Holmquist led a balanced attack engineered by senior setter Greichaly Cepero, who posted 38 assists and five blocks in leading Nebraska (1-0) to a .375 hitting percentage. Freshman outside hitter Jennifer Saleaumua, Holmquist, Melissa Elmer, Anna Schrad and Laura Pilakowski all recorded at least 12 attempts. In her first collegiate match, Saleaumua produced 11 kills on a .550 hitting percentage while adding 11 digs.

Despite the Huskers’ offensive success, NU Coach John Cook said Nebraska won the match at the service line. The Huskers combined for nine service aces, a mark they reached just twice in 2001. Elmer led NU with four, while Saleaumua and Pilakowski each added two.

“Our serve was the difference,” NU Coach John Cook said. “I haven’t seen us serve like that in a long time. I can’t remember the last time we did it. Elmer and Jen (Saleaumua) got us going, and Pilakowski and Schrad also hit some tough serves.”

“We weren’t in a rhythm offensively for about the first game and a half. But then Greicha started speeding up the offense, and some of those plays we ran to Amber – it just doesn’t get any better than that.”

In game one, Nebraska led by as many as five points before the Panthers cut its advantage to 21-18 when Jessica McDonald slammed down an NU overpass. But the Huskers rallied and led 26-21 after a kill by Holmquist. Saleaumua nearly finished the Panthers off, as she stepped behind the service line and reeled off three straight points, including a service ace. Wendy Hatlestad kept Pittsburgh alive with a kill, but Schrad answered on the next play with her first kill of the game to secure the 30-22 win for Nebraska.

NU carried its momentum into the second game, as Cepero and Holmquist combined for three straight blocks to highlight an 8-0 run. Pittsburgh battled back, cutting the Huskers’ lead to 13-9 with the help of two kills from Gini Ullery. But Nebraska put the game out of reach when Elmer and Jenae Dowling served 14 straight points. Elmer produced two service aces and Holmquist pounded four kills during the run. Hatlestad responded with an ace serve after an NU error, but Nebraska closed the game with two kills from Saleaumua and a game-winning shot by Ally Rebholz for the 30-11 win.

“I was really excited to get on the court and play,” Saleaumua said. “I wasn’t nervous; I was just ready. I think I can contribute to the team if I just take it one match at a time.”

The Huskers were never threatened in game three. NU led 22-11 after Elmer sparked a 6-0 run with three kills, and Nebraska opened their advantage to 26-14 with the help of two ace serves from Elmer. Holmquist secured the 30-17 third-game victory with her 15th kill of the night.

Nebraska improved to 25-3 all-time in season-opening matches, including 7-0 on the road. NU continues competition at Worthern Arena Sunday when it faces Ball State at 6 p.m. The Huskers will conclude tournament play Monday, as they take on third-ranked USC at 11:30 a.m.

Source: University of Nebraska Athletic Dept.