{"id":89910,"date":"2025-12-16T12:42:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T12:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/89910\/"},"modified":"2025-12-16T12:42:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T12:42:13","slug":"how-beating-nebraska-will-help-against-pitt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/89910\/","title":{"rendered":"How beating Nebraska will help against Pitt"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Two things stand tall in Nebraska. The stalks of corn and\u00a0Cornhusker volleyball.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-channels-pixel.ex.co\/events\/0012000001fxZm9AAE?integrationType=DEFAULT&amp;template=design%2Farticle%2Fplatypus_two_column.tpl\" alt=\"\" class=\"x1px y1px vh abs\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>But this weekend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/sports\/tamu\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texas A&amp;M volleyball<\/a> shocked the world and harvested the undefeated, No. 1 Nebraska Cornhuskers in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/sports\/college\/aggies\/article\/tamu-volleyball-nebraska-cornhuskers-score-today-21242161.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3-2 NCAA Tournament victory<\/a>. After upsetting Nebraska in the Elite Eight and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/sports\/college\/aggies\/article\/texas-am-louisville-ncaa-tournament-21237816.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">No. 2 Louisville in the Sweet 16<\/a>, the\u00a0Aggies are going to Kansas City, Mo. for their first Final Four trip ever.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>A&amp;M prepares to face Pittsburgh, the ACC power that has appeared in the national semifinal every year since 2021. The winner of will play the\u00a0winner of Kentucky and Wisconsin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This is also <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/emilyehman\/status\/2000543673071587788?s=20\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">the first time since 2011<\/a> that the Final Four has not featured Texas (who lost 4-1 to the Badgers), Penn State (reigning national champions), Nebraska or Stanford (the leader in volleyball national championships).<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M players celebrate winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M players celebrate winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M players celebrate a final point to win the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M players celebrate a final point to win the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M libero Ava Underwood (12) misses a return during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M libero Ava Underwood (12) misses a return during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Emily Hellmuth steps up to serve during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Emily Hellmuth steps up to serve during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Kyndal Stowers (37) tips the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Kyndal Stowers (37) tips the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Yell leader Kyler Fife hypes up fans during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game betweeen Texas A&amp;M and TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Yell leader Kyler Fife hypes up fans during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game betweeen Texas A&amp;M and TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M players line the cour ahead of the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M players line the cour ahead of the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) and setter Maddie Waak (16) miss a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) and setter Maddie Waak (16) miss a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) tips the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) tips the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M head coach Jamie Morrison talks to outside hitter Emily Hellmuth (4) during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M head coach Jamie Morrison talks to outside hitter Emily Hellmuth (4) during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M head football coach Mike Elko watches the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M head football coach Mike Elko watches the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M libero Tatum Thomas (3) misses a serve return during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M libero Tatum Thomas (3) misses a serve return during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"TCU libero Jaylen Clark (16) misses a spike during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against Texas A&amp;M at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>TCU libero Jaylen Clark (16) misses a spike during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against Texas A&amp;M at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Emily Hellmuth (4) is blocked by TCU setter Ella Foti (20) during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Emily Hellmuth (4) is blocked by TCU setter Ella Foti (20) during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M plays TCU in an NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M plays TCU in an NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Emily Hellmuth (4) misses a return from a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Emily Hellmuth (4) misses a return from a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) watches the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) watches the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M setter Maddie Waak (16) dives for the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M setter Maddie Waak (16) dives for the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M players celebrate a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M players celebrate a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"A Texas A&amp;M fan watches the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A Texas A&amp;M fan watches the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M opposite hitter Logan Lednicky (9) and outside hitter Taylor Humphrey (11) celebrate a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M opposite hitter Logan Lednicky (9) and outside hitter Taylor Humphrey (11) celebrate a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M opposite hitter Logan Lednicky (9) yells as team mates dive for the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M opposite hitter Logan Lednicky (9) yells as team mates dive for the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"From left, Texas A&amp;M fans Jack Scofield, Owen Smith and Kaden Schwertner cheer during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>From left, Texas A&amp;M fans Jack Scofield, Owen Smith and Kaden Schwertner cheer during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M opposite hitter Logan Lednicky (9) spikes the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M opposite hitter Logan Lednicky (9) spikes the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M players celebrate a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M players celebrate a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Kyndal Stowers (37) blocks a spike during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M outside hitter Kyndal Stowers (37) blocks a spike during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M fans hold up signs after a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M fans hold up signs after a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"TCU middle blocker Alexis Roberson (1) and outside hitter Becca Kelley (11) miss a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against Texas A&amp;M at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>TCU middle blocker Alexis Roberson (1) and outside hitter Becca Kelley (11) miss a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against Texas A&amp;M at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M players celebrate a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M players celebrate a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) and outside hitter Emily Hellmuth (4) miss a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) and outside hitter Emily Hellmuth (4) miss a block during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M libero Ava Underwood (12) dives for a serve return during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M libero Ava Underwood (12) dives for a serve return during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M setter Maddie Waak (16) and middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) block a spike by TCU outside hitter Becca Kelley (11) during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M setter Maddie Waak (16) and middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) block a spike by TCU outside hitter Becca Kelley (11) during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"TCU libero Alice Volpe (0) yells as a team mate dives for the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against Texas A&amp;M at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>TCU libero Alice Volpe (0) yells as a team mate dives for the ball during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against Texas A&amp;M at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) celebrates a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) celebrates a score during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M players celebrate winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M players celebrate winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M players and fans celebrate winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M players and fans celebrate winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) hugs libero Ava Underwood (12) after winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) hugs libero Ava Underwood (12) after winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M head coach Jamie Morrison talks to his players after winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M head coach Jamie Morrison talks to his players after winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) places the Texas A&amp;M logo on an NCAA bracket after winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) places the Texas A&amp;M logo on an NCAA bracket after winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) celebrates after winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Morgan Perkins (21) celebrates after winning the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game against TCU at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Big Red volleyball won 31 straight this season, but they crumbled against the\u00a0Aggies. How did A&amp;M beat Nebraska and can that effort prepare\u00a0head coach Jamie Morrison&#8217;s squad for Pittsburgh?\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) steps up to serve during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Reed Arena on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) steps up to serve during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Reed Arena on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Push the Panthers<\/p>\n<p>A&amp;M cruised to victory in the first round of the NCAA tournament <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/sports\/college\/aggies\/article\/tamu-aggies-volleyball-campbell-ncaa-tournament-21216823.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">against Campbell<\/a> but had to battle against <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/sports\/college\/aggies\/article\/texas-am-aggies-tcu-volleyball-tournament-21217270.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TCU in the next round<\/a> after dropping the first set.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think it was good for us to get a little push,&#8221; Logan Lednicky said Dec. 6. &#8220;It&#8217;s not going to be an easy coast the rest of the tournament. So being squeezed a little bit there in the first was a good (test) and I think we turned it around pretty well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>All the Aggies have been doing since the tournament began is pushing teams, winning both their Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games in five sets. Louisville took the first two sets from A&amp;M after going on big runs but had no answer for the Aggies block or their dynamic shots. Nebraska had not been battle-tested like A&amp;M, losing just nine sets through the season and NCAA Tournaments.\u00a0Once the Cornhuskers found their footing Sunday, it was too late.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Pitt is no stranger to being pushed and have won some five-set matches; three of its four losses happened in five. In the\u00a0NCAA Tournament, they lost just one set, their only dropped set in their last eight matches dating back to mid-November.<\/p>\n<p class=\"MM_onlineOnly\" title=\"CCI Online Only\">MORE:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/sports\/college\/aggies\/article\/college-gameday-texas-am-cfp-miami-espn-21230515.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">&#8216;College GameDay&#8217; headed to College Station<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"MM_onlineOnly\" title=\"CCI Online Only\">RELATED:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/sports\/college\/aggies\/article\/texas-am-aggies-miami-hurricanes-cfp-football-21242143.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">5 things to know about the Miami Hurricanes<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Middle Blockers got involved<\/p>\n<p>Nebraska middle blocker Rebekah Alllick had hot hands, finishing with 15 kills and four blocks. Her fellow middle,\u00a0Andi Jackson, was quiet with only six kills and one block assist; she didn&#8217;t see the court in set five.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But A&amp;M&#8217;s middles, Ifenna Cos-Okpalla and Morgan Perkins, combined for 17 blocks and 11 kills. Logan Lednicky got in on the block party with six, typically pairing with Cos-Okpalla. The senior dominated the front row throughout the regional and had a 12-block match against Louisville; four of those came during a crucial 6-0 run in set four.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) and opposite hitter Logan Lednicky (9) miss a block during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Reed Arena on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in College Station, Texas.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (1) and opposite hitter Logan Lednicky (9) miss a block during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Reed Arena on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Pitt will attack the corners to stop Lednicky, Kyndal Stowers and Emily Hellmuth&#8217;s big swings. But using Perkins and\u00a0Cos-Okpalla on offense creates one-on-one situations at the net that\u00a0are hard to stop.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>The Aggies are preparing to face outside hitter <a href=\"https:\/\/pittsburghpanthers.com\/sports\/womens-volleyball\/stats\/2025https:\/pittsburghpanthers.com\/sports\/womens-volleyball\/stats\/2025\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Olivia Babcock<\/a>, who leads the Panthers with 624 kills \u2014 the second-highest is Blaire Bayless with 310. Babcock is 6-foot-4 with a high contact point so middle blockers must know where she is.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Service pressure\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M went on a 10-0 run in set one against Nebraska thanks to Cos-Okpalla&#8217;s efforts at the service line.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Senior Taylor\u00a0Humpfrey came off the bench cold against the Cornhuskers in the fifth set and her first serve led to a long pass from Nebraska to set up an\u00a0Aggies point.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Nine aces against the Cornhuskers were key; a powerful serve can do just as much damage as a kill because it forces teams to play out of system. If a team is out of system, they may need a moment to reorganize or find a quality swing.<\/p>\n<p>For an\u00a0Aggies team averaging 1.31 aces per set, (260th in the country) the service line\u00a0could be the difference maker in the match.<\/p>\n<p>Texas A&amp;M takes on Pitt at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Kansas City, Mo. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Two things stand tall in Nebraska. The stalks of corn and\u00a0Cornhusker volleyball.\u00a0 But this weekend Texas A&amp;M volleyball&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":89911,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[6624,27,29298,260,29,28],"class_list":{"0":"post-89910","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-texas","8":"tag-pittsburgh-panthers","9":"tag-texas","10":"tag-texas-a-m-aggies-volleyball","11":"tag-texas-am-aggies","12":"tag-texas-headlines","13":"tag-texas-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89910","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=89910"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89910\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/89911"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=89910"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=89910"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=89910"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}