of Lamars, Iowa, cheers for the Huskers on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Stanford vs. Nebraska, 12.15
Stanford's Kathryn Plummer (2) makes a kill against Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins (26) and Jazz Sweet (12) on Saturday during the NCAA volleyball national championship match at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
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