Lexi Rodriguez shines with impressive defensive plays against tall Wisconsin hitters, keeping Nebraska in the match.
Nebraska libero Lexi Rodriguez comes up with a pair of clutch digs for the Cornhuskers in the second set against Wisconsin . Directly across the net from Nebraska 's 5-foot-5 libero stands Wisconsin right-side hitter Anna Smrek. She's the daughter of a former two-time NBA champion. She stands 6-foot-9 and can touch higher than 11 feet when she jumps. The net, which stands at 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches, is no match. Next to Smrek is Wisconsin middle blocker CC Crawford. She stands 6-foot-3.
Her dad ran Division I track. Her mom played Division I basketball. Her brother is a defensive lineman at Iowa. Blocking is her forte. Smrek, Crawford and Wisconsin are down by a set and trailing 5-2. They know they need points -- and fast. Rodriguez knows it too. She knows the Wisconsin hitters will be swinging their arms high and fast and hard, trying to slam the volleyball to the floor on Nebraska's side of the net. It's Rodriguez's job to keep that from happening.Merritt Beason goes back to serve. Rodriguez guards the sideline as Smrek rises and swings, but the Nebraska block deflects it back to Beason. After some quick back-and-forth, Crawford tips the ball gently over the Nebraska block toward the front corner of the court. Rodriguez takes one, two, three quick steps. She reaches her left arm out and dives, popping up the ball inches before it lands on the court. Rodriguez slides into the referee stand and then scrambles back into position. She's ready for whatever comes next. It's Smrek again. This time she pokes the ball into a vacant area of the Nebraska court, but Rodriguez slides on her knees to dig it. She gets back up and backpedals to guard her turf.She approaches with intention this time. She slams the ball toward the back of the court. Rodriguez reaches her arms out to her right side and falls as she deflects the ball back to Wisconsin's side of the ne
Volleyball Nebraska Wisconsin Rodriguez Digs Defense
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Analytics Preview: Nebraska Football vs. WisconsinThe Huskers look to end one of the program's longest losing streaks to a single opponent.
Read more »
Wisconsin and Nebraska are both seeking bowl eligibility and an end to their losing streaksBowl eligibility is at stake when Wisconsin and Nebraska meet in Lincoln on Saturday. The Badgers are looking to extend their bowl streak to 22 seasons. Nebraska is looking to go to a bowl for the first time since 2016. This will be Dana Holgorsen's second game calling plays for Nebraska.
Read more »
Wisconsin and Nebraska meet for Freedom Trophy: 3 keys and predictionThe Badgers have beaten the Cornhuskers 10 straight times.
Read more »
Keys to Victory: Nebraska vs. WisconsinNebraska welcomes Wisconsin to Lincoln on Saturday for their final home game of the year. Both teams are 5-5, battling to become bowl eligible with two left to
Read more »
How to Watch Nebraska Volleyball vs. No. 6 Wisconsin: Preview, Breakdown, TV ChannelThe sequel between the No. 2 Huskers and Badgers Saturday night will be a major decider for the Big Ten title race in the final two weeks.
Read more »
How to Watch Nebraska Football vs. Wisconsin: Breakdown, Preview, TV ChannelThe Huskers and Badgers take the gridiron with each one win away from bowl eligibility.
Read more »