Despite playing without senior setter Greichaly Cepero, Nebraska dominated Oklahoma in every aspect of the match. The Huskers hit .369 to OU’s .097, and they posted 13 service aces to the Sooners’ two, including a career-high six by junior outside hitter Anna Schrad. NU out-blocked Oklahoma 10-2.

NU senior Lindsay Wischmeier, who had started every match this season at libero, filled in for Cepero. Wischmier tallied 41 assists and two service aces against the Sooners. The 5-foot-9 Wischmeier had not played setter competitively since the 1999 season, when she shared the setting duties in Nebraska’s 6-2 offense.

Junior defensive specialist Jenae Dowling earned her first start at libero for the Huskers and posted eight digs. Freshman outside hitter Jennifer Saleaumua posted 13 kills and also hit .500.

The lineup change hardly slowed the Huskers. With the score tied 6-6 in game one, Schrad served 14 straight points – including four service aces – to open a 20-6 advantage for Nebraska. Pilakowski, who hit .545 in game one, notched four kills during that stretch, while Holmquist had two blocks and a kill. The Huskers wrapped up a 30-14 win in game one when Schrad pounded her third kill of the period.

Nebraska used long runs to build a lead in game two as well. Redshirt freshman middle blocker Melissa Elmer served six straight points to give NU a 9-3 advantage early. The Huskers opened their lead to 16-8, and then Pilakowski reeled off seven straight from behind the service line to widen the advantage to 23-8. Nebraska secured the 30-16 victory in game two when Pilakowski produced her 12th kill of the match.

The Huskers continued to serve tough in game three. With NU leading 11-10, Schrad served four straight points, including two service aces, to break the game open for Nebraska. NU tied up the 30-19 third-game win and the match on a kill by Saleaumua.

The Huskers return to action Saturday, Oct. 19, when they play host to Baylor at 7 p.m. at the NU Coliseum.

Source: University of Nebraska Athletic Dept.