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Sophomore outside hitter Emery Keebaugh (left), senior outside hitter Bella Limback (middle) and senior middle hitter Austin Broadie (right) set up at the net as they prepare to defend against a serve. The Ichabods focused as the action intensified against the University of Nebraska.
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Washburn leads 25-18 in the first set. Washburn players stretched and called out to each other to keep the ball alive while the crowd erupted with every hit during the intense play.
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The University of Nebraska Kearney volleyball team gathers during a timeout to strategize the game. Coaches and players took a moment to refocus before returning to the court.
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Graduate outside hitter Erica Dimick greets the head coach Chris Herron after the match. They shared smiles and congratulations following Washburn’s well-earned victory.
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The team gathers around Herron during a timeout. Players discussed their next play and adjusted their positions.
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The Washburn volleyball team lines up to shake hands with the University of Nebraska Kearney after the match. The Ichabods celebrated their 3-0 victory.
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Herron beams with pride as Washburn secures the victory. Washburn recorded 63 kills and 58 assists.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, Washburn volleyball picked up its first ranked victory of the year by beating Nebraska Kearney, bringing the Ichabods record to 17-1 on the year.
Head coach Chris Herron was proud of how his team performed against a highly ranked Nebraska Kearney squad that had shown strong improvement this season.
“I think we executed what we call a ‘game plan’ in our terms … we were in places we needed to be. We played into [Nebraska Kearney’s] tendencies, and so we took some stuff away from them than they normally do,” Herron said.
Washburn came out locked in from the start. Every rally felt intense, but the Ichabods never lost focus.Senior middle hitter Austin Broadie crushed it at the net, while Senior outside hitter Bella Limback’s blocks shut down Kearney’s offense. Senior setter Corinna McMullen kept the plays smooth, and junior defensive specialist Taylor Rottinghaus was on defense.
“The strategy for the game was to go out there and outwork them. We watched films and scouted teams, and then knew what their weaknesses are and made sure to secure the win. So our strategy is always just to work hard and then play with high intensity,” Limback said.
This win pushes Washburn’s record to 17-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play, making it their biggest win of the year so far. Taking down a top-two team in straight sets says a lot about where this group is headed. It also gives them major momentum going into the rest of the MIAA schedule.
“I think when they switch from a five, one to a six, two, that’s a little unusual for them and they don’t usually make that many errors,” Herron said. “They’re a very low error team, so that’s it.”
The Ichabods’ offense put on another sharp performance, finishing with a .323 hitting percentage and 46 kills, while limiting the Lopers to just .115 and 30 kills. Washburn also dominated defensively, recording 53 digs compared to Kearney’s 31 and outpacing them in assists 40 to 26.
“For next time, I could do a better job of seeing their block and then adjusting where I’m going to hit based on that, and doing a better job cooling or going hitting a different spot rather than getting blocked,”Broadie said.
Looking ahead, the Ichabods are set to continue their strong season with an upcoming match against the University of Central Missouri on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6:00 p.m. at Whiting Fieldhouse.
Edited by Anson Appelhanz and Bidhya Sapkota
