Nebraska Volleyball vs Penn State 2024 Division I Women's Volleyball Semifinals - Source: Getty

"Bigger dagger to chest than regular sweep"; "Epic collapse" - Fans react as Nebraska Volleyball falls to Penn State in NCAA semifinals

Modified Dec 20, 2024 15:45 GMT

Many fans reacted as Penn State delivered a stunning result, toppling Nebraska volleyball in the NCAA women's semifinals. The victory secures Penn State's 14th NCAA Championship final appearance and its first since 2017, where it will clash with Louisville on December 22.

Fans flooded social media, praising Penn State's resilience and calling the reverse sweep one of the most thrilling comebacks in recent history. Nebraska fans expressed their disappointment.

One fan reflected on the frustration after the loss in a post on X:

"This was a tough one to swallow. For two years in a row, it has seemed like the National Championship was ours to lose."

Another commented:

"Nebraska led 22-16 in set 4, needing 3 points to win the match. Epic collapse."

One user expressed a strong sense of dismay:

"I will say this... Nobody can choke like a Nebraska team."

Here's a look at more fan reactions:

"This is a bigger dagger to the chest than a regular sweep. GBR."

"Worst Husker loss I've ever seen in any sport. The team thought they could coast after going up 2-0, and Penn State destroyed us from there. Unbelievable."

"Back to back, final fours is impressive as hell. I'm not upset with this team at all, I think Penn State just played with no fear the last 3 sets and we tried to play not to lose. I said it after two sets, you have to sweep them, otherwise, this could happen. Great season ladies!"

Screenshot of Nebraska volleyball fans' comments/ Source/ X (formerly Twitter)

Nebraska started strong, dominating the first two sets with solid offense and defense, putting Penn State on the back foot. However, Penn State found its rhythm in the third set, shifting momentum with decisive plays and key defensive blocks.

In the fourth set, Nebraska came close to sealing the match with a significant lead, but Penn State's resilience forced a fifth set. In the decider, both teams battled fiercely, but Penn State's composure and a critical block in the final moment secured the win.

Nebraska volleyball's Lexi Rodriguez expresses gratitude towards fellow co-captain Merritt Beason

Nebraska Volleyball vs Penn State 2024 Division I Women's Volleyball Semifinals - Source: Getty

In a follow-up interview with Husker Online after the match, co-captain Lexi Rodriguez reflected on her growth and the impact the Nebraska volleyball program had on her collegiate career. She highlighted the support of Husker Nation, the dedication of the coaching staff, and the camaraderie with her teammates, all of which shaped her both as a player and a person.

Rodriguez expressed gratitude for being part of a program that achieved significant milestones for volleyball and cherished the unforgettable memories created with her teammates. Reflecting on her role as a co-captain alongside Merritt Beason, she discussed their leadership dynamic.

"That means everything. She has honestly meant everything to me. I don't know how this team would have been able to even walk without her. She is the ultimate selfless mama bear that you could ever imagine, and that's something that I think everyone should be privileged enough to have as a teammate and as a co-captain, it's been an honor to lead next to her. I've learned so much must about life from her."

Nebraska volleyball's 2024 season ended with a defeat.