The Huskers, who were hitting .317 on the season, swung for at uncharacteristic .248 clip, marking just the fifth time this season and the first time since Oct. 6 at Texas A&M that they have hit less than .250. NU also had a season-low 31 assists.

Senior outside hitter Laura Pilakowski and redshirt freshman middle blocker Melissa Elmer provided the Huskers with bright spots offensively. Pilakowski posted a team-best 12 kills and hit .478, and Elmer totaled eight kills on a .375 hitting percentage. No other Huskers hit higher than .250.

“Even though we won 3-0, we’ve got to think big picture,” NU Coach John Cook said. “We’ve been inconsistent in practice and on the court the past couple of weeks. Championship teams have to be getting better at this time of year. Our goal is to compete for a national championship, and we need to find a sense of urgency. We can’t just turn it on in December.

“Overall, I think today was a good teaching moment. We know we’re better than this.”

Cook was pleased with the Huskers’ blocking effort. NU recorded a season-high 16 stops to Texas Tech’s one block. Six players had at least three blocks, led by senior middle blocker Amber Holmquist’s seven stops. Greichaly Cepero and Elmer each had five, and Anna Schrad, Jennifer Saleaumua and Ally Rebholz all posted three.

With the win, NU extended its nation-best home winning streak to 56 straight. The Huskers, who improved to 21-1 overall and 13-0 in the Big 12, have won 63 consecutive regular-season conference matches, and NU has won 35 straight Big 12 matches at home.

Texas Tech falls to 8-13 overall and 3-9 in the Big 12.

Source: University of Nebraska Athletic Dept.