Matchup Overview
Coming off nine straight wins, USC travels to face No. 1 Nebraska on Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 pm CT. The match will be played at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. Fans can watch on B1G+ or listen on the Husker Radio Network, with live stats available online.
Recent Form
USC’s only loss this season came back on October 11 against UCLA. Since then, the Trojans have reeled off victories over UCLA (in a rematch), Wisconsin, Minnesota and Washington twice. Currently riding a nine-match winning streak, USC has built momentum heading into this high-stakes conference showdown.
Key Battle: Blocking
Both teams boast elite blocking units. USC averages 2.74 blocks per set, narrowly edging Nebraska’s 2.71. On the Trojan side, middles Leah Ford, Rylie McGinest and occasional sub Mia Tvrdy (a Nebraska native from Papillion) each average over one block per set. Nebraska counters with Rebekah Allick (1.35 blocks per set) and Andi Jackson, meaning attackers on both sides will need precise vision and advanced footwork to get around the block.
Offensive Threats at Middle
Nebraska’s middles are major offensive weapons, each logging over two kills per set and demanding constant attention from opposing blockers. USC’s middles chip in over one kill per set, but they frequently mix quick strikes and slide attacks, keeping defenses off balance.
Trojan Attackers to Watch
• Reese Messer (Freshman Setter): Messer runs a fast offense that keeps middles involved, while delivering tempo sets to pin hitters.
• Adonia Faumuina (Junior Outside Hitter): At 6’1”, Faumuina is a powerful attacker in both front and back row.
• London Wijay (Sophomore Outside Hitter): The most prolific Trojan hitter this year, Wijay plays all six rotations, providing consistent back-row offense but occasionally contributing passing errors. Nebraska will likely target her serve receive.
• Abigail Mullen (Freshman Opposite): A confident US National U19 and U21 team veteran, Mullen hits with a heavy arm reminiscent of past Ohio State star Emily Londot. She also contributes out of right back in six-rotation sets.
Husker Right-Side Matchup
Nebraska enjoys a height advantage at right side compared to USC’s outside hitters (Wijay at 5’10” and Faumuina at 6’1”). To capitalize, the Cornhuskers’ right-siders must produce kills efficiently and limit errors, turning serving pressure into defensive breakdowns.
Lineups
USC (20-5, 11-4 B1G)
1 Adonia Faumuina 6’1” RS-JR OH
2 London Wijay 5’10” RS-SO OH
3 Reese Messer 5’11” FR Setter
4 Megan Verbiest 5’6” SR DS/Libero
5 Abigail Mullen 6’3” FR OPP
6 Taylor Deckert 5’9” FR DS/Libero
7 Leah Ford 6’4” RS-SO MB
8 Mia Tvrdy 6’1” SO MB
9 Allie Hazelwood 5’11” JR Setter
10 Quinn Loper 6’2” FR OH
11 Presley Kiffin 5’11” FR OH
15 Dani Thomas-Nathan 6’0” SR OH
16 Gala Trubint 5’8” SR DS/Libero
17 Paisley Douglas 5’6” SO DS
18 Addison Townsend 5’7” FR DS
21 Brooklyn Tealer 6’0” RS-FR OH
22 Rylie McGinest 6’1” SR MB
23 Madison Pietsch 6’2” RS-JR OPP
Nebraska Cornhuskers (25-0, 15-0 B1G)
Lineup details available via the Husker Radio Network and team website. Keep an eye on the unbeaten Cornhuskers as they look to defend home court against a surging USC squad.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/top-tier-match-nebraska-volleyball-140645294.html
