Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
13-8,3-6Big Ten
Nebraska
19-0,9-0Big Ten
'Cats Drop Match at No. 1 Nebraska
10/24/2025 8:01:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
LINCOLN, Neb. -- Facing the nation's top-ranked team, Northwestern volleyball could not keep up with a dynamic Nebraska offense on Friday at Bob Devaney Sports Center, falling to the No. 1 Cornhuskers in three sets (17-25, 13-25, 17-25).
The loss dropped Northwestern's record to 13-8 overall and 3-6 in Big Ten play, while Nebraska remained undefeated at 19-0 (9-0 Big Ten).
Bella Bullington finished with seven kills on the day to lead the Wildcats offense, while the team got seven digs from Lauren Dignan to lead them defensively.
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Wildcats hung with the Huskers early on in set one, matching Nebraska point-for-point until the score reached 9-9. Buse Hazan, Ayah Elnady and Campbell Paris all contributed early kills as the 'Cats fought the Big Ten's best offense. After taking the lead, 10-9, on an ace, the Huskers expanded their advantage with a 6-0 scoring run to make it a 15-9 lead in set one. Bullington picked up a pair of kills and the 'Cats capitalized on a series of Nebraska errors, but Northwestern ultimately fell 25-17 in the opening frame.
SET 2 | Northwestern earned the first lead of the second set on a kill from Gabrielle Gerry, but could not hold the edge for long. Nebraska once again used a scoring run in the early part of the set to get off to a 10-6 lead over the 'Cats - one it would never give up. The Huskers closed off the frame with a 9-1 run to secure a 25-13 victory and put themselves on the brink of a sweep.
SET 3 | Nebraska took the first point of the third set and never looked back, cruising to another set win. Paris picked up three kills in the frame to give her six on the match as a whole, but the Huskers overpowered the 'Cats, 25-17, to complete the sweep.
Game Notes
» Bella Bullington had a team-high seven kills for Northwestern, marking the fifth time this season that the first-year has led the 'Cats' offense.
» Both Northwestern setters reached double-digit assists, with Lauren Carter putting up a team-high 13 and Sienna Noordermeer contributing ten
» Lauren Dignan led the team in digs for the fifth time this season, with seven.
Up Next
Northwestern will play the back half of its road swing on Sunday afternoon in Indiana, where the 'Cats are set to face off with the No. 23 Hoosiers. Action from Bloomington is set to begin at noon CT on B1G+.
