Senior outside hitter Laura Pilakowski added 10 kills while swinging at a .333 clip. Senior libero Lindsay Wischmeier posted a match-best 18 digs, and senior middle blocker Amber Holmquist tallied 10 blocks to lead the defensive effort. NU held the Wildcats to a .119 hitting percentage, and out-blocked them 15-1.

With the victory, Nebraska improved to 8-1 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12 Conference. Kansas State fell to 4-5 overall and 0-1 in the league.

Nebraska built a 25-19 lead in game one before Kansas State defensive specialist Jamie Sleichter reeled off three straight points at the service line, cutting NU’s advantage to three. After NU scored on a KSU service error, the Wildcats pulled within two with the help of two Husker errors. But Pilakowski pounded a kill and then tipped to the middle to give NU a 28-24 lead. Cepero produced a service ace to bring Nebraska within one point of winning. The Wildcats’ Lauren Goehring temporarily delayed NU with a kill off the Huskers’ block. However, Saleaumua pounded a kill on the following play to secure the 30-25, first game win.

The Huskers dominated Kansas State in the second game with their block and strong serving. Junior defensive specialist Jenae Dowling served nine straight points – including two service aces – to extend a 12-7 NU lead to 21-7. Holmquist twice combined with Saleaumua, and then with Schrad. NU out-blocked KSU 7-0 in the 30-16 game two victory, and the Huskers produced three service aces.

Nebraska led 18-12 early. Kansas State closed the gap to 21-19 after Cari Jensen served three straight, but the Wildcats were called for a net violation. Nebraska opened a five-point advantage after a solo block from Holmquist and kills from Saleaumua and Cepero, but Jennifer Pollard answered with a kill for KSU. The Wildcats nearly came back, cutting NU’s advantage to 28-26 with three straight kills, but Elmer stopped the run with a kill. KSU answered with a kill, but Schrad ended the match with her ?? kill of the night for the 30-27 win.

Nebraska, which has won five of a possible six Big 12 Conference titles, is 6-1 in league openers. NU also improved to 65-1 all-time against Kansas State.

The Huskers return to action Saturday, when they play host to No. 24 Texas at 7 p.m. at the NU Coliseum.

Source: University of Nebraska Athletic Dept.