OMAHA, Neb. – Not many people expected the Omaha Mavericks to compete in the game against Nebraska in the final night of the Omaha Challenge. Though Nebraska lost to Northern Iowa 3-1 earlier in the day, the Huskers were the heavy favorites against the Mavericks.
In the first set, the fans were electric and the atmosphere of Baxter Arena was stimulating. That energy translated to the court when the Mavericks went on a tear to begin the first set, culminating in an early 5-1 lead. The Huskers fought back, giving the fans their money’s worth in the first set
. Omaha nearly stole the first set, leading at one point 24-23. The Mavericks could not hold on however, and eventually dropped the first set 26-24. The next two sets were all Huskers, ending in 25-15 and 25-13 score lines respectively.
Omaha was lead by junior outside-hitter Mackenzie Horkey. Horkey finished the night with 26 total attacks, 9 kills, and a team low two errors. The Huskers finished with 47 kills and 104 total attacks as a team. The Mavericks finish the Omaha Challenge with a record of 0-3, only winning two sets over three matches. Omaha’s next match is at home on Friday, where they host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
-Harrison Popp, Operations Manager, Sports Analyst
Photo: Stephannie Zambrano
