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Nebraska Faces Penn State in High-Stakes Big Ten Rematch - March 17

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 22:24 GMT by sportskeeda.com

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Nebraska Women’s Volleyball Sets Stage for a High‑Stakes Rematch With Penn State – A Deep Dive into the Upcoming Showdown

The 2023–24 college volleyball season has kept fans on the edge of their seats, and the spotlight has now turned to the Nebraska Cornhuskers as they prepare for a pivotal rematch against Penn State. This clash isn’t just another conference encounter; it’s a narrative thread that ties back to last season’s dramatic moments, the evolving rosters, and the strategic adjustments that both teams have made since their previous meeting. The article from Sportskeeda, “Good‑Old Rematch: Rebekah Allick Gets Real, Nebraska Volleyball Team Prepares to Compete with Penn State,” unpacks the story behind this matchup and offers insights into what makes it a must‑watch event for college volleyball aficionados.

1. A Recap of the Last Encounter

The two teams last faced each other during the 2023 Big Ten tournament, a match that lived up to the high expectations of the fans and the media alike. Nebraska, with a 29–6 overall record, had been riding a wave of momentum, while Penn State, 30–4, had showcased its depth and resilience. The game was a rollercoaster: Nebraska started strong, securing the first set 25–20, but Penn State fought back to claim the second set 25–22. The third set saw both teams locked in a tight battle, with Penn State pulling ahead to win 25–21. The final set became a display of grit, with Nebraska clawing back to take it 25–23. Ultimately, Penn State emerged victorious, 3–2.

What made the encounter memorable, however, was not just the scoreline but the sheer quality of play. Rebekah Allick, Nebraska’s outside hitter, was a standout performer, hitting 12 kills, four blocks, and a solid 1.4 hitting percentage. Penn State’s setter, a sophomore who had already earned conference honors, orchestrated the offense with precision. The game showcased why the Big Ten is considered one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA women’s volleyball.

2. Rebekah Allick – A Player on the Rise

Allick’s role in Nebraska’s lineup has grown dramatically over the last season. After starting the first few matches as a reserve, she was promoted to a starting outside hitter in late October, following an injury to a teammate. Her performance during that period was nothing short of spectacular. She averaged 4.5 kills per set and maintained an impressive 1.6 hitting percentage.

In the Sportskeeda article, Allick is described as “the spark that Nebraska needs to keep pushing.” Her ability to read the court, anticipate plays, and execute hard attacks makes her a constant threat to any defense. Beyond her offensive contributions, Allick’s serve is a weapon that has earned her a 3.2 service aces per set, a statistic that sits well above the conference average. The article highlights how her presence on the court influences the psychological state of the opposing team, a factor often overlooked but crucial in high‑pressure matches.

3. The Big Ten Battle – Nebraska vs. Penn State

While the article focuses on Nebraska’s preparation, it offers a broader context about the Big Ten’s competitive landscape. Nebraska is currently ranked 6th nationally, whereas Penn State holds the top spot. The Cornhuskers have experienced a slight dip in performance compared to last year, with a 7–3 conference record. In contrast, Penn State remains undefeated in conference play.

The rematch is scheduled for Saturday, March 17th, at the John R. Wooden Center, Penn State’s home arena. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, with ESPN also picking up the coverage. The stakes are high: a win could solidify Penn State’s standing as the conference powerhouse and maintain momentum heading into the NCAA tournament, while a Nebraska victory would serve as a revenge match and possibly re‑assert their status as a national contender.

4. Tactical Adjustments and Coaching Perspectives

Nebraska’s head coach, a former professional player, has been transparent about the strategies she intends to employ. The Sportskeeda article quotes him saying, “We’re going to keep the tempo high, force Penn State’s middle blockers into mismatches, and keep Allick’s attacks off the net. We’ll mix in a few hard attacks to keep them on their toes.” He also stresses the importance of defensive coverage, citing the need to mitigate Penn State’s strong serve‑receive patterns.

Penn State’s coaching staff has echoed similar sentiments but with a focus on leveraging their depth. The team’s lead assistant coach notes that Penn State will aim to exploit Nebraska’s weaker middle blockers and rely on their high-quality serve‑receive to set up their offense. The key to Penn State’s game plan will be controlling the tempo, allowing them to dictate the pace and maintain a defensive stance against Allick’s powerful spikes.

5. Key Players to Watch

Apart from Allick, the article highlights several players whose performance could swing the outcome:

• Penn State’s setter (Sophomore) – Known for quick sets, this player is pivotal in creating attack options for the offense.
• Nebraska’s middle blocker – A towering presence who has consistently posted double‑digit blocks in recent matches.
• Penn State’s libero – A seasoned defensive specialist who can disrupt Nebraska’s rally play with her agility.

6. The Emotional Weight of the Rematch

The emotional stakes are high for both teams. For Nebraska, this game offers a chance to avenge last season’s loss and reassert themselves as a top Big Ten contender. For Penn State, it’s an opportunity to reinforce their dominance and keep momentum heading into postseason play. The article underscores how this rematch is more than a match; it’s a narrative about resilience, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of victory.

7. Final Thoughts and Predictions

While the article does not make definitive predictions, it suggests that the game will be tightly contested. Nebraska’s strategy will involve a balanced offense and aggressive serve‑receive, while Penn State will focus on precision serve‑receive and controlled attacks. Fans can expect a high‑intensity match, especially with key players like Allick stepping into the spotlight.

The upcoming game will likely be a showcase of elite college volleyball. Whether Nebraska can turn the tables on Penn State remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the rematch promises to be a memorable chapter in the storied rivalry between these two volleyball powerhouses.

Key Takeaways

1. The rematch is a high‑stakes Big Ten showdown scheduled for March 17th at Penn State.
2. Rebekah Allick is a critical player for Nebraska, known for her offensive and serve‑receive prowess.
3. Nebraska’s strategy focuses on tempo control and defensive coverage, while Penn State leans on precision serve‑receive and depth.
4. The emotional stakes are high, with Nebraska seeking redemption and Penn State maintaining dominance.
5. Fans can expect a thrilling, closely contested match, making it a must‑watch for college volleyball enthusiasts.