Charlie Baker loved Oklahoma football. His brother loved Nebraska. So, naturally, around Thanksgiving every year, they had their rooting interests in the big game.
“Johnny Rodgers gave me nightmares,” the new NCAA president quipped Wednesday afternoon. “He caught and ran that insane punt return. Every guy on the OU punt team had a shot at him. Every one. And they couldn’t get him.”
The 66-year-old — governor of Massachusetts until January — knows his Husker football. Told Ndamukong Suh donated money to NU’s weight room, Baker remarked “he was a hell of a college football player.” The 1984 Orange Bowl between Nebraska and Miami was a “fistfight, one end to the other” of “two different styles of play.”
Baker even knew of Nebraska’s recent struggles to close games, noting that new Husker coach Matt Rhule “has a good track record.”
So does Husker volleyball — the team that drew Baker’s attendance on Wednesday for Volleyball Day in Nebraska. The success of the event in Memorial Stadium, Baker said, is a byproduct of the state’s support for college athletics and the excellence of volleyball in the state.
“It’s extraordinary how much talent there is in Nebraska in volleyball,” Baker said. “And when there’s that much talent, that means there’s terrific school programs and great youth programs. You’ve got all kinds of moms and dads who pay a lot of attention to the sport to begin with. You combine that with all the friends of the moms and dads, and everybody else — and you’re in a place that cares a lot about sports — and they’re very competitive.
“You add it all up: It’s a great day for volleyball, which is an incredibly fast-growing and mind-bogglingly popular sport.”
That growing popularity could mean a better media rights deal for the collegiate sport. The NCAA goes out to bid its TV contracts for every championship but men’s basketball, and Baker said media rights holders and corporate sponsors are “very interested in the volleyball package.”
Could volleyball get its own media rights deal separate of smaller, less-watched NCAA championships like lacrosse and track and field?
“I’ve said from the beginning that I’m not going to give anybody any indication at all who’s on the buy side, about what my intent is,” Baker said. “My intent is to do the absolute best we possibly can on behalf of all the sports that are in the bundle. But women’s sports in particular — volleyball, softball, gymnastics, basketball — they’ve all shown enormous growth in both attendance and viewership over the last couple of years.
“I think there’s a really big opportunity here. I also think the growth of youth sports in volleyball is intense.”
Baker said he’s gone into cities where there are over 1,000 volleyball players, 15 to 18 years old, as part of a big tournament that starts on Friday and runs through the weekend.
“I think this sport is gonna explode,” Baker said. Nebraska’s ability to sell so many tickets in the opening 48 hours for an outdoor volleyball match is proof.
“That doesn’t just happen for anything,” Baker said. “Could you sell 82,000 Super Bowl? Probably could. You’ve got to get into gigantic events to make the comparison.”
Hear from two of the Husker stars after sweeping Omaha and setting a new world-record attendance mark for women's sports!
In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel break down a huge week in Nebraska Athletics: Volleyball's Memorial Stadium match and football's season opener.
Photos: Nebraska takes on Omaha in Memorial Stadium
A light show following the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Andi Jackson (15) spikes the ball in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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The Huskers waves to the crowd following the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Lexi Rodriguez (8) keeps her eye on the ball in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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The Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Laney Choboy (6) does a flip following the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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UNO celebrates a point in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Bergen Reilly (2) sets the ball in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Bekka Allick (5) goes up for the ball against UNO's McKenna Ruch (4) during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Bekka Allick (5) celebrates a point during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans make their way in to see Nebraska take on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A world-record 92,003 fans watch according to the Nebraska Athletic Department watch Nebraska take on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach John Cook watches his team during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Harper Murray (27) hits the ball over the net toward UNO's Amanda Hardt (9) and UNO's McKenna Ruch (4) in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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UNO's Kali Jurgensmeier (3) goes for the ball in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Husker fans celebrate a world-record for attendance during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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The Huskers celebrate following the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Bekka Allick (5) goes up for the ball in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans cheer during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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UNO's Emily Huss (16) goes up for a block against Nebraska's Andi Jackson (15) in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans do the wave during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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The Huskers celebrate a point in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Maggie Mendelson (44), Nebraska's Harper Murray (27) and Nebraska's Lindsay Krause (22) stand for the national anthem ahead of the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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UNO's Shayla McCormick (11) competes in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A light show following the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Andi Jackson (15) celebrates a play in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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The Husker student section celebrates a point in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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The Huskers celebrate a play in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Bergen Reilly (2) celebrates point in the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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UNO head coach Matt Buttermore watches his team during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A helicopter circles Memorial Stadium during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Lexi Rodriguez (8) takes the court for the Huskers match against UNO during Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Stella, 12, and Kane, 10, Sather of Wahoo watch warm ups between Nebraska and UNO during Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Bekka Allick (5) warms up before a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A Nebraska player warms up before a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium during Volleyball Day in Nebraska in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium during Volleyball Day in Nebraska in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium during Volleyball Day in Nebraska in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A KC-135 Stratotanker and trio of F-16 Falcons perform a flyover above Memorial Stadium during Volleyball Day in Nebraska in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Huskers warm up ahead of the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Ashton Koch, center, a Nebraska law student gets emotional during the tunnel walk ahead of the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Lexi Rodriguez (8) and Nebraska's Merritt Beason (13) run out for the tunnel walk ahead of the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska, top, and Omaha's teams stand during the national anthem during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans make their way in to see Nebraska take on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans make their way to their seats to see Nebraska take on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans cheer before Nebraska takes on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans make their way in to see Nebraska take on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A KC-135 and F16s do a flyover before Nebraska takes on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans cheer before Nebraska takes on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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The Nebraska volleyball team does the tunnel walk before taking on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Omaha's McKenna Ruch severs against Nebraska during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Harper Murray hits the ball against Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska cheers a point against Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Lexi Rodriguez bumps the ball against Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska cheerleaders hold up numbers to showcase the world-record 92,003 fans according to the Nebraska Athletic Department watch Nebraska take on Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Scotty McCreery performs in a Husker volleyball shirt after Nebraska defeated Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Jolee Huff, 6, sits on her father Josh Huff's shoulders after Nebraska defeated Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans cheers after Nebraska defeated Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans enjoy a light show after Nebraska defeated Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans enjoy a light show after Nebraska defeated Omaha during Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen presents former Husker volleyball coach Terry Pettit with an honor during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Bekka Allick (5) warms up ahead of the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Bekka Allick's brother Josiah Allick watches the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Ally Batenhorst (14) waves to fans ahead of the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Fans watch the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Former Husker volleyball coach Terry Pettit honors Nebraska high school coaches during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska UNO vs. Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Trey Potthoff, 14, Tyler Potthoff, 18, Parker Poole, 18, and Brady Vetter, 18, watch the Nebraska take on UNO during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A spectator holds a sign during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Merritt Beason (13) serves the ball during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska players celebrate a point during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Bergen Reilly (2) hits the ball during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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UNO's Rachel Fairbanks (17) hits the ball during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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UNO players celebrate the point during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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UNO's Erica Fava (14) hits the ball during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Joshua Warner celebrates as the world-record attendance for a women's athletic event is announced during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Lexi Rodriguez (8) celebrates a point with Nebraska's Laney Choboy (6) during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Maggie Mendelson (44) celebrates a point during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach John Cook during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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UNO players celebrates a point during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska players celebrate a point during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska's Ally Batenhorst (14) spikes the ball against UNO's Amanda Hardt (9) and UNO's McKenna Ruch (4) during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach John Cook and assistant coach Kelly Hunter during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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Nebraska players celebrates after defeating UNO, 3-0, during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
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