Offense Explodes as Nebraska Keeps Control of Playoff Hopes

OMAHA, Nebraska – April 1, 2026 – There was no joking around from the LOVB Nebraska offense tonight as the team exploded with a season-high .405 hitting efficiency that saw four athletes with 14+ points en route to a 3-1 victory (25-27, 25-17, 25-14, 25-18) over LOVB Houston on during Wednesday night’s LOVB Match of the Week at Baxter Arena.

Outside hitter Anne Buijs spearheaded a trio of Nebraska (10-9) athletes that recorded a double-double on the night. The Dutchwoman put a flourish on her 22-kill, 11-dig performance, with three massive blocks, two of which came back-to-back late against Jordan Thompson. 

“I was just kind of feeling it today, you know, a little bit of this, a little bit of that,” said Buijs. “The team is working and we’re settling. I’m playing good, everybody’s playing good. I thought [Kimberly Drewniok] played great today. Jordan, for me, is always kind of really high up there. So, I’m just happy.”

Jordan Larson’s 16-kill, 14-dig night and Laura Dijkema’s 52-assist, 10-dig performance were the other two double-doubles on the night, but not the end to the offensive onslaught.

Kimberly Drewniok tallied 19 points on 19 kills with a team high .471 hitting efficiency. Cande Herrera had a 14-point night with only four kills. The remaining 10 points came from six blocks and four aces, the latter stat being a new team record.

“One of our core values is being joyful,” said Larson. “We have a lot of people that, when they are in that space, that’s when they play the most free.”

The win tonight keeps Nebraska in control of their own playoff destiny. A win against LOVB Austin on Saturday, April 4m would secure a spot in the LOVB Playoffs. However, the team can also book a trip to Louisville with a win from Salt Lake tomorrow night against Austin.

• Nebraska Can Clinch If…

Houston’s (12-7) Jordan Thompson was held to just 16 points and 15 kills, both of which are her third-lowest in a match this season. This still led the team as Jess Mruzik was the only other athlete in the double figures for kills on a quiet night that saw one of the league’s most electric offenses hit .229. 

Houston’s loss tonight has little impact on their chances of securing the regular season title. A win against Atlanta on Saturday or a loss by Atlanta tomorrow night will ensure they have the No. 1-seed in Louisville.

The final day of matches across the league is Saturday, April 4. All six teams will be in action, with LOVB Nebraska hosting LOVB Austin in the league’s second match of the day. First serve is set for 7 p.m. Central at Baxter Arena and will be broadcast on Victory+.