The University of Washington’s volleyball season came to an end against fourth-seeded Nebraska and its red-clad fans as the Huskers swept the No. 13 seed Huskies, 25-15, 25-21, 25-23, in a battle of former national champions in the regional playoff round of 16 Friday night in Omaha, Neb.
It was the first time the Huskies (25-7) were swept this season. It’s also the first time under coach Jim McLaughlin that UW lost a round of 16 match as the Huskies were 6-0 in those matches.
“The Huskers played really well, and we didn’t,” McLaughlin said. “Our girls played hard, I thought the energy level was very good. The environment was outstanding, it was incredible, I don’t think we responded well, or it took us a while to get our feet under us.”
Gina Mancuso had 14 kills for 26-6 Nebraska, which had a 55-33 edge in digs. The Cornhuskers have won three NCAA titles, the most recent in 2006.
Sophomore Krista Vansant, an all-Pacific-12 Conference player, had 11 kills and four blocks for the Huskies, who won the NCAA title in 2005. Senior Kylin Munoz, a Monroe High School graduate, added seven kills and four blocks for UW.
The Huskies and Seattle will host the Final Four for the first time next season.
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