The Huskers will have to find a new libero for next season after the unexpected departure of two-year starter Lara Dykstra. The sophomore announced that she would be leaving Nebraska earlier this week. A native of Redondo Beach, California, Dykstra told head coach John Cook she wants to play closer to home, and also wishes to play beach volleyball instead of indoor volleyball. She had been one of the top beach volleyball players in the country in high school. The Huskers currently have no libero on scholarship, but will be adding freshman Justine Wong-Orantes at the position in 2013.

Statement from John Cook: “Lara Dykstra informed me this week that she has lost her passion to play indoor volleyball and is moving back to California to be closer to her family and play collegiate beach volleyball. Lara started every match for us over the last two years and did a great job. She will be missed and we wish her the best.”