Sports – Page 425 – North Platte Post Archive

Huskers Host Texas in Top-10 Showdown

Posted on September 19, 2014

The ninth-ranked Nebraska volleyball team finishes non-conference play on Saturday when No. 2 Texas visits the Devaney Center at 2 p.m. for a top-10 showdown. The Huskers will be looking to avenge last year’s season-ending loss to the Longhorns. Texas swept Nebraska in Lincoln to advance to the NCAA Semifinals. The Huskers (6-2) are riding a six-match win streak but will face a tough task when the unbeaten Longhorns take the floor on Saturday. Texas has dropped just one set so far this season (to then-No. 11 Florida) and returns the nucleus of last year’s NCAA Semifinals team. Fans parking at the Devaney for Saturday’s match will NOT need to leave Devaney at any point to make way for football parking. All football parking at Devaney will be for general admission use.

Media Information
The Huskers will be on NET for the second of five times this season when they host Texas on Saturday afternoon. The match will also stream online on BTN Plus, which fans can purchase for $9.95 for one month’s access. Fans can also listen to the action with John Baylor and Diane Mendenhall on the 25-station Husker Sports Network, including B107.3 FM in Lincoln and The Wolf 93.3 FM in Omaha. Fans inside and outside the state of Nebraska will also be able to catch the live audio feed on Huskers.com for free.

Series History
Nebraska leads the all-time series, 30-20, but Texas has won the last three matchups, including a five-set thriller in Austin last September and a sweep on Dec. 14 in Lincoln to advance to the NCAA Semifinals. In the last nine matchups between the teams, six have gone four sets and one has gone five sets – last year’s 20-25, 25-19, 27-25, 21-25, 15-12 Texas win.

Last Time Out
The No. 9 Nebraska volleyball team rallied from a slow start to defeat the Creighton Bluejays 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-20) in the first meeting between the teams since 2011 before 8,060 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Wednesday night. The Huskers improved to 6-2 with their sixth straight win. Creighton fell to 6-4. Kadie Rolfzen led the Huskers with a season-high 16 kills and added 10 digs and five blocks. Alicia Ostrander provided a big spark off the bench, coming on in the middle of the third set and finishing with seven kills and two blocks. She hit a career-best .353 and gave the Huskers a boost when they had just let Creighton back into set three. Amber Rolfzen had seven kills and seven digs, and Kelsey Fien had six kills. Meghan Haggerty had five kills and six of Nebraska’s season-high-tying14 blocks. Mary Pollmiller had 39 assists and eight digs, and Justine Wong-Orantes had 18 digs. The Huskers hit .134, the lowest they’ve hit in a match that they’ve won in the John Cook era (dating back to 2000). They were able to secure the win by holding the Bluejays to a .126 hitting percentage. Both teams had 31 attacking errors, but the Bluejays had 12 service errors to just four for the Huskers.

Up Next
The Huskers begin Big Ten play next week with a home-and-home series with Iowa. The teams will meet in Lincoln on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and will then play on Saturday in Iowa City at 7 p.m.

Noting the Huskers
• If Saturday’s match were to go five sets, it would be unfamiliar ground for both teams of late. Dating back to last season, Nebraska has played 18 straight matches that have finished in three or four sets. Meanwhile, Texas has played 29 straight matches without going five sets. Nebraska’s last five-setter was at Minnesota on Nov. 10, 2013. Texas’ last match that came down to the wire was vs. Nebraska on Sept. 22, 2013 in Austin. The Longhorns are 28-1 since that five-set win.
• Nebraska has won six matches in a row. The Huskers’ longest winning streak last season was eight matches, from Oct. 23-Nov. 16.
• Nebraska hit .134 against Creighton, the lowest it has hit and still won in the John Cook era, dating back to 2000.
• Kadie Rolfzen’s 16 kills against Creighton were a season best for the AVCA All-American. Her 42 attacks in the match were also a season high. She has posted 14 or more kills in four of her last six matches.
• Junior outside hitter Kelsey Fien has played in seven matches this season and has led NU in kills in four of them. For the season, Fien is averaging a team-high 3.32 kills per set.
• Melanie Keil’s eight blocks against Denver last Friday was not only a career high for the sophomore, it was also the top mark by any Big Ten player in a three-set match this season.
• Annika Albrecht leads all Big Ten freshmen in aces with 11 (0.41 per game) and ranks fourth in the conference among all players.
• Nebraska ranks second in the Big Ten with 2.85 blocks per set, and the Huskers’ 29 solo blocks are the most by any Big Ten team.
• The Huskers have just one solo block against them all season. The next closest Big Ten teams are Penn State and Michigan at five.
• The Huskers rank third in the Big Ten in digs per set (14.89). Justine Wong-Orantes (3.85 per set) and Kadie Rolfzen (3.00) lead the Big Red. Wong-Orantes is coming off a season-high 19 against Colgate last weekend and followed up with 18 against Creighton on Wednesday.
• The Huskers have held three opponents to single-digit sets so far this season, matching last year’s season total. The Huskers have beaten Eastern Kentucky 25-7, Bakersfield 25-8 and Colgate 25-9. Nebraska held two opponents to single digits in 2012 and one in 2011.
• Nebraska is 6-0 this season when recording as many or more service aces than its opponent.
• With its No. 9 ranking, Nebraska has appeared in every one of the AVCA’s 466 all-time weekly polls. NU and Stanford are the only two programs to appear in every AVCA poll, dating back to its inception in 1982.
• Nebraska has spent a nation-leading 419 weeks in the top 10 after making its return to the top 10 this week at No. 9.
• The Huskers are 227-0 under Cook when hitting .300 or better.
• NU is 369-15 (.961) when winning the first set under Cook.
• Nebraska is 138-39 against ranked teams under Cook (.780).
• Just over one-third of Cook’s total victories at Nebraska (419) have come against ranked teams.
• Nebraska volleyball leads the nation with 206 consecutive sellouts, the longest sellout streak in the history of NCAA women’s athletics. NU owns a 191-15 record during the streak.

Scouting the Texas Longhorns
No. 2 Texas is 7-0 on the season, having dropped only one set all season – 28-26 in set two against No. 11 Florida on Sept. 6. The Longhorns have swept three straight matches since then – against Arizona, Central Florida and Florida A&M – all at the West Longhorn Classic last weekend. Texas has had a week off to prepare for Saturday’s match.

Texas possesses a balanced attack with six players registering more than 30 kills but none surpassing 46 so far this season. Two-time AVCA first-team All-American Haley Eckerman has a team-high 46 kills (2.56 per set) to lead the Longhorns. Eckerman also ranks sixth nationally with 0.67 aces per set. Amy Neal has 45 kills and leads the team with 2.81 kills per set. Pilar Victoria is not far behind with 39 kills (2.79 per set), and Khat Bell has chipped in 39 kills as well (2.05 per set). The Longhorns’ primary setters are sophomores Chloe Collins (121 assists) and Nicole Dalton (116 assists). Freshman Cat McCoy leads the team in digs with 86.

The Longhorns are hitting a healthy .307 as a team to rank eighth nationally. They are holding opponents to a .117 clip through seven matches. Texas ranks second nationally with 3.36 blocks per set. The Longhorns are led at the net by Molly McCage (28 blocks), second-team All-American Chiaka Ogbogu (25) and Sara Hattis (24).

Texas went 27-3 last season and reached the NCAA Semifinals. The Longhorns return five starters and nine letterwinners from that squad. Texas is one of 15 remaining unbeaten teams and is seeking its first 8-0 start since 2009, when it started 18-0 and reached the NCAA Finals.

Nebraska Kicker Breaks Collarbone in Crash

Posted on September 19, 2014

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska kicker Mauro Bondi broke his collarbone when he crashed his motorcycle on the north side of Lincoln.

The accident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Thursday when Bondi failed to negotiate a curve on his 2004 Suzuki and struck a curb. Bondi told police he thought he was traveling about 45 mph. Alcohol or drugs were not a factor.

Police spokeswoman Katie Flood said a roommate drove Bondi to a hospital, where he was treated and released.

The junior from Boca Raton, Florida, handles kickoffs for the Cornhuskers, who host Miami on Saturday night. Freshman Drew Brown kicks field goals and extra points.

After NFL, Baseball Addresses Domestic Violence

Posted on September 19, 2014

Representatives of Major League Baseball and the players’ union are opening talks about establishing new policies and punishments for domestic violence.

The first meeting is scheduled for Friday in negotiations that could continue for several weeks or even months.

The recent spate of high-profile domestic violence cases involving Ray Rice and other NFL players prompted the discussions.

Like baseball, other top professional sports organizations surveyed by The Associated Press — including the NBA, NHL, NASCAR, PGA Tour and ATP — currently have rules covering various kinds of inappropriate or criminal behavior away from arenas but do not address domestic violence on its own.

NFL to Partner with Violence Hotline

Posted on September 19, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is partnering with a domestic violence hotline and a sexual violence resource center.

Responding to increasing criticism that the league has not acted quickly or emphatically enough concerning domestic abuse cases involving players, Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to the clubs late Thursday announcing the partnerships.

The league will provide financial, operational and promotional support to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

Goodell said this will “enable both the hotline and NSVRC to help more people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.”

Goodell and some NFL teams have been heavily criticized for lenient or delayed punishment of Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and other players involved in recent domestic violence cases. Less than three weeks into the season, five such cases have made headlines.

Tulsa Shock Basketball Player Honored in Alliance

Posted on September 19, 2014

Jordan Hooper Alliance Basketball — Photo by Melissa Brennan

ALLIANCE, Neb. (AP) — Tulsa Shock forward Jordan Hooper has returned to her hometown of Alliance for a basketball jersey retirement ceremony.

Hooper’s jersey number (No. 35) was enshrined Thursday at Alliance High School. She led her team to the state title as a freshman in 2007 and won Gatorade Player of the Year for Nebraska two years in a row.

She was named a first-team All-American in 2014 by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and was selected 13th overall in the second round of the WNBA draft.

Rosario 2-Run HR in 9th, Rockies Beat D-Backs

Posted on September 18, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Wilin Rosario hit a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Colorado Rockies rallied to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 on Thursday night.

Rosario finished with four hits to lift the Rockies into a fourth-place tie with Arizona in the NL West.

Corey Dickerson led off the ninth with a single against Addison Reed (1-7). Two outs later Rosario, hit a towering drive into the seats in left to give the Rockies their third straight win.

LaTroy Hawkins (4-3) pitched a perfect top of the ninth.

No. 14 NPCC Lady Knights Fall to No. 3 Central

Posted on September 18, 2014

North Platte – The No. 14 North Platte Community College Lady Knights (13-5) volleyball team hosted the No. 3 Central Community College Lady Raiders (14-2) in a Region IX Division II showdown at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium Thursday night. The Lady Raiders eventually proved to be too much for the Lady Knights as Central took the match in three sets 14-25, 12-25, 21-25.

The Lady Raiders ended the Lady Knights season a year ago in the Region IX Division II Tournament and will host this year’s tournament. The two teams will face off again on October 15 in Columbus while the Region IX Division II Tournament starts October 31.

North Platte was led on the night in kills by sophomore Samantha Kennedy with seven while freshman Valerie Most recorded three. On the evening, sophomore Joli Hopping was the only Lady Knight recorded any assists with 18. Sophomore Samantha Byrn had 11 digs for the Lady Knights while sophomore Erika Goodwin, freshman Aryn Meisinger and Hopping all had nine.

The Lady Knights return to action on Tuesday, September 23 as they host the Concordia University JV in McDonald-Belton Gymnasium at 7 p.m. The Lady Knights then take to the road for another Region IX Division II game as they travel to Beatrice to face Southeast Community College on Thursday, September 25 at 4:00 p.m.

Huskers Head into Showdown with Miami

Posted on September 18, 2014

Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska football team continued its preparations for their Saturday night showdown with the Miami Hurricanes on Thursdayafternoon, as the Huskers conducted a 50-minute walk-thru inside of the Hawks Championship Center.

Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini met with the media afterward, mentioning that the Huskers have had a good week of preparation leading up the game Saturday night.

“We have had a good couple days, I think our guys are recovered from the weekend—from the travel and all that,” Pelini said. “I think we have had good tempo, and I think we have had a good week of preparation. We need to finish it up tomorrow and get ready to go.”

After the close victory over FCS opponent McNeese State two weeks ago, Pelini believes the team has bounced back nicely do to solid leadership.

“We did not have to say that much, I didn’t have to say much, I think our guys are focused and have handled themselves in the right way,” he said. “They do the right things off the field—knock on wood, the key is to get better.”

Pelini announced that junior wide receiver Sam Burtch will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. Burtch, a Elmwood-Murdock product, recorded 12 receptions for 147 yards last season, including three touchdowns.

With Burtch out, look for sophomore walk-on Lane Hovey of Adel, Iowa to step in and fill some of the void. Hovey performed nicely at NU’s last game at Fresno State, recording three receptions for 48 yards, with a long of 29.

The Nebraska football team will have one more practice Friday afternoon before its Saturday night showdown with Miami. The game between the Huskers and Hurricanes will be nationally televised on ESPN2 with a kickoff at 7:00 p.m. (Central).

Chiefs’ Charles Limited with High Ankle Sprain

Posted on September 18, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles showed up for practice Thursday, albeit in a limited capacity, despite a high ankle sprain sustained last Sunday against Denver.

Charles did not participate Wednesday and there were fears that one of the game’s dynamic playmakers could miss several weeks. Chiefs coach Andy Reid has not said whether there’s a chance Charles will be available for Sunday’s game in Miami.

Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry, who is also sidelined by a sprained ankle, remained out of practice. Rookie wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas also did not practice after returning Wednesday from a hamstring injury that has caused him to miss the first two games.

Linebacker Tamba Hali was limited in practice. He’s expected to play against the Dolphins.

Tiger Woods Says He Might Coach Himself

Posted on September 18, 2014

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — The next swing coach for Tiger Woods might be Tiger Woods.

Woods posted a blog on his website Thursday saying there was no “hard-and-set” rule on finding a new swing coach.

He parted way with Sean Foley last month after two years. Woods only completed 25 founds this year because of a back injury that required surgery. He is not playing until the Hero World Challenge in December. He says he needs to get healthy before he figures out where to go with his game.

He says he is keeping his options “very, very open.”

Woods says he has bounced some ideas off Notah Begay, a former teammate at Stanford and a longtime friend. He says they have discussed what direction Woods should go with his game.