Dec. 1, 2001

Box Score

Manhattan, Kan. - Nancy Metcalf and Laura Pilakowski each had 14 kills as second-seeded Nebraska earned a 30-25, 28-30, 30-26, 30-19 victory over host Kansas State in a second-round match of the NCAA Volleyball Championship before 2,990 at Ahearn Field House.

The Huskers, now 29-1, won their 27th match in a row and move on to a regional semifinal next weekend.

Kansas State ended its season at 20-8 overall. It was the third time this season Nebraska had beaten the Wildcats, as both teams compete in the Big 12 Conference.

Amber Holmquist finished with 13 kills and nine blocks, while Jenny Kropp had a dozen off the bench. Metcalf and Pilakowski both finished with a double-double as Metcalf had 16 digs and Pilakowski had 12. Greichaly Cepero had a triple-double with 51 assists, 14 digs and a match-high 10 blocks.

Lisa Mimick led Kansas State with 13 kills and 25 digs, with Liz Wegner finishing with 12. Laura Downey finished with 11 digs.

Kansas State had 28 attack errors and 11 service errors in the match, while Nebraska held an 18-8 edge in team blocks.

Nebraska went out to a 7-0 lead in the first game and led 15-4 midway through. K-State cut the lead to three twice, the last time at 24-21, but came no closer.

The Huskers led 15-7 in game two, but Kansas State climbed back. A 6-1 run late tied the game at 25-25. Nebraska scored the next two points, but K-State reeled off four straight, getting two kills from Wegner, an ace from Kris Jensen and a Husker attack error to set up game-point.

Nebraska saved one, but Lauren Goehring had a kill for the 'Cats to end the second game and tie the match. It was the only the second game Nebraska had lost in a match since Oct. 24.

The Huskers had a small lead through much of game three, but the Wildcats went on a 4-1 run to take a 21-19 lead. Nebraska reeled off a 9-2 run of its own to take control and closed out the third game at 30-26.

Nebraska had a 10-8 edge in the fourth game when it went on a 7-0 run. K-State pulled within six at 18-12, but could come no closer.

The Huskers finished with a .352 hitting percentage on the evening, while the Wildcats hit .172. K-State was making its fifth straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

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