LINCOLN — Nebraska recorded 38 digs against Jackson State on Thursday, but the most impressive dig of the day belonged to coach John Cook, who turned a question about facing former Big 12 opponent Kansas State in the second round into a shot across the bow of the NCAA selection committee's bracket pairing choices.
"Unless you're Penn State, you're going to have to play a good team in the second round," Cook said.
The Nittany Lions host a sub-regional that includes three teams with double-digit losses. If Penn State gets past 20-12 Liberty in the first round, the Nittany Lions will play either American (23-10) or Delaware (20-12).
California upset by Tar Heels
One of Nebraska's possible opponents in the danger-filled Honolulu Regional cashed in its chips early Thursday and won't be headed to the islands.
California, which spent a large portion of the season in the top five of the coaches poll, was upset in five sets by North Carolina in Malibu, Calif. The Bears were considered a favorite to be the Huskers' opponent in the Sweet 16.
The loss now likely makes host Pepperdine the favorite to advance to Honolulu.
Delano lives up to 'X-factor' billing
Earlier this week, Cook identified senior middle blocker Brooke Delano as "an X-factor" if the Huskers are to make a deep postseason run. The Bellevue West product earned first-team All-America honors last season but has struggled at times after coming off shoulder surgery in January.
Delano played like she had taken those words to heart Thursday with 10 kills and three blocks against Jackson State. After the match, she said she understands the urgency that comes with her final NCAA tournament.
"I had some talks with the coaches this past week, and it's kind of now or never," Delano said. "You just have to live in the moment, love this team, and love being at Nebraska, because there's lots of girls that would do anything to get it back."
Shockers sick of playing Big 12
Wichita State is likely sick of seeing Big 12 teams in its postseason path. The Shockers' three-game loss to Kansas State on Thursday marks the fifth season in a row they have had their season ended by a Big 12 team in the NCAA tournament.
NU has had K-State's number
Friday will mark the first time Nebraska and Kansas State will meet in the postseason, but the programs are obviously very familiar with each other from their days in the Big 12. The Huskers have won 80 of 83 all-time matches against the Wildcats.
Kansas State hasn't defeated Nebraska since 2003, when the Wildcats won twice. K-State also won a five-setter in Lincoln in 1999.
Wildcat Pelger is 'elite player,' Cook says
Kansas State sophomore middle blocker Kaitlynn Pelger continued her standout season Thursday with 15 kills and 17 digs against Wichita State.
The Olathe, Kan., native earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and is the focal point of the Wildcats' offense after becoming "an elite player" according to Cook.
The Wildcats are unique to many Nebraska opponents in that they run their offense through their middles as much as their outside hitters.
The Wildcats have two players with ties to Nebraska. Redshirt freshman middle blocker Taylor Johnson played at Grand Island Northwest, while junior libero Kuulei Kabalis started her career at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff.
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