A LOVB Nebraska player dives to keep the ball in play during the match against LOVB Houston on April 1, 2026, at Baxter Arena in Omaha, Nebraska. Credit: League One Volleyball.
Omaha, NE – 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…
- Salt Lake defeats Austin April 2 OR
- Nebraska defeats Austin April 4 OR
- Salt Lake loses April 2 AND April 4 OR
- Nebraska, Atlanta, Austin and Salt Lake all end at 10-10
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.
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