How to Watch Nebraska vs. Minnesota Volleyball with Preview and TV Info

Nebraska Volleyball Faces Minnesota in a Crucial Matchup

The No. 1 Nebraska Volleyball team is set to leave the comfort of John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center for another challenging match. In a recent dominant win over Illinois, the Huskers remain the only undefeated team in college volleyball. With only seven matches separating them from replicating the legendary 2000 Husker squad — one of only five teams to be undefeated and also win a national championship — the pressure is on for this season.

However, the next challenge comes in the form of a visit to Maturi Pavilion and Minnesota. Despite a strong all-time record of 39-12 against the Golden Gophers, the Huskers have never swept Minnesota in their home venue. Additionally, NU is only 2-2 at Minnesota since 2018. Although four starters have suffered season-ending injuries, the threat of a Golden Gophers upset still looms. Minnesota has shown resilience, consistently challenging ranked opponents.

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming match between Nebraska and Minnesota on Saturday afternoon.

Match Details

Matchup:
No. 1 Nebraska (22-0, 12-0 B1G) vs. No. 22 Minnesota (17-7, 7-6 B1G)

When:
Saturday, November 8

Where:
Maturi Pavilion, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Time:
2:30 p.m. CST

Watch:
Peacock

Listen:
Huskers Radio Network and Affiliates

Minnesota Scout

Head Coach:
Keegan Cook, in his third season at Minnesota, has a career record of 253-86 (.746) with 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four in 2020. He previously coached at Washington and was an assistant at St. Mary’s.

2024 Finish:
Minnesota lost 1-3 to No. 3 Regional Seed Kentucky in the NCAA Second Round.

2024 Record & Awards:
21-11 (13-7 B1G, T-6th) | Two All-Americans (Honorable Mentions), four Northwest All-Region First Team selections, and B1G Coach and Freshman OTY.

All-Time Series:
Nebraska leads 39-12 (last matchup on Nov. 16, 2024, 3-2 PSU).

Returning Production:
Points: 58% | Kills: 62% | Service Aces: 56% | Blocks: 39% | Assists: 18% | Digs: 68%

Key Returners

Julia Hanson – OH, Sr.
A veteran outside hitter ranked in the Big Ten's top five in both points and kills, looking for a second-straight All-American campaign.

Mckenna Wucherer – OH, Sr.
Redshirting in 2025 due to a back injury that has affected her since the 2024 campaign.

Alex Acevedo – OH, R-Soph.
On pace for a breakout sophomore season before suffering a season-ending injury against Northwestern on Oct. 5.

Stella Swenson – S, R-Fr.
Sat out to redshirt in 2024 after a decorated high school career; averaging 9.66 assists per set with 51 kills, 51 blocks, 23 aces, and 2.15 digs per set.

Calissa Minatee – MB, Jr.
Returning starter averaging a career-high 1.71 kills and 1.04 blocks per set before being knocked out for the season due to injury on Sept. 14.

Zeynep Palabiyik – L/DS, Jr.
Returning starter at libero who tore her ACL on Aug. 31, missing the majority of her junior season.

Key Departures

Melani Shaffmaster – S, Graduated
Longtime all-conference setter with 9.16 assists, 2.77 digs, 0.64 blocks, 0.97 kills, and 0.20 aces per set in 2024, becoming only the fourth player in program history to reach 4,000 assists and 1,000 career digs.

Lydia Grote – OPP, Graduated
Registered 2.90 kills per set to earn All-Big Ten First Team and AVCA All-Northwest Region honors in her final college season.

Phoebe Awoleye – MB, Graduated
One of the best defensive middles in the country with 1.48 blocks per set; picked up by Major League Volleyball's Omaha Supernovas as an undrafted free agent for the 2025 pro season.

Impact Transfers/Newcomers

Lourdès Myers – MB, Gr.
Spent four seasons at Purdue, second on the team in points (188.5), blocks (97), and blocks per set (1.23).

Kelly Kinney – OH, Fr.
Heralded recruit from Florida, averaging 2.10 kills per set in her first college season.

Carly Gilk – OPP, Fr.
Top-ranked volleyball recruit from Minnesota, thrust into action due to injuries, putting up 166.5 points in 18 matches played.

Georgia Lee – S, Jr.
Rutgers transfer, super serving sub with a team-high 25 aces in 23 matches.

Jordan Taylor – MB, Fr.
6-foot-5 Texas native, second on the team with 70 blocks while contributing 1.65 kills per set.

McKenna Garr – L/DS, Fr.
In-state recruit for the Golden Gophers, totaling 253 digs and 3.24 digs per set after stepping in for another Minnesota injury.

Outlook

The 2025 college volleyball season has been tough on the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who faced multiple injuries. Despite losing four starters, they have maintained a 17-6 record and 7-5 mark in conference play.

Julia Hanson is making up for lost production with 4.78 points and 4.10 kills per set on a .310 hitting percentage in what will be an All-American season. True freshmen Kelly Kinney and Carly Gilk have stepped up as starting attackers for the injured Wucherer and Acevedo. Middle blocker Jordan Taylor has also seen major playing time, ranking second on the team in blocks (70) with 1.43 kills per set.

Setter Stella Swenson, who waited behind Melani Shaffmaster, has contributed 9.66 assists per set with 23 aces (2nd on team) while securing 2.15 digs per set and 51 blocks. Lourdès Myers, a veteran middle blocker transfer, leads Minnesota with 97 blocks while chipping in 1.71 kills per set in her final college volleyball season. True freshman libero McKenna Garr has stepped in nicely for the injured Palabiyik, posting 3.24 digs per set, which is 10th among active Big Ten liberos.

Despite the injuries, the Golden Gophers have shown resilience, beating No. 23 Indiana and RV Illinois while dropping five-set thrillers to both No. 11 Purdue on the road and No. 22 USC. The next four matches include No. 11 Wisconsin, No. 1 Nebraska, No. 25 Penn State, and an upstart Iowa team.

It's unfortunate that the Golden Gophers have been hit hard by injuries, as their team, fully healthy, could have competed for runner-up honors in the conference. However, I'll be watching this one as the match where NU's sweep and set streak comes to an end. History isn't on NU's side — the Huskers have never swept Minnesota on the road and are only 2-2 in the state of 10,000 Lakes since 2018. Don't be fooled, I'm still picking Nebraska, but I'll be on high alert.

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