It was another five-set thriller at Target Center Saturday night, as the Husker Volleyball team fell just short, losing to Stanford 3-2.

Nebraska dropped a very tight first set, 28-26, and then tied up the match, winning 25-22 in set two. The first two sets were close throughout, but not the next two. In set 3, Stanford jumped out to an early 5 point lead, and later rattled off another 7 unanswered points, going away winning 25-16. Then the Huskers fought back in set 4 to hand the Cardinal its worst loss of the season, 25-15. In set 5, a controversial call was reversed, as ball that looked clearly out, was ruled in and put Stanford at match point 14-11, eventually winning 15-12.

According to Coach John Cook “I’ve had more fun coaching this year, more satisfaction, more enjoyment because of where we started, all the mountains we had to climb, and we get to this and play as competitive a match against a great Stanford team, they’ve already won a national championship, all these players. They had a great season. For us to compete and be in there in the end, it’s pretty rewarding. But the bummer is Mikaela and Kenzie, this is our last match. We have a special bond. It’s been really a cool journey with those guys. Like on my phone, my phone cover picture is of Mikaela and Kenzie sticking their tongues out at me, doing weird signs.”

Mikaela Foecke and Lauren Stvrins were both named to the Final Four All-Tournament team. It was Foecke’s third time. Both players were also named 1st Team All-Americans.

Nebraska ends the season with 29-7 record. Even though they lose three outstanding seniors in Foecke, Kenzie Maloney, and Brooke Smith, the future is bright, as it always is with Nebraska volleyball, with players like Stivrins, Lexi Sun, Nicklin Hames and Jazz Sweet all returning.