Nebraska v. Stanford: 2018 NCAA volleyball championships (Full replay)

tonight in Minneapolis volleyball royalty will do battle for the NCAA crown the defending champion Nebraska Cornhuskers came back from the brink in their semi-final against the Fighting Illini on Thursday night to win in five behind Kenzie Maloney and two-time tournament MVP Makayla Becky for the Stanford Cardinal their loose the number one overall seeds had an easy time with BYU in their semi-final and are led by the two-time National Player of the Year make there forever tonight in Minneapolis will it be Stanford or Nebraska we'll find out next ESPN proudly presents the NCAA women's volleyball championship a sellout crowd on hand once again at the Target Center it's a defending champion Nebraska Cornhuskers taking on the Stanford Cardinal hi everybody thanks so much for joining us really looking forward to a good one with my partner Carter ion Paul Sunderland Holly Rowe will join us momentarily two story programs playing for a singular championship in that crown are we ready and in place parts for a classic I think so this could be epic on the one hand you have Stanford going for an unprecedented eight title they almost ran the table the only team they lost to BYU they shellacked them in the in the rematch in the semis on the other side Nebraska for the first time ever as much successes that they had they've never made four semifinals in the row they did the other day offensive stars abound they'll be getting most of the headlines but maybe the most exciting player in college volleyball plays defense for the Cardinal and she's gonna need to be huge tonight she plays that cross court defense Stanford gives her over half the court to cover there's gonna be a lot of heat coming at her from the Nebraska side of the net and then of course not only is she making those first contacts but you have in the middle there Kathryn Plummer to time now National Player of the Year and Jenna gray and Audriana fitzmorris those four as freshmen two years ago won a national title looking for a second one alright let's talk about the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the fourth year in a row to the championship round but there was some doubt no question in November when this team lost 5 out of 7 matches how did they turn it around to get to this title match there was doubt right through the whole program right up to coach cook but they turned it around to early November at home down two sets to one against another legendary program Penn State and have not turned back probably the most improved team in the country and the pair that has done it for Nebraska like no other in terms of their leadership has been libro' Kenzie Maloney along once again with two times tournament Most Outstanding Player McHale effect yeah coach cook calls them a package deal and they've had more success than any two players any other players for Nebraska a lot of those first contacts on defense by Maloney and Fekete terminating 21 and one for Katie Maloney and Mikayla Becky at the NCAA tournament unprecedented in Nebraska volleyball history which is obvious and an awful lot let's go down to Holly Rowe for more well those are the two team captains for Nebraska and never was their leadership more important than here on Thursday night in the national semifinal they were down two sets to none against Illinois and they were points away from elimination in set number three when Kenzie Maloney the senior jumped into the huddle and got after her teammates her passionate discussion turned their match around and then in that decisive tip set it was McHale effect intertwined with her teammates asking everyone to take a deep breath before that fifth set they found the calm in that moment to move on and win and fight for a national championship these two seniors have met everything to this program they're a package deal and boy are they magnificent Holly thank you very much let's take a look at the starting lineups first for the Nebraska Cornhuskers hi I'm Sammy slaughter I'm an outside for the defending champs of the University of Nebraska and this is my team nickel and haines center also known as our QB lexi son outside silent but deadly Kenzie Maloney libero a k-50 Josh sweet right side sweet to us but not the other team Mikayla Becky outside our super wack Capri Davis our 1k wonder Kylie Swardson bluff middle rule in Simmons middle but don't get too close she might bite hi my name is Peyton Chang I'm a Senior Center for Stamp University my favorite food is avocado toast and this is my squad falls deep in the heart of Texas we have Holly Campbell at middle blocker Jenna gray eats butter sets butter dsk former Co you can call our cocoa outside hitter and huge Facebook girl Kathryn Plummer Megan McClure the in-and-out queen I'll Johanna fitzmorris from Kansas the breadbasket of the nation middle blocker Tammy Lotte Steph Curry if you're watching she loves you and Morgan hence our cut 9mo as libero and we are set to go here in minneapolis for the national championship Stanford is the higher seat they will wear their home uniforms surprisingly carts going back through the history this is only the second time that these two storied programs have met from the national championship it was previously in 2006 Jordan Larson led the Cornhuskers to the championship over Stanford set to go best three out of five sets [Applause] on the slide and Holly Campbell the 6-4 freshman out of Austin Texas with the first point on the board parts what are you looking for to set the tone for either of these teams early in the match well first the thing we're looking for is remember any both teams can start with any one of their six players on the floor serving both teams have changed a little in an effort to get the best matchup rockin laws so Katherine Plummer National Player of the Year number two in white for Stanford started at left front so they get her more frontcourt time Nebraska does the same thing with their star number two on her Jersey and that is left front right now Mikayla feckin kidney Wilson with the early ace ochsenbach nicely out of the middle calli Schwarzenberg 65 freshman out of Kearney Missouri able to put the ball away [Music] there is Maloney at the service line for the first time [Applause] we're going to see a lotta long rallies between these two teams really quality at the defensive end really good soft touch this difference quickly no out to Becky hooker seeing down the line and go Wow Mikayla Becky working so hard and she's gonna have to do a lot of that she'll come down and turn and run we call that transition going from block and defense to offense and she saw some nice daylight down the line for that kill [Applause] summer going one-on-one and sprays the ball out of bounds video replay system of course for this championship each team gets three challenges you can challenge touch ball in or out and Kevin Hambly not happy about that he thought it was an obvious touch and because the rules dictate that if you use a challenge even if you're proven correct you lose it and you only have three and a lot of the at least the people on the Stanford sideline thought that there was clearly a touch so you have to burn a challenge early we've only played five points of this match and he's already having to call one very frustrated because whether he wins or loses this challenge he'll only have two unless he gets one extra one if this match goes five sets the other thing is not a great contact on that swing by Kathryn Plummer looking like she's trying to do too much and so she hit back spin on that ball that's not a well hit a well driven ball on attack another look at it that does have looked like it hit anything on the way out the video replay system has had a big impact on this championship so far you'll also notice there was only one blocker against Kathryn Plummer Nebraska sending two blockers the other way I'm not sure you want to leave the National Player of the Year one-on-one very often like never again in this match well it worked that time this she hit out and she can see if she makes poor oh maybe there was there claiming a touch in the backcourt well there was it appeared clear that there was not a touch in that at the net against jazz sweet but maybe in the backcourt watch Lexie Sun watch her left arm again it has to be conclusive and I I alluded to the fact that the video replay system had vut had had such an impact on this tournament remember in the fifth set Mikayla feck hit a ball that was ruled off of a blocker for Illinois and that gave number 13 11 advantage Italy yes instead of 12 all originally she hit out yes which led to a 12 all score got reversed on a controversial call and all of a sudden Nebraska goes up 13 11 wins the last two points and finishes out the match and then remember in the match between the Oregon Ducks in the Minnesota Golden Gophers the Golden Gophers the number two seat thought they had won the second set on a pancake which was overturned by video replay and eventually Oregon one that set 41 to 39 went on and pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament which then cleared the path for Nebraska at the seventh seed a little easier route for them because Nebraska didn't have to play Minnesota a one loss in the Big Ten team didn't have to play Minnesota on its home floor so after very close video review it was inconclusive ball was neither touched at the net or by Lexie son in the back row so Kenzie Maloney will continue to serve Nebraska up three-two [Applause] [Music] that's a better contact and two blockers for Nebraska jazz suite who put away match point against Illinois nicely done into the cross court it starts with that cross court defense will see Kenzie Maloney in the red jersey for Nebraska and Morgan Hintz who's passing this ball the first contact for Stanford don't want to serve morgan hens i don't think that was a good choice they scored two points not scoring her not serving her there is John Cook three times the national coach of the year in his 19th year at Nebraska looking for his fifth national title Jenica ray the Center for Stanford back to serve for the first time jazz sweep heard numbers during the NCAA tournament are just skyrocketing 205 on the year just under 300 so far in the tournament Kevin Hambly in just his second season on the sidelines for Stanford University the pac-12 Coach of the Year after spending eight years building the program at the University of Illinois [Applause] Nebraska doing a really good job on Thunder to start that ball wrecked in in the cross-court not even Morgan hints could control that nor could Tammy had a walk it and she racked up the blocks the other night against BYU going inside see a lot 8 do you see how she reached to her right she needs to reach the other way and take that cross court that's Becky's favorite track that ball served out of bounds you alluded to the blocking performance of the Stanford Cardinal they had 17 stuff blocks against BYU and Tammy Alade had her hand in 14 of those 17 13 block assists one so low that is crazy numbers and they're gonna need a great performance from her against Becky yet Becky has been so good for Nebraska four straight years in the NCAA tournament mention what jazz suite was doing Mikayla Becky even better as she goes back to surf hit 390 so far in the tournament early lead for Nebraska one of the best servers in the game looking to serve cross-court to plum thanks Pat [Applause] nebraska really playing some good defense right now pecky out of the back row not great heat on that plumber not ready Catherine Plummer is off to a slow start here card she missed her first Lane and has yet to get on the board Paul she was approaching but her shoes something happened with her traction and she I think made the wise decision and felt too much stress on her ankle so she just stayed down but she could have gotten that ball over the net cannot be saved and the surveying from Becky once again paying dividends it let's see where Nebraska wants to go far yeah the best passer is Morgan hints in the different colored jerseys second-best is Meagan McClure so they want to go after Kathryn Plummer it's the same thing for Nebraska the most efficient passer is Kenzie Maloney next is Makayla effective and Lexi said it's kind of like in basketball you don't want to foul the free-throw shooter who's the best at the line the X is the no-go zone [Applause] the two-time National Player of the Year Catherine Plummer off to a very very slow start offensively really good serving by Mikayla Becky the 6-3 senior out of West Point Iowa [Music] [Applause] Stanford can't put a ball away nice block by lat the floor again looking for a hole in the block really good touch by stiffer ends but a net violation is going to be called against Nebraska look Catherine Plummer National Freshman of the year back to back Player of the Year nationally if you're Stanford if you're Jenna gray how do you get her started and feeling a little more comfortable in this championship well I think they're gonna have to distribute the ball a little more they sometimes been overly dependent on Plummer and she's gonna work her I've got to work her into some better spots to me it looks like plumber's trying to do a little too much give her a little time to settle down and play her normal Player of the Year game Holly you know we spoke with Kevin Hambly about that the Stanford coach at practice today and he said you know we have won matches where she didn't have her best match and I think that's taken some of the weight off her shoulders she knows we can win without her so they could weather this storm but they definitely want to get her going watch speed shot Lexie Sun pulled the string on that just a little bit short Kate Formica five nine sophomore out of Saratoga California volleyball runs mostly and deeply in her family the cousin of Kerri Walsh did not play well in the semi final she is a defensive it's best passing specialist and really struggling oh that's an easy play don't want to put that two hence gamble down the line dumped by Maloney summer registers her first kill [Applause] [Music] where Nebraska is really passing nicely here Becky through the seam out of the back row [Music] early offensive advantage certainly goes to Mikayla Becky with her second kill Nebraska six of 15 Stanford only four of sixteen and notice it's not blocking that Nebraska is hurting Stanford with right now it's they're a phenomenal defense as you mentioned it's just really tough to get the ball to the floor there is a better swing by the core but most everything's come up on the Nebraska side of the net and allowed them to transition and get quality swings so John cook signalling number one that is area number one the service cross court area we will signal every serving attempt by Nebraska here is McClure [Applause] good soft touch by Nebraska hammer on the slide number three in white Holly Campbell very quietly was four of seven the other night in the semi-final sweep of BYU doesn't draw a lot of attention but she can put the ball to the floor timeout called by Nebraska and I still a mini run here by Stanford to get back in this opening set Target Center folks work very quickly a beautiful facility to host these national championships now let's take a look at the Capital One Cup standings these are updated as teams compete for a combined 400 thousand dollars in student athlete scholarships from Capital One the winning team the volleyball championship will receive 60 points towards the Capital One Cup coming out of the timeout Jenna gray back at the line [Applause] I attempted saved by Morgan hints and Capri Davis who had a huge kill in the fifth set just her one swing out on the left side cards killing the fifth set against Illinois comes through again to get Nebraska out of that rotation here is Lexie Sun sets foot to sophomore transfer from the University of Texas now he's ripped into the cross-court so starting old for five Kathryn Plummer now solidly in the book with her second kill and here's a good look at that rotation we showed you earlier Lexie Sun on the right don't want to serve here serve there you can make different players work but Lexie Sun is probably the one and there you got the ACE she is the the person who is the least efficient at this skill the other thing you could do is serve cross-court to Makayla Fekete just because you she's a work out horse and you want to make her carry as heavy of a load as possible now you see Maloney pinching over and taking more court in the top of the block michail effective at hands a 7-3 run by the Stanford Cardinal abrasca leading this opening set 13 to 11 the libro moloney back at the line once again out of Louisville Kentucky made the all-tournament team last year when Nebraska beat the University of Florida three sets to one in the final that ball stuffed absolutely straight down jazz suite with a room sweet one remember nebraska left her alone sweet look at those hands and stiffens behind her you want to reach as far over into opponent's airspace as possible well executed by Nebraska plumber going off speed and Becky all over that burns across body Mikayla Becky off to a fabulous start now with five kills this is a really tough rotation for Stanford because they're middle tamia a lot a that is not good at hitting the slide not running good it running off one leg so she can't spread out the defense three nothing run here for Maloney and Nebraska that tough Summerhays blocked again but that will be take it away violation net violation is going to be called against Nebraska or that is a really big break for the Stanford Cardinal yes Stanford did not get the matchup that they wanted Nebraska did they have Suites against Plummer at the net in that rotation where it's the ball is going to go to Plummer a heavy a very high percentage of the time 15 to 12 advantage for the Cornhuskers who are passing the ball exceptionally well jazz sweet once again you look at her numbers coach on the year 205 tough conference okay but she's hitting 295 in the tournament and put away the final point in the semi-final against Illinois like McHale effective version to be 52 and 2 in the months of November and December in their career Morgan Miller on to serve and play some defense [Applause] Becki going off speed that ball made contact with the antenna so immediately ruled out about Stanford law [Applause] Catherine Plummer six-foot-six junior out of ELISA ELISA and Miguel California on the year just about 5 kills per set hitting just under 300 Nebraska likes this matchup difference against a smaller block of McCool success difference on the off speed and a rare miss at a dig opportunity for Morgan hints yep now across the net the person you want to avoid is Morgan hence probably want to make National Player of the Year Katherine Plummer receive this ball more often that goes to hints instead it didn't go cross-court enough both teams settle down a little bit clutch passing the ball right on target and Audrianna fitzmorris who had 11 kills against BYU on Thursday night also at six foot six the junior from Overland Park Kansas comes through and they say what a shutdown blocker she is and she really did a fine job on Ronnie Jones carry first BYU and there's the kind of block that she came up with time and time again but what they like what Stanford really wants is they want fitzmorris not on Lexi's son but on the big gun for Nebraska Makayla Seki they didn't get the matchup they wanted well they will have a second chance to turn the dial and set number two but they're focused right here on the opening set out a system here for Lexi's son well off the net going off speed not a good take by Kathryn Plummer who takes it straight down that is not a Player of the Year type play this is a hat speed swing by Lexie sound very easy defense play plumber hole I'm sorry but you could land a helicopter over there there's so much port you got to keep that little circle inside the big square there is jens Berger who misses the ball out of bounds Nebraska has been superb defensively Nicklin Haynes had 19 digs in the semi-final as did Megan Miller add to that the defensive prowess of Becky along with son who had 12 and 11 digs respectively Morgan hints deservedly gets a lot of the headlines for the work she does digging balls off the time the tape and Nicola Haynes reacted quickly but could not keep that ball off the floor but Nebraska as a team is just superb at the defensive end they sure are the Macon Stanford work for it I love what Hanes did on that play setters that's a fine detail of the game that counts keep your eye on the ball and when it hits the net cord you play it up tough serving from Stanford pulling it back in Kate for mokou again who really struggled and we talked to Kevin Hanley about it at servant pass today but a 5-1 run four aces for Stanford tied at 18 there's what hence does best bump right on target number off speed but gets a break this play by Schwartz and vodka little blocker timeout is going to be called by Nebraska very streaky opening set seven to run by Nebraska to take the advantage and now Stanford comes right back with a six one run of their own to force a timeout for the Nebraska Cornhuskers [Applause] let's go over to Holly Rowe well it's very unusual for Nebraska to be in this national championship with a freshman center why because they've never had a freshman center start for them in Nebraska history all Nicklin Haynes has done is break a legendary record set by one of their all-time greats she has more double doubles in her career the Jordyn Larson like just think about that she has been unstoppable she's been composed and you guys just mentioned that she has been so steady she does think she keeps her eye on the ball she's the daughter of a coach by two coaches out of Tennessee with the k2 program there and she's been playing volleyball since she was 7 years old she seems very comfortable to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on this very big stage 24 double doubles that is a Nebraska record and growing each and every match and she passed the great one in Jordan Larson one of the greatest players in the history if not the greatest Nebraska player of all time and remember they were swirling down the vortex in October losing 5 out of 7 but a big part of their improvement turning it around with that win against Penn State was the fact that Nicklin Haines made some major improvement as a freshman coach cook gives her a lot of the credit for the turnaround this team's made and the improvement they've had since in those last two months no December there is for mokou again call the timeout try to freeze the server but Kate Formica on a really nice run for the Cardinal Schwartz embalm comes right back on the slide number 25 the 65 freshman a really really good job growing into this role one of the best blockers in all of the Big Ten yeah both freshmen middles so far not only having nice matches tonight early but strong NCAA tournament's in their first campaign that's a mistake with a serve isn't it Concha it is don't want to put it on Morgan heads and you don't want to give a pass where Stanford can set their freshman medals we just mentioned her Holly Campbell who is again having a great freshman season but especially coming on in so far she's had four attempts she's put three of those on the floor here's the floor toughs they serve another for Stanford but we might have a challenge Caleb and work the assistant coats for John cooked along the Nebraska sideline man said that ball was out of bounds and so we're gonna have our second challenge of this championship match and not only was Caleb and Worth's yelling it out but jazz sweet sitting right next to her on the bench oh that's in that looks into me that's a great view any part as you mentioned before Paul any part of the ball touching the line and it's in we had a huge reversal last night and that looks like some part of the ball the line and the call is going to stand another a serve for the Stanford cart [Applause] Leflore will go back to the line once again stanford leading 21 to 19 after trailing 9 4 to start this opening set and that ball is definitely out of out want to remind everybody enhanced coverage from the NCAA women's volleyball championship be sure and log on to the ESPN app and check out the volleyball championship data center you can follow real-time stats and see extended camera angles both in addition to what everyone else is seeing at home record parts go I Holly rope a pole Sunderland here's Lexi son both teams passing well there's the two-handed dump that John Cook talked about at servant pass for Nebraska this morning and that's a mini disaster for Nebraska they never have let plays like that drop with some of the offensive struggles of Stanford you don't want to let them off the hook with a softer play like that Sidney Wilson back to sir remember Stanford with five aces outside the Becky off the edge of the pocket down what a smart choice by Katherine Plummer taking a little off it finding the outside pinkie that outside blocker jazz sweep deflecting it to the floor [Applause] back to sweet one conquered by Maloney [Applause] again just aim it a little bit higher instead of the 30th floor up to the penthouse top the top of the fingers wonderful coverage by Kenzie Maloney yeah and we saw swing after swing like that from Becky against Oregon in the regional final she was using the block to her advantage deflecting it way over the heads of the defenders Becky with her six kill but Nebraska trailing by two [Music] boy first contact serve receipt for Stanford right now Clark at a really high level after Nebraska was much better in that phase early seventy percent of the time that's an astronomical number that they're passing a good or perfect pass versus fifty three percent only for Nebraska big advantage for Stanford set point number one good contact and a block on the outside Nebraska is really going to want to stay in this matchup jazz sweethearts as you pointed out doing a wonderful job locking against Plummer set point number two Megan Miller five foot six freshman out of Alexandria Indiana on the serve had a big defensive semifinal fitzmorris misses it out of bounds 24:23 and now it timeout called by Stanford both teams out of timeouts Stanford's gotta figure out with those three hitters at the net fitzmorris al a day and plumber where do they go well we have a time out on Saturday December 29th the college football playoff semifinals will get us one step closer to crowning a national champion first at 4:00 Eastern number two clemson takes on number three Notre Dame in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl and then at eight number one Alabama faces Oklahoma and Heisman Trophy winner Tyler Murray in the Capital One Orange Bowl the college football playoff Saturday December 29th at 4:00 and 8:00 Eastern on ESPN and streaming live on the ESPN app [Music] assuming for a moment that Stanford is insistent parts where it is Jenna Greco with this ball to decide the opening set I don't feel like they have a ton of confidence in the connection between gray and a lad aid they were working on it yesterday in practice but I think they're leaning most toward plumber that would be a back set over the head of Jenna gray she'd set back to the right sideline or they go back to fitzmorris and give her another chance after she just get out I'd lean far more toward Plummer National Player of the Year it's time for her to step up and face this out she's been awfully busy has been number two plumbers so far in the opening set you look at the numbers and how she started and how she's picking things up already taken 16 swings in this opening set Stanford switches its formation so what's gonna happen is they get Plummer where they want her on the left side she steps over and then fitzmorris will run across and probably hit a slide off one foot attack pass [Applause] [Music] the shank pass and stiffens was all over that remember both teams out of timeouts Stanford has had three set points Miller has got the serving instructions from the sideline plumber [Applause] fitzmorris what a good choice that table by Jennifer fitzmorris much more behind the center hitting back sets than they do hitting front sets that's why they switched we might have another challenge here both coaches know how vitally important this opening set is both teams have already used one challenge stanford used one very early [Music] [Applause] it's a long conversation I think that I'm not gonna speculate about it yeah I'm trying to figure out what they might exact out exactly they saw a micro net during the play past was a little close maybe Jenna gray touched it with a right elbow he puts it down looks like he doesn't want to burn one of his only two remaining challenges unless they go to a fifth set set point number four for Stanford think about Becky here into the cross [Applause] a big opening set in very very efficient seven kills Paulie what have you got but John cook and the official just an interesting conversation she said what I observed is there was a touch at the net but she had already completed her actually welcome to challenge it but that's what I observed he chose to keep the challenges he kept Azoff fitzmorris again off the right side she was the most efficient Stanford Cardinal attacker on Thursday night there she is number 12 in white six-foot-six jr. and now set point number 5 for Stanford keep in mind Becky not in the front row for Nebraska stiffens down the line does by hands difference again into the cross parting down I asked you before first-served carts if we might get a classic so far that's exactly what we're getting and remember that Stanford lead 2421 Kent's point blank range this is actually not that dis is not that difficult to play to make but Stanford didn't get a set out of it [Applause] but floor ripping nice dick by becky right on target son into the cross-court now the boughs [Music] saw the net bouncing I think that was Lexie son leading into the net support after that play was down so another set point were up to half a dozen and former co who's been very good from the line back to serve for Stanford that had a nice run before up by hence McClure [Applause] not yet son is rejected what a set point by both of these teams and finally a stuff block on the outside for the Stanford Parkman Jenica tray coming up huge but you got to get most of the credit - Morgan hits with the dig and a couple of covers keeping that ball alive for Stanford what we expected what we were hoping for settle in Stanford takes the opening step take a look back at set point number six for the Stanford Cardinal Morgan hands across the net black jersey coming halfway into the court to make the defensive play then another touch that's called coverage helping your hitter and another coverage and see how she puts it high so she keeps the player look alive of course Kenzie Maloney doing the same thing for Nebraska but finally the stuff a very talented Walker at the net Jenna gray take a look at the numbers from the opening set for two-time Most Outstanding Player Mikayla Becky she is having a wonderful final yet sit yet again it's MFT Mikayla Becky time and after a slow start Katherine Plummer has lighted the ship so the challenge for Nebraska is how do they contend when thicky is in the back row they're probably going to have to start setting her more when she's not at the net so far Lexi Sun off to a very very slow start 10 swings no kills she said two balls out of bounds and been blocked twice she struggled against this same Stanford block she's the only player in this match to sort of have a common opponent she played for Texas against Stanford last year in the regional finals and did not fare particularly well against this huge block that ball left a little bit short [Applause] rip it into the cross door she almost took Becky's head off that was a sharp and steep swing plumber can hit all of those shots up I gotta admire she had such an awful start and has pulled her way out of it not hitting for great efficiency but the way that she turned it around to help her teaming that first set was impressive Plummer was old for her first five with a couple of errors sweet over the top a lad a is their number six and white for Stanford hexler the staff Becky again pounding on the sidelines wow that dig like Morgan heads she moved too far and still made up ground but couldn't come up with the second one the second opportunity in that rally you see her in the middle of the logo she's covering half of the court fitzmorris nicely over the top and down Breanna fitzmorris we're in number 12 again 11 kills in the semi-final play very very well again tonight for the Cardinals and Stanford has a matchup that they like a little better they now have fitzmorris on Becky they spun the dial that will change their service order tough serve and that ball trips just out about third service error for Stanford against five aces five aces for the cardinal in the opening set that was the difference because Nebraska was more efficient in attacking phase who is Megan Miller again that five set thrilling comeback at the big down two sets tonight against Illinois had 19 digs a lot a nicely out of the middle [Applause] Alade has had a great senior season she's not even going to go on and play volleyball after this it's really just helping her team perform and that's the connection that Stanford would like to see more in this final match haven't had a lot in this tournament miscommunication in the backcourt that was a good soft touch cart but Plummer and Jenna gray were not able to come up with that ball Yemen sometimes what happens is when Morgan hints cheats in people are waiting for her to make the play look it's difference five of six lights out offensively giving Mikayla Becky a lot of needed support as that ball drifts just out about just underway here in the second set the national championship between Nebraska and Stanford Stanford has won seven national titles tied for the top spot with the Penn State Nittany Lions Nebraska looking for their sixth overall title dunk by hints but right on top of the net and stiffens is there once again for her 6th kill got Morgan hence putting herself in the right position but pushing the ball to close with drifts over you don't want to waste all that work the good defensive work the good I work the good read by making a bad contact Jen's Berger now for Nebraska [Applause] that ball not there at all opportunity here for Nebraska Knights up [Applause] [Music] [Applause] son Nebraska fans waited a long time for Lexie Sun to rack up her first kill and much-needed you can never go wrong with a swing like this deep to the corner that's one place we have not seen hints setup yet she will often cheat in you said she's often even on the logo in the middle of the court nice reaction by gray Becky out of the back row registers another kill and she will swing on that backcourt swing she has to jump from behind the 3-meter line those part of her shoes can touch it but she will always almost always swing to her right Stanford didn't defend that very well 3-nothing run now here comes to an end is Dench burger this is that ball just out of bounds that you said it carts until Lexy Sun starts to find some rhythm and confidence McHale effect he's got to get more opportunities out of the back row and I said swing to her right what I just meant and that was crossbody she will hit it back to her left toward Stanford's deep left corner it's only one good served by McClure look at the tempo to the outside Kathryn Plummer just thrilling the ball to the floor and that's what will happen you when you don't have jazz suite a better blocker on you have the smaller still not a bad Locker but at ten five foot ten Nicklin Hanes is not the shutdown Walker the Jess we can be Plummer now with 8 kills on 22 swings again after an over 5 start nice that ball off the top of the block by Lexus under Stanford 1 the opening set in overtime it took them six set points to get there Cardinal one at 28 26 Nebraska leading here 7 6 in the second Campbell way too hard up into the tape and hurt her team there [Applause] [Music] that's a tough play to run when the pass goes where it is that is meant to be a back set but a broken play Jenna grace still decided to set Campbell is blocking by Nebraska at ball pass to tied again gray does a good job on the joust [Applause] that ball should go down that is a full reaction by Nebraska and that's very uncharacteristic of the best defensive team in the country the team that holds opponents to the lowest hitting efficiency at about 140 now twice now we've seen them nebraska caught surprise on the season nebraska as you mentioned holding opponents under 140 in terms of efficiency that was the best in the country the pre Davis going off speed she was working on that shot that little roll shot an awful lot in practice today and gets the touch off of Aladin smart shot by her meanwhile we're seeing the middle blockers for Stanford just taking these wild stabs at the ball these one-arm steps need a better day they can make a better contact than that there is Lexie son once again Nebraska continuing to lead here in the second not served Becky demanded the ball nice dick by mcclure summer again Boyd as she fell range and rhythm nine kills on 23 swings so that means nine out of her last 18 with no errors an assistant coach Dale andreas was screaming tape the line get sorry tape the cross-court get low and over middle blocker didn't accomplish that easy kill football [Applause] Becky threw the bucket down from Michaela Becky a hundred and twelve kills in the national semifinals and finals that's the eighth most all-time if that is a remarkable accomplishment because almost all of the attackers above her on that list plate in the side out system when we would be here all night long she loosened up and Kevin Hamley is smiling from ear to ear over on the sidelines her head coach those are some assertive swings and that time she was matched up across the net for Nebraska's star McHale effective sweep down the line and out of bounds Stanford answers with a mini run of their own to come back and tie this national championship match at ten apiece [Applause] that ball hit out of bounds and I saved that time by Nicola knaves and now Stanford Fargo on a 4-1 run Nebraska only trails by one but do you think John Cooke and Nebraska need a timeout they're getting close it's just a lot of serving pressure coming at them from Nebraska hug from Stanford that's a good pass by effective stiffens on the crossbody [Applause] look it's different eight of ten she's only been slowed down to just hit that ball out of bounds that's her first hitting error in these national championships including two semifinals to task by plumber and fitzmorris pops the edge of the block gunned down fitzmorris now cards five kills on 11 swings Jenna Gray has done a wise job remember when Plummer was struggling early she went to fitzmorris more and gave Plummer a little breather got her back into the offensive rhythm once again Lawrence difference I mentioned that that was her first air on Thursday night in that five-set thriller over Illinois she was 8 of 16 with no air so far on the night 9 of 11 with one remember we were asking John cook last week well how much do you want to get the ball to Lawrence did he kidding me every time have you seen her hitting efficiency boy is she showing it in this tournament beautiful dig chance here so son change in direction and the score go to hollyrock but Lauren sifrin's on fire right now for Nebraska and you know keep in mind she's just a sophomore but was named first-team all-american this year how she found out was a cute story John Cook said I need to speak to you in my office she's like I was so afraid I was in trouble I got there he said remember all those talks how you said you might want to be an all-american today well today you are she said I just burst into tears that she'd been talking about that goal for so long it actually came true cute way for John Cook to let her know she'd accomplished that milestone as you pointed out only a sophomore as you look around the country there is a plethora of talent at the middle blocking position Dana recce six foot eight at Wisconsin comes to mind Brianna Butler the six foot four freshman at Texas just a load of talent in the middle service error there Nebraska leading at 1413 Hayley dents burger on to serve once again [Applause] [Applause] plumber out of the back row and just that about [Applause] and we've got a timeout on the floor from the national championship nebraska taking on stanford who will make their forever tonight in minneapolis you're starting to see like catherine plumber plumber the six-foot-six junior out of stanford is back-to-back National Player of the Year after a very rocky start very rocky some confusions and bad connections that she righted the ship and helped lead Stanford to that very close first set in now coming out with some key we just saw her take a swing from the backcourt they set her up in a good position good location but her swing went a couple of feet out of bounds they want to keep her involved in the offense even when she's in the backcourt as she is now dense Berger coming out of the timeout - Campbell able to tuck that ball inside sideout point possession back to Megan McClure and the Stanford Cardinal McClure think consensus one of the most improved players in the country the 6-foot sophomore out of Santa Margarita California she was she was the quintessential role player last year rarely got set but now she's a big part of the offense son [Applause] chants for Stanford says the two-handed dumped once again benches all over it on the cover through the pocket down when defense by morgan hence keeping the ball alive until Katherine Plummer could get the swing she wanted flying across sometimes she'll just steal it from her opponent she has free reign to take the whole court hence now in double figures with 10 digs that well served just over the sidelines Nebraska leading at 16 15 now her dad used to call those probably still does ripoff digs just stealing a kills from hitters and she's doing it their time and again good set the plumber but stuff once again that same matchup against Chad sweet previous swing was against Nicollet hangs at the net very different and better walk with jazz suite she has to be careful about hitting low into Swedes elbows both of these teams really good offensively so far to do those numbers in just a moment Campbell did she get a touch no Stanford say in a touch but both lines men not single signalling it I think we're gonna get oh the first referee called it that's really good work because for one thing the call is right the other is he saved Stanford an additional challenge I thought that was a pretty obvious call I'm surprised neither yeah how does how do both linesman miss that one well one of them standing right here part you could ask dude Pat at the next break [Applause] Davis off the edge of the block him down Nebraska we've talked about it before but very unusually platooning that opposite position just in that one rotation if they want to bring up right hander in two hits on their left side and she's been doing a very creditable job which is a difficult job to do come in take one swing go right back out until it's your turn six rotations later give you the hitting numbers for both of these teams after this point [Applause] packed effects just ripping as far to see possible can Mikayla Becky now with eleventh guilt Stanford the championship match so far hitting 308 and behind Mikayla feckin Lawrence difference Nebraska hitting three three so far for the match timeout called by Stanford Nebraska leading 1916 Mikayla Becky came out firing already karch double-digit kills and very very efficient and when she sees that line open she will take it but her favorite shot is ripping the ball cross court as she did this last time on Morgan heads over to the sideline for more on Mikayla Becky well Mikayla Becky is a big-time star but she is from a tiny hometown West Point Iowa population 966 we have several watch parties going on in West Point and people are texting me their pictures and their videos the mayor from her high school in Fort Madison is texting me Brad Randolph Hearst Center from high school Allie Randolph is there Libre Lauren couch I call T tacos from her high school state championship team her dentist many neighbors and friends you can see all of their video on my twitter handle eyes weeded out everything the pictures and video from West Point a way to show up Mikayla Becky's name and that she's going for a championship tonight talk about the definition of multitasker mind everybody covered to the NCAA Championships continues with the FCS football national championship Saturday January 5th at noon Eastern on espn2 and remember Paul and Holly before Vicki started her freshman season she called coach cook and said you know what it's been a while since Nebraska's made it to the NCAA semifinals I'm gonna lead him there she said that was probably a naive kid at the time but not only she lead him to one but to four straight as coach cook signals zone five for the serve the past by former co [Applause] [Music] kicks it to the outside what a play by hands Becky on what was far from an ideal day yeah that's a tough play to make off your forearms with that much spin I think Nebraska has to think about moving that sorry Stanford has to think about moving that block in a little more honor if they want to give Morgan hence that much space to defend Stanford moving Catherine Plummer a little farther inside to find some open net she responds and puts that ball right to the floor we saw that dig by Maloney but then after that it was Lexy Sun and Nicklin Haynes came in and made a beautiful delivery prior to that Jenna gray now back to serve six one junior out of Shawnee Kansas for the second time first team all Americans [Applause] we dig by hands [Applause] pansy no longer expert at the libro position setting the off-ball she had ten assists in the semi-final the other night that was a perfect delivery and what's nice is she has a target and jazz suite a left-handed opposite that she can face that dig and make the easy the simple sex is locating it superbly that ball just out of bounds we knew we would have a real defensive battle both of these teams with 30 digs and also very close cartoon percentage of perfect pass Stanford at 59% but now Nebraska taken the lead in that all important categories 66% perfect pass [Applause] [Music] James to sweet again and rejected by a latte Larry made a nice adjustment Paul she got deepened the last swing inside inside her answer she'd open into the cross-court for that stuff Nebraska calls timeout after the block the Cornhuskers still leading at 21 to 19 Stanford again so impressive in the blocking phase the other night 17 stuff blocks against BYU in just three sets only got a timeout let's go back over to the sideline to a very busy and active Holly Rowe what do you got now well you know Nebraska is really coming alive here in the second set after losing that first set what if they're real mental conditioning exercises all season long has been we is greater than me this is something they believe in their team leaders have set the tone for this even the stars on this team are servant leaders nothing is too big for these kids to accomplish together and we see all the fans in the stands they have got signs up they definitely believe that even though they've gotten new new players new all-americans new talent coming in the we of Nebraska volleyball is still more important than the me and that team atmosphere has them here at their fourth straight national championship it's never happened in the great history of Nebraska but this attitude has been here again this season and Holly as you mentioned right before first serve their leadership was never more necessary than in a semifinal on Thursday night down two sets to none to the Fighting Illini being outplayed and also they were very much out of their personality and comfort zone and they pulled themselves out of that came back and won three sets to two on Tuesday be sure and catch the chera Bundy pokhara ton bowl at 7:00 Eastern Time on ESPN between UAB at Northern Illinois it's the only non New Year six bowl game featuring two conference champions its Blazers and Huskies in the chera Bundy Boca Raton Bowl Tuesday at 7:00 Eastern on ESPN back with carts quraíam full Sunderland poly row on the sidelines coming out of the timeout Kathryn Plummer back to serve Nebraska still leading by two [Applause] [Music] Becki on the combination play they sprinkle out of the time out for Mikayla Becky she comes into the middle of the court and a lad a looked at her defends like wait murder where did she come from they've got to keep they can never not know and the kale effect is 12 kills 26 links at 4:23 having a huge championship match again [Applause] Becky going deep runner off the fence at about the lead is 23:19 timeout Stanford [Music] Mikayla Becky having won this tournament Most Outstanding Player Award 20:15 and then again last year she was cold player of the tournament last year along with all-american center Kelly hunter yep Becky power there's no doubt about that 13 kills 27 swings and so let the Stanford block could certainly match up physically but what do they need was due to slow down Becky I don't think they're locating themselves or positioning themselves in the right spot Becky's favorite shot it and it's a hard one to stop and it's a Canada man arm she has his cross court they're giving Morgan hence too much important to try to defend chances losing that battle right now we'll see Becky hit a lot harder cross court that she will down the line I think they make need to make her get her second or third favorite shot do not know frankly shot Nebraska 29 at six on the year they were third in the Big Ten Conference 15 and 5 went through that very very tough stretch from November 13th through 12 at C 27th where they lost four out of five opponent hitting percentage while Stanford was just lights out particularly blocking at the net Nebraska is really doing a wonderful job you combine Becky 13 of 27 inch difference 9 of 13 those are some huge numbers against a really good blocking defense and between them on those 40 swings they only have one error each that's very low low error volleyball [Applause] there is Miller once again tough swing here from a floor well off the net sound out of the back row is blocked [Applause] Nebraska with a nice rotation for them their two best hitters Givens and Becky at the net another really tough swing for Becky up into the block restart the point nice stretch by Plummer fitzmorris down the line sons got it but nobody there wonderful hustle by lexi son after the dig by Kenzie Maloney but all our teammates we're pursuing with her and they're doing what they're supposed to they're supposed to run after her Plummer laying it out earlier and Valley to her right and then she also covered it but you want to chase your teammate and help her out you think she's barely gonna get the ball up in the air through the blocking down wants it set points for the Cornhuskers leading 2421 exactly the same score that stanford led by in the opening set before we went to OT stanford eventually winning at 28 26 fitzmorris through the blocking down one set point save [Applause] and remember back to the opening set when Stanford had five aces several of those dialed up by number 11 for Macomb and John Cook called a timeout now he's trying to say I don't want it Wow that's it the second referees discretion but Stanford was starting to walk off the court he didn't have any left wow that was close Steve Resnick violation difference missed it out of the violation on Stanford in this championship match at one set of peace [Applause] any part your body touch the net whoa that was a micro net there but I think she did touch it with her left so the net violation and the Nebraska Cornhuskers fans can take a sigh of relief this championship match tied and one set apiece Stanford took the first and a bounce back by the Cornhuskers the defending national champions we're tied at a set of peace [Applause] [Music] you [Music] [Music] you [Music] you [Applause] [Applause] you [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] incidentally women's volleyball championship back in the Twin Cities Minneapolis specifically for the first time in 30 years in Florida we have a good one going Stanford Nebraska tied at a set of piece back with Bart secured a US National Team head coach Paul Sunderland your thoughts about adjustments these teams have taken some big rips at one another and now it's time Mikayla fecking has just been basically unstoppable as we expected in this championship and remember there were five aces off the Stanford serve none in the second set that was a big difference the passing the ball control of Nebraska's stabilising and those two hitters Becky and Stephens 25 kills on 55 swings with only two errors really riding the success of those two Stanford not defending them well enough you talked about matchups early in favor jazz sweet looking at Katherine Plummer now what does Stamper do maybe to turn the dial to try to slow down number two in black yes--you number two in black is having more success hitting cross-court generally so it's up to those middles of Stanford to not reach but actually drop to their left and take the cross-court shot Michaela Becky time national semifinals and championship match those are just historic numbers and Jordan Larsen who currently plays for the u.s. national team a multi time Olympian the Consensus greatest player of all time in Nebraska vinegar get the goat the greatest of all time I think now it is consensus that Mikayla Becky is built number two and may if she can win this match help Nebraska win this third title in four years she might go to the goat number one coach cook was talking about last weekend there's Jordan Larson Pavan to Sara Pavan Mikayla Becky Mikayla fakie might take herself to a new level tied at once said apiece are Holly Rowe caught up with Stanford head coach Kevin handling just moments ago [Applause] Catherine Plummer started off her night over 5 what changed with her approach that she got into the swing of things big her in general just miss connecting on some of the timing stuff and they started to work that out a little bit about nerves I think Jenna was rushing her and setting it higher and just trying to settle into the match and I feel like both these are more settled on the notch and I think the level of play you saw the bullpen over 300 and that set and so I think we're starting to play the way we should play and let's see how this goes now Mikayla Becky has heated up for them what do you want to change with how you're attacking her in on the block they were actually in really good spots and she's just hitting good shots I think we're crashing the court a little bit and she said neither did allow balls deep and we're not defending that very well we need to stay a little more patient stay back and then kind of read when it's a faster said she's doing different things when it's a higher set and we're not that we're not on that the way we need to be in we're talking about I mean this was even good though under way here in the third set Nebraska and Stanford Stanford the overall number one seed Nebraska the seventh seed Stanford won the opening set 28 26 Nebraska even this match at a set of piece taken a second 25 22 Mikayla Becky leading all attackers actually tied now in Katherine Plummer 14 kills a piece and hitting for a very very high percentage first look here up into the block covered by Sun I stick by Nicollet Haynes [Applause] boy not a good set that time by Morgan hints outside the antenna but Catherine plumber make a dude well it's been working for Nebraska so far but they with McHale effect Arian such a big offensive load they want her to start at left front start and get her more trips across the net that's what they did in the first and second and they do again in the third set so I already got the set once here and see if they come back to her nope good passing by Lexie Sun and jazz sweet adding to her total now with six kills mention Becky jazz sweet now with half a dozen Lawrence difference with ten kills the Capri Davis with three and Lexie Sun three kills on 20 swings good rhythm to the outside nice risk away that was a touch on Makayla Becky there's no question about that yeah clearly a touch on number two in black as that ball was sliced into the cross-court so the kill by fitzmorris she registers her 8 Catherine Plummer now with 15 Campbell the young middle blocker out of Texas with 6 Megan McClure only with 2 kills on 13 swings [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] that look like a double contact and it will be Stanford school off the edge [Applause] quick start for the Stanford Cardinal on top of Nebraska for one here in the third Catherine Plummer using all six foot six of that frame to serve some really tough balls Becky again off the inside hand of a lad a and away from hence [Applause] and we heard coach Hanley talking about how we're drifting around a little too much that would be an example you see Morgan hands cheating to her right she often will crash into the court but then when the ball goes back to the perimeter she ends up in a poor defensive position [Applause] the floor up into the block and out about perfect pass by Kathryn Plummer what about the serving strategy of both of these teams we talked about the no-go zone hit the red area our both teams serving smart are they serving tactically I think they've backed off on their serving so both teams are generally controlling and that serve much better that's that shutdown walk like fitzmorris that we saw her do so well against BYU in the semi-darkness fitzmorris with the matchup on the outside in this rotation against Mikayla Becky let's go over to Holly Rowe speaking of the serving Kevin Hamlin Stanford had a definite plan to attack Lexie son out of the last five serves four of them have gone to her they wanted to put pressure on her defender as her first year as a six rotation player but she's done pretty well the block again and there is Audrianna fitzmorris with good reason we talked about the quote unquote big three well she's a pretty solid floor make no question about it a second team all-american all pac-12 selection timeout called by Nebraska here in the third tied at a set of peace stanford leading 72 the Target Center hosted a 20-18 when the Jets EA a women's volleyball championship 16th time in the championship match for Stanford it's been tonight for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and they have only played for this total once in 2006 Seki once again ripping into the cross-court see I think you got to take more cross-court than that Paul she hit to the corner watch this ball go inside the block to the corner you have to force her you have to have a hand I think in front of that corner shot because she's just gonna go wild serves out about if you leave her that much cross-court you're essentially leaving the diagonal half of the court to adapt and even as good as Morgan hence is that's just way too much real estate for Mirko on Stanford leading 8 to 3 Becky now with 16 kills [Applause] but five Miller kept alive by Nebraska I like the patients villo with back-to-back beautiful gigs creating an opportunity for Mikayla Becky what defense for number three in black who had 19 digs against Illinois in the semi-final no surprise Nebraska leading the nation in terms of blocking and defending and holding opponents hitting efficiencies down ball set too tight tuck be out of the back row and now it's eight five as Haley bends Berger will go back to serve the defensive specialists have done a marvelous job for John cook and Nebraska speaking of Miller along with dens Berger McClure who's been very quiet offensively and gets a break there karch a huge break both players Becky and dents Berger backed off and both of them could have made that touch miscommunication McClure now four kills on 15 swings after a very quiet semifinal as well when she was just three of 19 against BYU Schwartz and Bob look at this 67% perfect pass now for Nebraska compared to 58% for Stanford yep Stanford was having a lot more success in that first set with their Tufts Irving not creating nearly as much trouble or chaos in the next two Stanford so far able to hit themselves out of some offs out of system swings but not their shorts and off working on Plummer [Applause] it's the matchup that Nebraska likes they'd much prefer to have a right side walking in he has suite against Kathryn Plummer fifth block now for Nebraska seven so far for Stanford dug by Maloney that falls right on the sidelines and again to Campbell and there's going to be a net violation Holly Campbell the sixth floor freshman out of Austin Texas at 8:00 she may be quiet but she carries a real big stick and did you see how she adjusted there what range first she hits it straight down the line then sharp frost Court for the kill adjusting to find the daylight that the blocks giving her seven kills on 14 swings after a very efficient semifinal [Applause] Davis inside the block and away very nice play by Capri Davis is jazz sweet comes back on again she comes in just to help them win the serve back and then she checks right back out she's been hitting a lot more line in this tournament with finding success on that prosper play that is not an easy role to play how do you stable to take a big swing and you go sit out for 15 minutes Plummer high off the block Lexie son can't tracked it down Plummer with her 16th kill already taken 40 swings but there is no tomorrow she can rest all she wants for a while Mikayla Becky on the other side much more efficient so far and the head-to-head matchup 18 kills on 36 swings and a lot of that is against the best block that Stanford can put up which we have right now al a day and fitzmorris against her chance for Stanford and wall is still up Lexi's son nice dig initially but could not continue to play a lad a having a little more success offensively and now Stanford on top twelve eight tided asset apiece best three out of five sets if we go fly 15-point tiebreaker sweet is rejected by a latte [Applause] that's the second stuff glockl a day he's been a part of remember the other night against BYU he was a part of 14 in just three sets [Music] Becky again into the cross-court but this time hence is there [Applause] pecky snapping over the top and out-of-bounds the Nebraska players saying that ball was on the sidelines now a big lead for Stanford Nebraska does have a timeout remaining [Applause] rasca probably look waiting for that not wanting to burn a timeout waiting for the media timeout but you don't want to get Stanford too much of a lead Becky another tough opportunity from 13 feet off the net Stanford fans wanted a double contact that time on Haynes some really foolish setting in this rally the worst of them of the match but awfully good blocking Tam a lot a 6-foot to senior out of Alberta Canada Stanford with the advantage 15 to 8 and we will have a timeout on the floor Holliday starting to assert herself in this third set along with the rest of the Stanford Cardinal in the blocking phase of the game leading at 50 Nate [Applause] we've got a timeout Megan McClure starting to get involved here offensively let's go over to Holly Rowe Oh Megan McClure is in her second season with this Stanford volleyball team but an important piece of her family has come along with her she doesn't live too far away and so her sister Amanda or Mandy is that just about every single match she has become maybe one of the best parts of this team the players absolutely love Mandy and she says that they are her main homies she loves her homies on the team but her main help me is Jenna great megan said it's been really neat to have her Amanda there by her side Mandy is such a big part of her she said if I can just give her a hug and be next to her and have her spirit and her presence on our team it makes a huge difference so I think our life's goal should be that if we could be at homee of Mandy I think then life would be good that's our goal for us guys life would indeed be good I doubt that I qualify but this is Meghan McClure talking about her sister Mandy you are my greatest role model my best friend my sister my love above the person I turn to when I need a hug the person who I always know can cheer me up I just wanted to let you know that I love you and that you are my role model and that I play this game for you Love Bug gotta love that yep yep awesome yep quite a pair I had the great pleasure to meet the entire McClure family spoke with Mandy briefly in the lobby of the hotel there Stanford Cardinal coincidentally staying where we are car Chan really a delightful delightful group and was their band rocket in the day two hours before the mats took over the whole street 15:8 is the advantage for Megan McClure and it grows as Mikaela Pepe misses that ball out of bounds 16 to 8 advantage six nothing run and that's the shot I think you have to force McHale affect you to hit more of she's gonna make more errors on that line with less court to swing out [Applause] stig by the floor right on time into the cross-court again to fitzmorris who's having a magnificent championship weekend in Minneapolis number 12 in white she is working so hard to get off the net from her blocking position beyond that white line the three meter line so that she can take a nice approach and that work gives her the ability to hit sharp like that wind hit more wood range good soft touch by Plummer another point scoring opportunity and that ball down no that was up into the antenna I thought it went off the block of Nebraska into the antenna but ruled correctly off the swing from fitzmorris and remember she's just learning the opposite position this year she could she played all the front row positions left side a little too but mostly middle the last few years so it's been a new challenge for her in her junior season to switch over back to the hot hitter for another kill it's Morris now with 11 kills on 23 swings and they have so much trust in her she can hit anywhere along the net you don't see many people who are former middles or good plate middle take a swing like that on the left side how good is she going to be when she figures it out or just has one position got to worry about Acer boy this set is really getting away from Nebraska their efficiency to start this set carts which weigh over 300 they drop all the way down to 252 where Stanford is maintaining their level over 300 well over 300 at 380 almost far above the mark remember Nebraska has forced a big 13 or 14 T's to their lowest efficiency but Stanford is at 314 right around there season mark that ball out-of-bounds commanding lead here in the third number tied to the set of piece 22 nine and that ball missed out about six aces for Stanford but just moments ago the first for the Cardinal from Katherine Plummer since the opening set when they had five there is Miller once again who has been outstanding as the defensive specialist for Nebraska this entire year and tournament especially McClure hence after that ball and missed it down the sideline after a very very good first contact by Miller [Applause] 22:11 still a very comfortable lead for the Cardinal [Music] that set was a little too high so feck he had to hit it off speed Kathlyn plumber trying to very sharp wrists away I missed that out of bounds well stranger things have happened I think one more and Kevin handily the second year head coach for the Stanford Cardinal call the timeout [Applause] [Music] fitzmorris high off the block nice dick bye son [Music] right back at you by hands and a chance on the floor who rips off the top of the block best swing in the night for Megan the floor number four and white [Applause] morgen hens coming up with another one Frostburg do you see how she didn't drift into the very middle of the court and stand on the logo that time much better positioning stiffens comes right back that previous defensive play by Morgan hands currently her 16th day very very close match in that regard as we expected again offense gets all the headlines the defense who look at both of these teams win championships 46 digs for Nebraska 44 for Henson Stanford not a very tough serve inspecting that's going to be ruled for contact this time that time by the floor 2114 and you know if your Nebraska Paul you're thinking okay we might be able it's still possible to come back and win this but more importantly they have to get they're working to get the rhythm back for that start of the fourth what a rip again by fitzmorris and I don't know if we talked about cetera Jenna great enough coach family gives her so much credit she's got tremendous eat EQ emotional quotient she's just the right person to manage there many diverse personalities and she's really getting fitzmorris going this time differences Doug tough chance from a core that ball set a little bit tight plumber long-range and the floor ruled into the net making it 22 to 15 still a very comfortable lead for the Stanford Cardinal what would you tell your team but you just mentioned it it would it would take a miracle for Nebraska to come back but I think Stanford's level has dropped a little bit Nebraska it can accomplish something here before the sets over it applet absolutely has and they have to get back to serving tough that was a good serve defending which is again one of their trademarks and then turning it with a transition they didn't do that part of it perfect dig by come on leads to a kill by Campbell off the edge of the block beautiful transition both of these very very accomplished outside hitters Plummer and Becky really can play defense as well send a great locating that ball so well for her hitter you don't want to put it too close where the blockers hands are taking up too much of the swing paddle that ball drifts out of bounds that's the seventh service error for Stanford against six aces but have been applying pretty solid pressure throughout the course particularly of this third set here is Nicklin Haines [Applause] right side again Stanford is really attacking the Left Front blocking of Nebraska that's hustle Ames all over that jazz suite not yet right back to it again you mentioned it carts Jenna Drey is doing a magnificent job the block and focus goes over to Plummer so she's working the right side to fitzmorris and to Campbell yeah great hustle on the defense by Hanes but as you see Morgan head splits this ball hygienic Rae locates perfectly and Holly Campbell is having herself a great match and nine kills no errors on 17 swings set point and it's the block once again of Jenna gray and tammy halliday will close out the third set for the stanford car looking for their eighth title overall which would put them atop the college volleyball world but still a lot more work to do you know Nebraska is not gonna go away the Stanford Cardinal won their first of seven national titles in 1992 followed up in 94 96 and 97 and then 2001 2004 and 2016 4 undergone sha-3 under John Dunning they are tied with Penn State for the most overall titles what I like to talk about droughts in California cards but by Stanford's by Stanford standings that was a long one from all 4 to 15 now looking to win an unprecedented eight title tied tied right now with Penn State at seven apiece Stanford and Nebraska back out on the floor here at a sold-out Target Center Nebraska's off that's really suffered in that third set the more on the Cornhuskers let's go to Hollywood during that last timeout it was the Nebraska players who had the voice in the huddle I really loved the young leadership of sophomore Lawrence Darren's said look we have got to talk more we've got to come together she took all the bad juju out of the huddle and threw it aside Mikayla Becky then used her voice said we aren't talking enough we've got to focus more on digging we have got to talk better they're trying to pull themselves together Thank You Holly jazz sweet unusually getting a swing in rotation number one that's the setter in the right back the opposite in the left front sweet able to put that ball away Nebraska hits 302 in the first set 326 in the second Oh 27 in the third was that bad offense or really good defense it's usually a combination it was a combination Stanford picked ups it's serving game even though at the end Paul you and I felt like Stanford got a little soft leaving an opening for Nebraska to come back - sweet again miss that ball out about that was a touch though yeah no question a touch off the top of the block officiating crew doing a nice job here he's made a couple of good calls without a lot of help from the linesman and that ball is clearly off the top of the block his left CSUN goes back to serve must-win situation for the Cornhuskers [Applause] Jenna Frey is in the back row so when Schwarzenberg made contact above the plane Jenna gray is called for being a backdoor blocker Nepal that was not a very difficult play that short served to make for Megan the clerk when she just over an it pushed it back across the head on the night Nebraska's passing numbers serve receive are better than Stanford's and trending up but they're trailing two sets to one rip into the cross court [Applause] clothes dig Becky demanding the ball into the cross court look at Morgan hence [Applause] Sakthi again I don't know about you cards the chicken see the tail effect he she goes I'm gonna hit this one hard and then I'm gonna hit this little harder I'm gonna hit this as hard as I possibly can what a battle the becky at Morgan start by the Cornhuskers up for nothing over Stanford Stanford leading two sets to 1 but Nebraska bouncing right back is they had shown for years and years and especially this season that's going to be a net violation and now it's five nothing Nebraska there is no quit in this corn Husker team carts remember they lost four out of five and then five out of seven in that two-week stretch after coming back from two sets to one down against Penn State senior leadership pulled this team together and here they are playing for another championship a lot a Knicely done on the wrist away [Applause] I'll add a now just for a fourth kill and that both serve God about servant was a real strength for Stanford and Katherine Plummer early when they wrapped up fiveaces in the opening set well nebraska certainly cleaned that up only one a since and you see the error numbers nebraska leading six one here in the fourth short serve stiffens take care of that she break out the fists on that cart I saw the Pfister she did but more importantly and we saw this from coach cooked some last week remember he's the one who's choosing the zone that servers are aiming at and he has broken out some short serves and he's creating more trouble for the Stanford passes this one gone a little deeper right again that was over they got Jenna gray for being a back row of Locker so that's fourteen kills now force difference hitting a cool five hundred didn't think the ball had broken the plane of the net but clearly it hats difference with a great play good serving by Maloney comfort buy hints and that's an easy play to call double contact on Jenna gray and the Nebraska fans who travel awfully well right back into this here in the forum so after Stanford quite easily won the third set near come the Cornhuskers timeout called by Stanford [Music] michaela becky we were looking at the numbers karch in between sets okay she's the offensive star for Nebraska but as far as her receiving game she has been absolutely lights out she's passing 84% that's an astronomical number and that great first contact involved all we would just call that a pass it's officially a service reception but that puts the setter in just the spot you need to run your offense says Mikayla Becky shined the brightest in championship max faces yes she does fifteen zone back to her freshman year Roberto Holli the guy Simon Stanford huddle right now and very impassioned speeches from two key players Jenna gray just telling her team we have learned this lesson before when we start to fracture things do not go our way she said we have to do this together with poise and communication and then Patrick Plummer who is usually not one of the vocal leaders on this team just got very animated and very passionate they can feel themselves pulling apart right now that's something that happened in the semi-final last year against Florida they had learned from that mistake but they can sense things pulling too far apart right now everything was about coming together in this moment down in set free and they had a moment they had in the regional final last weekend at Stanford against a Penn State that was bringing a lot of game and putting them under great stress they are down 16 to 11 in the second and they had the same kind of talk coach Hamlin would say look how do we want this to end up and we want this to be different than that semifinal loss the year before against Stanford against quickly out of the timeout once again Stanford doing a much better job of handling that short serve Alavi not trying to touch it she runs her offensive route and very effective doing so well if you're gonna fall behind big you better do it early nice swing by jazz sweet boy is she playing well John Cooke told us that he thought his Nebraska team was the most improved on the year one of the reasons for that is the wage as sweet and Lexie son are playing in the tournament both of their numbers way above their season averages ten to is the big lead as Megan Miller comes on to serve again [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] fitzmorris been really good off the right side and tattoos that right on the sideline the her 14th kill fitzmorris has just been spectacular 14 on 29 swings been huge and remember she was the one who shut down the down that BYU that put in offense two days ago stiff legs working off the edge that's a good matchups different at six four on the slide working against in the floor 11:3 is the Nebraska lead [Applause] [Music] [Applause] good read by Steve Rex but surprised a few times earlier Paul not surprised anymore this best blocking and defending team in the nation viii stuff block so far for Nebraska 11 for Stanford gamble has just been superb the six foot four freshmen again we'll look at her numbers yeah she's been so effective Nebraska just sent two blockers her way they're not respecting the core as much on the left side 10 of 18 hitting 500 on another great first touch by McHale effective to allow her offense to run so crisply I think they Stanford's got to get away from serving McHale effective well kevin Hambly and we'll get a shot of it he's got a pad in his hand he's got all the numbers right in front of him exactly what we're saying Becky now up to 85% perfect pass that is lights out the only thing I could be thinking is he's thinking that's not sustainable at some point that I got to break her down but Kevin there's the path yeah there we've got it and tucked under his arm he's got his team's own stats he's got some rotational matchups he's got the opponent's numbers as well he's got some decisions to make probably about his serving strategy effect this time and this got about 13 to 6 now is the advantage with a defending champion Cornhuskers scamp on 31 match winning streak 30 trillion won overall their only blemish at Provo this year reset stitute to BYU a serve Sidney Wilson the 6-foot sophomore out of Toronto dials up the ACE and now Paul by Nebraska [Applause] [Music] leaving with the big lead John cook certainly in a must-win situation is going to leave absolutely nothing to chance timeout called by the Cornhuskers game trailing two sets to one but on top 13 to 7 on Saturday December 29th the college football playoff semifinals will get us one step closer to crowning a national champion first at 4:00 Eastern number two Clemson taking on number three Notre Dame at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl and then at 8 Alabama takes on Oklahoma and Heisman Trophy winner Tyler Murray and the Capital One Orange Bowl the college football playoff Saturday December 29th at 4:00 and 8:00 Eastern on ESPN and streaming live in Minneapolis a lot at stake on the 29th but even more so tonight a national championship it would be a record-setting 8th for the Stanford Cardinal and they would stand alone as the winningest program and all of history of college volleyball they're currently tied with Penn State it would be number six for Nebraska the third championship in four years from Michaela fecking and the Cornhusker there we go you talked about the Stanford band was escorting the players on to their bus I went downstairs to take the book and the tree was out in the middle of 7th Avenue and everybody said it was okay they were enjoying it just fine coming out of the timeout stick Chris 30-degree weather outside it's actually been unbelievably nice the sun's been out relatively speaking the weather has been marvelous Becky again cross body out of the pipe that's what she hits every time back to her left side let's see from this view which way Lotte is stepping to her left she doesn't need to do that she needs to stay back to her right that's where that whole attack from the backboard by fecking is going to go Becky with her 22nd kill [Applause] sweep down the line hence airborne for the day lonna tickets a pretty conservative swings right here Kent's bail Stanford out jazz sweet tip it over the top and out of bounds Morgan hence remember she plays with the elbow pad the knee pads the thumb pad she gets hit a halt the way she the floor needs pads she's gonna hurt those her landing gear got worn out long ago it serves tough serve and quickly to a point for Jenna grey and Stanford and they are creeping and crawling back in which is why coach football that timeout earlier he does not impossible to let this deficit shrink getting off the set be a little bit surly see that ball blocked off a plumber that's just out of bounds give the killed Alexi son remember to start this set Nebraska went out for nothing nine one timeout called and now we're standing at 15 nine stanford leading two sets to one what is his son now with her fifth kill 27 swings to get there this is that rotation that Stanford came out to start the match struggling so much vinaigre in the Catherine Plummer hitting in right front and they move her over now they changed the formation because they like Plummer hitting on the left side of the court [Applause] son working on Plummer [Applause] [Music] what a nice set to Jerry hitting hands again [Music] Laura excuse me Haley dens burger really doing a good job setting the off ball they are putting her in such a great position you want to keep that ball a little inside the sidelines a little off the net that's how she can navigate around that big block of a lattice [Applause] another good set in transition but that ball missed just out of bounds another well-placed second contact a little off the net little away a little inside second just missing possible do you see Stanford appropriately adjusting their block more into the cross-court against Becky I think heads came up with a few more I don't see that they're changing it so much they're still giving her a lot of work to try to dig not a pretty contact that ball still alive that looked down I thought it was as well we might have a challenge if Stanford loses this point and they did before the challenge the referees smart asking for some help from the other three officials yeah this is really good work by the official that's not his call he's watching the play above the net the first referee he's got help from the second referee in the two linesmen and that ball was down and that's especially good work and we've talked about it throughout the course of the tournament because that saved Stanford a challenge each team has two challenges remaining that's the right call oh yeah that balls down you're right it cannot sit hit hit is view is directly over couldn't see the bottom at all sweet again jazz sweet now with 10 kills on 26 swing and give the freshman center Nicky Haynes credit for that they like that matchup sweet against the weaker blocker Meagan McClure after a very poor offensive performance by the Cornhuskers when they hit just Oh 27 in the third back in a very good rhythm here nice take pass down to the Cornhusker Benzie Maloney love the never dahye attitude just pursuing relentlessly nothing's getting to the floor without a fight all set a little bit tight stuff straight down Esther's at complete control here in the fourth well you talked about it we haven't had a five-set match in NCAA final in eight there have been four three O's for three months might get that this evening blasters in 2009 the floor again looking for high hands misses it there 21 to 11 a huge lead for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and that Penn State Texas matchup in 2009 was a classic Texas going up to Oh Penn State hearing it from Coach rose in the intermission coming back to win 1513 in the fifth off the top of the tape and away from Maloney and down Nebraska can breathe a little easier they're gonna close out this fourth set men will play a five set tiebreaker to 15 but now the script has been flipped what is Stanford trying to accomplish in the latter stages of a sports that now that they've fall into this big deficit another two blows nice play out of the middle once again by Campbell having a tremendous championship match Stanford's got to get its offensive rhythm back they can't depend just on Fitzsimmons Becca continues to be so solid in the attacking phase we expected that but look at the way she's passing the ball off a little bit but now 77% perfect pass that is remarkable 22 to 13 [Applause] after season average is well under 60 [Applause] next up by Maloney Vecchio track back down off the block and out-of-bounds one of the things I've noticed in this set March is Katherine plumber to me looks to be conserving some energy she knows her team is way down she's tipping some balls and sort of I think anticipated about a third of the way through that this might go five you agree with that I don't and the reason I say that is there are time when she looks like that she just doesn't play with a super high and look she's a quieter player but certainly one who can carry a big load stiffer ends with a new career-high 17 kills pretty good time to do it [Applause] [Music] nice stab by halves you want to turn to take a swing I did what a battle between these bros look for plumber out of the middle there it is good call carts number two in light bathroom come to her standard a pretty quiet night 15 kills on 49 swings hit 143 yeah on the season sees almost at two 90s [Music] nebraska's serving and walking [Applause] Becky off-speed dances down oh and again students with another kill step 1 the block and down let's go fine Bart went underground for Nebraska for great locations and McKenzie Milani that chase inspiring her team never quitting on the ball volleyball royalty has come to the Twin Cities Nebraska and Stanford of the crown awaits a fifth set tiebreaker both know the championship feeling classic in the making the dominant Cardinal are looking to add one more trophy to the shelf the defending champs fighting to go back-to-back [Music] [Music] this crowning moment will change your life forever tonight is what you've been working for don't overthink play your game breathe it in and soak it all up because this will be the best time [Music] tied at two sets of peace here at the Target Center in Minneapolis that said tiebreaker a fountain to get underway both teams making big-time adjustments Stanford was first they controlled the Burke's at 25 16 and then look at what Nebraska did to turn it around they hit Oh 27 in the third for 12 in the fourth let's take a look at the last three champions and they've got something in common cart ski ride it involves either Nebraska or it involves Stanford first Nebraska over Texas McHale effect as a freshman was the most outstanding player and then Katherine Plummer five freshmen around in key Ajanaku and the Stanford Cardinal also a winner and then it was last year why not us the Nebraska Cornhuskers over the Florida Gators so once again what's at stake Stanford could set themselves apart with their eight cards in into this fifth set its abbreviated if you're if you're John cook if you're Kevin Hanley what are you telling your teams well if you're John cook and you have Mikayla fecking on your team you've got to have her start in the front row you can get her more chances up there so I would expect her to start at left front I'd expect Stanford might change and try to get Plummer up there sooner they haven't been able to get any production out of their other left side hit or their other outside here making the pool and once again it'll be all about serving and passing and playing once the under extreme pressure a fifth set tiebreaker between Nebraska and Stanford let's go over to Holly Rowe once again panitch excellent on both team Huddle's before this decisive fifth step for Stanford Morgan had said this is what we've been working for we have to want it more but we have to do it together for Nebraska their senior leader there captain Mikayla Becky said we have to come out being aggressive this is what we live for she gave her team a big smile they're having fun they don't feel the pressure they're embracing this moment Thank You Holly Stanford once again the number one all seed Nebraska the number seven overall seed the first championship to go five sets since 2000 we a lot of people expected it and we've got it fit set tiebreaker 252 challenges per team remaining you get even though the ditch set is abbreviated to 15 and teams will change sides at 8:00 and in the fifth set each team will be allotted an additional challenge so each team now has a total of three that could be very very important particularly in the video replay system has worked out through these championships two days ago incredibly impactful that led to a 12 all score in the fifth set Nebraska with Gil annoy gets overturned in Nebraska ends up with a 13 11 lead two more points and they close out the match just as we expected Katherine plumber at the net Left Front Mikayla Becky at the net left front really good serve to start now Presta strikes first with Michaela pecking now it expect it to be the Becky versus plumber show and you could I don't know if you could hear that fall but Michaela feck he was calling for that ball so loudly she was screaming out the name of that set is a a go and she was screaming goat goat getting her setter to push it out twenty-fourth kill [Applause] Becky's gonna get another early look going off steam [Applause] stuffed into the cross bar by Schwartz involved that ball got left a little inside Swardson walk a very savvy adjustment even though a freshman goes in to take the sharp cross for only a very slight slip of the tongue Schwartz and block indeed that is her nickname make no mistake even as a freshman one of the best in the Big Ten Conference wanna take by side [Applause] back to plumber Paul said a little tight throwing into the middle of the port that ball was down [Applause] buying everything over there but she has a very good blocker jazz suite in front of early checks out of the game just for that maybe this one play but that block is giving clump all kinds of trouble that was a big side out point possession back to Stanford Sidney Wilson on [Applause] Becky again cruelest even the block it down no surprise a lot of number two in this fifth set and also a lot correspondingly number two in white Burke Stanford and Catherine Plummer and now Stevens has been has been so effective from Nebraska also at the net so they've got lots of offensive weapons to choose from meanwhile Stanford their only real threat of the net is Catherine Plummer high off the block and Sun can't get there [Applause] 18th kill for plumber 2nd so far in the fifth set all three anima fitzmorris checks in for Stanford that's a release for Kevin plumber now they have frets on either side on fix Morris has been outstanding 14 kills hitting over 300 [Applause] should be a chance for Stanford ice up big good names again yeah sweet plans with a lot of confidence missed the block and out of bounds tied at 3 [Applause] sweet again and sweet is rejected number six in white clothes the cross-border it's about time for the freshman center aims to come back to Mikayla Becky who's been so huge for Nebraska not one but four NCAA tournament cetera that he has done so much work receiving and attacking and maybe it's starting to take a toll march passing exceptionally well but that was her 25th attempt and 64th swing timeout called by Nebraska 5-1 run for the Stanford partner [Applause] [Music] [Applause] so teams go to the sidelines some adjustments and a much needed conversation for the Nebraska Cornhuskers tonight after the New Orleans bull stick around for Sports Center for the latest bull mania highlights the AFC playoff picture and LeBron and Alonzo joined elite company that's all coming up tonight after the New Orleans Bowl on SportsCenter back with Holly Rowe on the sidelines carts pure alcohol Sunderland thanks for joining us once again for this championship I was here 30 years ago when Texas beemo ie in the finals that was over at Williams Arena I mean look at these crowds the last few days just under 18,000 for the semi finals on Thursday and standing-room-only tonight for this championship and that 1988 wind was a historic one the first time a Don West team either west coast and won a title and that was a precursor to see that teams from all over the country are capable of winning and players great players are coming from whether it's the Chicago area everywhere in between volleyball has grown so much that you can find this quality players this top recruit ten players from any any region of the country 18100 13 I've been told officially so thank you Vinnie appleís in the Twin Cities area Nebraska fans Illinois fans were here Stanford fans Jenna gray coming out of the timeout five one run for the Cardinal that Stanford's chosen to try to make Betty do even more of the work serving her Ming up for attack of folks coming out to the--again over the top of the block and a touch his call get the kill to Michaela Becky look at that 26 kills 11 digs for feck e coming on once again Megan Miller who's really been a force at the defensive end Stanford now has a much better light a match up they have Plummer against the smaller block of Hanes a lot a left unguarded did stiffens vacate she did severance was thinking plumber all the way good deceptive choice by Jenna gray it's at the setting position stiphu is rocketing again this time awful a day what a championship match this first team all-american sophomore from Arizona is having a career-high 19 kills stanford leading by one both teams have their challenges all three remaining and their two timeouts they'll change side today fitzmorris missed it out about a rare mistake for number 12 in white that'd be coming up with a tough serve to create the scoring chance [Music] and just that one out of balance he was trying to get back to plumber after serving the previous ball to Morgan hence seven six Stanford with the lead [Applause] all-american slice pac-12 libro of the year organ hips back at the line [Applause] and the two-handed dunk by Nick teams will change sides after this point that was the memes first kill of the night about timing it's a game to eight dens burger now the ball is served out about back-to-back service errors first by Becky and then by dens burger the teams will change sides play is supposed to be continuous teams are getting right back out on the floor be sure to join us for live postgame championship trophy presentation that ceremony will come up immediately following the conclusion of this championship match on ESPN 3 what's at stake stanford tries to set themselves apart in the world of college ball a ball with their eighth title we're currently tied with penn state for nebraska it would be back-to-back and their sixth overall good pass Campbell that ball was on the floor Wow a questionable decision that time by names to go on to I think she was hoping that there would be hands in front of her and she could throw the ball in that ball was too close and she had choice but to put it back across the net good pass again son excellent shot and what made it so deceptive is that she prepared for a full swing she pulled her elbow way back and that fooled even Morgan hence he's got a nice ability to read the game perfect pass one-on-one but this time on the outside son off the block again now at nine this is a tough rotation for Stanford because McClure hasn't been very effective and if they don't get a good pass there are only other choices maybe to set counselor and plumber out in the backcourt Campbell what up an aggressive swim just dripping wrist away off the edge of the block Campbell has been fabulous 14 kills on 28 swings and this is the point of the match and this fish set that Stanford wants to have Catherine Farah national [Music] Nebraska wins one more point and they'll have Mikael effecti at the net also dug by hands coming out to Plummer ball set deep down the line [Applause] types in the backcourt called against Nebraska the Nebraska coaches up off the sideline did you touch it you can see that John Cook already has the challenge card in his hand he just put it down meaning his players told him yeah if there was a tough it was Mikayla Becky in the backcourt who touched that ball [Applause] so now Stanford leading 11-9 let's see the net touch also yeah yeah yeah that's great a great look off of Lexy Sun the free Davis just like in the fifth set the semifinals against Illinois nine black a huge clutch kill this is a matchup that's given catch and plumber lots of trouble jazz sweet checks back in that she's been putting up a great block [Applause] Cambell again off the top of the block it down Holly Campbell just tremendous under pressure she's got 15 kills fitzmorris with 14 well can Stanford three points away from their eight championship and Nebraska will use one of its two allotted time outs [Applause] [Music] five cent Championships it's Texas and Penn State back in 2009 he thought it would be exactly like this the first couple of sets very close to need and then Stanford took advantage of Nebraska as they fell off the pace 25 16 and the third but then it was Nebraska as you knew they would came right back and they drilled Stanford 25 15 and then fourth to set up this 15-point tiebreaker [Applause] [Music] Stanford won their first ever title in 1992 then won again in 94 back to back in 96 and 97 2001 2004 2016 and one woman has been part of it all Denise corlett and her 30th year on the Stanford sideline as an assistant coach has been part of each and every championship poly take it away Denise poor laughs well I asked her today which of all those 13 appearances here in the national championship for her favorite and she said all seven I think you know what I mean by that as far she means the seven championships that they won [Applause] hi 31 Jake let me correct something very importantly I'm being told that Nebraska has no timeouts remaining 12:10 Nebraska fans on their feet good pass Becky demanding the ball good set to pump nice up Becky again tough chance you go to a lot I know the tip [Applause] to for one for the car for two points away just about Wow maybe a challenge why not you've got three of them left and it's 13 to 11 why wouldn't you challenge this this is huge Paul those last two shirts sir she hit were Rockets really impressive how assertive she was at this point in the match [Applause] Wow that's a good challenge to make the referees have to take a close look any part of the ball on any part of the line the video evidence has to be conclusive in order to overturn we had the pancake in Minneapolis last week when Minnesota fell to Oregon and then the touch in the semifinals in the fifth set Wow give Wilson credit those two serves coming out of that Nebraska timeout really aggressive [Applause] what do you think Paul very sure I would not want to be making this go with oh thank you I'm glad I'm sure it as I hear as you said conclusive evidence and you know what I'm glad I'm sitting next to Luke on a part of that cost to Luke whoa Wow man remember the ball when it lands flat knees a little which gives it just a touch more chance to actually make contact with any part of that sideline the ball remember was called out so it would be point possession to Nebraska Wow the scores table is being apprised of the decision and the ball is called an ace Wow three championship points now for the Stanford Cardinal we'll sit back at the line gotta go effects into the cross-court down one Matt's point save remember all the way back to the first set cart similar situation Stanford had three set points and they had to go to OT to close it out Nebraska is not going anywhere that they need to make a block or a dig right here or serve an ace [Applause] get violation pulled against Catholic plumber here comes Nebraska timeout called by Stanford [Music] [Applause] all that set not enough space off the net we can call that a trap set in volleyball and it was just inches away from the block Catherine Plummer was trying to run to a different spot on the court but it was not effectively to set that close stanford still with two championship [Applause] [Music] plumber with 19 kills she'll hit on the left side we saw difference vacate and leave Tammy a lot do you think about going to a lad a here on a good pass cart on a perfect pass I would think about doing that because most everybody on the Nebraska team and lots of people in the gym are thinking this ball has to go to the National 2-time reigning National Player of the Year of Katherine Plummer the pressure on the outstanding senior libro Kenzie Maloney going back to serve right now you got to serve it you'll have to serve tough [Applause] [Music] [Applause] 18,000 on their feet they did go to a lad a Becky Stanford stands along with their eighth title [Applause] we might have a challenge let's slow this down for a minute there might be a challenge a three meter line violation the kill by McClure she was a back row attacker this happens all the time in international volleyball why go into the locker room with a challenge still available to you so they're going to check to see whether or not Megan liqueur was legally behind the 3-meter line what did you seek arch a couple of surprising plays Jenna Drey trying to force the ball to al a day early in that rally and then setting the klore when I watched her it looked as though she had clearance behind the 3-meter line let's see if there's space yeah she's legal she's legal I understand the challenge but she's legal Stanford are your champions [Applause] [Applause] [Music] bathroom cover and the Stanford Cardinal congratulations on their eighth all-time title and the second for this class [Music] [Applause] or that hits a career-high 32 digs just a tremendous championship match they win their second title in the last four years [Applause] that class has another year still to go marvelous season of course for the Nebraska Cornhuskers they were going for their sixth overall just a little bit battle between these two would be easy feat on this there was some hesitation in the set forth they came out and spoke to and set for what was said in those moments to regroup and set five to come out and get this trophy it was an important by Jenna Grey just now your Center has been so much of this team how do you describe how she is the ledger to this moment yeah she's the best leader a team could have she knows when to bring it she knows when till they lost you know gonna throw a jerk every now and then and she and just leads our team to success every time two-time national champs how does that cause for celebration and congratulations to Katherine Plummer at Oregon hence named Co most outstanding player of these championships Mikayla Becky a performance in her final match in a Nebraska uniform parts 27 kills twelve gigs pass the ball lights out serve wonderfully well Kenzi bolonia was superb also just a magnificent magnificent Championship match between these two incredible programs let's go back to Holly Rowe now with a Stanford coach Kevin Hambly winner of his first NCAA title Oh Kevin Hadley you've been in this situation before with your Illinois team but you come to Stanford you inherit all this talent fresh off a national championship what have you done to take them back to this height I mean Stanford's always gonna excel so it's much more about the players that we have and a job at Denise and John digging their recruit again we got the talent with what's good and what took a while is for them to buy in the hole Harry wonder changed offensively and defensively and you know last year I don't think we're ready for this and this year you know we went after it and they did a great job of just being committed to playing better defense which paid off tonight and then being committed of being aggressive other famine crazy swings and all that and you saw it Cape you took a big swing at the N and we scrapped and I'm really proud of the way that they came back out for said that's hard to turn that around and I'm just rambling because I how did you help them regain some momentum or how did they take it well they're staying a lot to each other because we got great leadership you know and that's the core then Jenna Jenna and KP and and fitzmorris and Tim they're all like hey we're in this together all I said it's like this is why we play volleyball you know that's what you're here like if you could tell me when you're 14 years old but you didn't want to be in this moment and this is what youth this one you dream it this is why you came to Stanford to be in this moment so just relax and let's start playing our game and put some pressure on in them totally said you've done so much in this game you were a high level player at BYU for one of the legends of the game Carl macao now you're here hosting a national championship trophy how does this compare to all the moments you had as a player and it's got to be the pass throw it I don't know I mean yeah that's got good bus this is amazing like I don't even I don't know I actually filled out I think I need some time let this settle in just how long this journey is uh I think part of me is sad that it's over because I love coaching these kids and it's like I'd love to continue to play look this guy's and Tami Lauda is going to go you know and she's a warrior and it just bums me out a little bit but I'm also delayed at the same time so on this whole range of emotions I noticed we told the honest congratulations Stanford over Nebraska 15 to 12 and the fifth let's take a look back at championship point there was a little bit of hesitation there but off of the dig going to McClure out of the back row which I think surprised a lot of people part it sure surprised me I was thinking plumber all the way Michael McClure slipped it through and again that was that career-high 30 second dig by Morgan hence to get them the chance for match point and how fantastic was at the Rihanna fitzmorris 14 kills in the freshman Holly Campbell with 15 kills let's go back over to Holly Rowe players and coach said that it was the defense that won this championship and Morgan I mean time after time you're midair crashing into the court how do you describe inside of you what makes you go after the balls like you do it's my teammates really they make me want to go for every ball I know they're working their butts off on every single play and if I don't I'm doing a disservice to them you kept getting ball after ball Mikayla Becky one of the best to ever play is really a challenge for you guys and yet you found a way in that last set you had some incredible digs tell me what was going through your mind in that last well first of all Michaela and the whole Nebraska team were amazing and they put up an amazing fight tonight congrats to them on an amazing season I think it was just communicating with each other and just taking it one point at a time staying patient and waiting for our time and going after it you guys won this as freshmen so it seemed like it would just be another one the next year and it wasn't how does this compare to winning at your freshman year I don't know what to say I'm speechless it's an amazing feeling it's looking back and seeing that all your hard work paid off I can't describe how much I loved them and the chemistry to have often on the court I have a feeling they'll be a pretty good party in pencil tonight what do you think I think there will be population and hence pills going up it was one hopefully we can join as well as they celebrate their eighth NCAA championship and as a quick reminder K beat Penn State in the regional final on their way to the national semis and championship so now it is the Stanford Cardinal standing alone among them all Holly Campbell was absolutely superb your thoughts on this championship cartoons it was interesting to hear from the players and coaches those two flip-flop sets in the third and fourth when poke when both teams took turns really taking the other out so it it made for a really interesting mental setup at the fit set to really hard-fought close sets and then the wheels fell off a little for each team so credit both teams for being able to rein it back in and get back to their game to where it was very close in this fist set down until about ten all you can tell how much these growers are devoted to one another the affection and care that they have Nebraska wouldn't go away and then Stanford in the cargo right to the end to win the championship three sets to two over the Nebraska Cornhuskers what a championship thank you Minneapolis once again our final school Stanford over Nebraska for the championship coming up next is College back trophy presentation ceremony be sure and tune in to ESPN FIFA hollyrock arts karate and our entire ESPN crew thanks for joining us uh Paul Sunderland Stanford stands alone [Music]

Channel: NCAA Championships

Views: 549,315

Rating: 4.8727431 out of 5

Keywords: NCAA, college volleyball, ncaa volleyball, ncaa championships, 2018 college volleyball, stanford v. nebraska volleyball, nebraska volleyball, stanford volleyball, 2018 volleyball championship, nebraska vs stanford volleyball, stanford volleyball 2018, stanford volleyball 2018 championship, kathryn plummer, kathryn plummer college, stanford volleyball kathryn plummer, 2018 women's volleyball championship, nebraska volleyball 2018, full match, full volleyball game, full game

Id: AYTm13VdttA

Length: 160min 47sec (9647 seconds)

Published: Wed Oct 23 2019