The 6-foot-2 sophomore finished with a match-high 12 kills, a career-high 13 digs and a season-high three service aces, as the Huskers (11-1, 6-0 Big 12) posted their eighth consecutive sweep in front of the 47th consecutive sellout at the NU Coliseum and a state-wide television audience.

Houghtelling was one of two Huskers with double-doubles in the win as Jennifer Saleaumua finished with 10 kills and 14 digs for her fourth double-double of the season and first since Sept. 11.

The double-doubles, along with another solid defensive performance, helped the Huskers overcome a slow start en route to their 18th win in as many meetings over Baylor. Nebraska, which has allowed only one opponent to hit over .200 all season, held Baylor to .022 hitting and out-blocked the Bears, 14-8, sparked by a 8-0 advantage in the finale.

Freshman Sarah Pavan totaled 10 kills, five blocks and seven digs, while All-American Melissa Elmer had nine kills and six blocks for Nebraska, which has out-blocked all 12 opponents this season. Senior Ally Rebholz, making her first start of the year, also provided the big spark in game three with four blocks, as she finished with five kills and six blocks on the evening.

Houghtelling got the Huskers rolling in the opener, recording six kills and a pair of service aces, as the Huskers posted a 30-22 win in the opener. Nebraska built a quick 14-8 lead before the Bears responded with a 6-2 run to close to within 16-14. Consecutive kills by Houghtelling and Rebholz helped the Huskers record three straight points to extend the lead to 19-14, as the Bears could not get closer than three points the rest of the way.

Pavan got untracked in game two, hitting .417 with six kills to lead NU to a 30-23 win. The game saw 12 ties and five lead changes before the Huskers finally regained the lead for good at 19-18 on a Houghtelling kill. The Huskers lead 20-19 before consecutive kills by Houghtelling and Pavan forced BU to call time out. With Dani Busboom at the service line, the Huskers extended the lead to 24-19 and cruised to the win. Busboom finished with 37 assists and 11 digs for her seventh double-double of the year,

The Huskers, who were out-blocked 8-6 after two games, ended the suspense early in game three, jumping to a 9-1 cushion and posting a 30-13 win. The Huskers held Baylor to -.111 hitting, while Houghtelling, Elmer and Dani Mancuso each had three kills in the game. Behind the serving of Rebholz and Houghtelling, the Huskers enjoyed runs of 5-0 and 6-0, respectively, in finishing their 16th sweep of Baylor in 18 meetings.

Kelly Spriggs led Baylor (8-8, 2-5 Big 12) with 10 kills and was the only Bear to reach double figures.

Source: University of Nebraska Athletic Dept.