Who Did Nebraska Volleyball Lose To in 2023?

By Sarah Miller · November 1, 2053

Nebraska volleyball lost to Texas in the 2023 NCAA National Championship match, ending their season with a 3-1 defeat on December 16, 2023.

Nebraska Volleyball's 2023 National Championship Loss

The Nebraska Cornhuskers women's volleyball team had a dominant 2023 season, finishing with a 31-2 record and reaching the NCAA National Championship for the first time since 2018. However, their title hopes ended in Kansas City, where they fell to the Texas Longhorns in four sets (25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 25-16).

This loss marked the second time Nebraska faced Texas that season, having previously defeated them 3-1 in September. The rematch in the final showcased Texas’s improved blocking and offensive execution, particularly from MVP Logan Eggleston and middle blocker Molly Phillips.

Key Factors in the Match

Texas out-blocked Nebraska 14–7, disrupting the Huskers’ primary scoring strategy.
Nebraska’s usually reliable back-row defense struggled with Texas’s deep attacking options.
The Huskers committed 19 attack errors compared to Texas’s 13.
Set 3 was Nebraska’s only win, where they hit .381 and limited unforced errors.

Season Overview: Nebraska’s Road to the Final

Under head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, Nebraska dominated the Big Ten Conference with a 19-1 conference record. They entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 2 national seed and advanced through the regional rounds with wins over UT Martin, Oregon, and top-seeded Pittsburgh.

In the national semifinal, Nebraska defeated Louisville 3-1, showcasing strong performances from Lexi Rodriguez (21 digs) and Bekka Allick (6 blocks). Their run captivated fans, culminating in a sold-out championship appearance.

Detailed Match Statistics: Nebraska vs. Texas (2023 Final)

Statistic	Nebraska	Texas
Final Score	1	3
Kills	54	59
Attack Errors	19	13
Hitting Percentage	.275	.317
Blocks	7	14
Digs	64	58
Aces	3	4
Assists	52	57

Table data source:NCAA Official Stats, Texas Athletics Recap

The data shows Texas held a clear edge in blocking and efficiency at the net, which disrupted Nebraska’s rhythm. Despite out-digging Texas by six, the Huskers couldn’t capitalize consistently on defensive plays due to higher error rates and lower hitting efficiency.

Historical Context: Nebraska vs. Texas Rivalry

The Nebraska-Texas rivalry has intensified over the past decade, with both programs consistently ranked in the top 10. Prior to the 2023 final, the two teams had met 47 times, with Nebraska leading the all-time series 26–21. However, Texas now holds a 2–1 advantage in NCAA Tournament matchups.

This championship loss was Nebraska’s fifth in program history, while Texas claimed its third national title, cementing their status as a modern powerhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska Volleyball's Loss

Who did Nebraska lose to in the 2023 volleyball championship?

Nebraska lost to the University of Texas in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship, with a final score of 3-1.

What was the final score when Nebraska played Texas in 2023?

The final score was Texas 3, Nebraska 1, with set scores of 25–22, 25–20, 21–25, 25–16.

Has Nebraska ever won a national volleyball championship?

Yes, Nebraska has won five NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championships, in 1995, 2000, 2006, 2015, and most recently in 2017.

Where was the 2023 NCAA volleyball championship held?

The 2023 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship was held at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 16, 2023.

How many times have Nebraska and Texas played each other in volleyball?

As of 2023, Nebraska and Texas have played 48 times, with Nebraska leading the all-time series 26–22 after the championship match.