Ally Batenhorst makes a big comeback at USC to take on Nebraska volleyball | Sports

The senior exterior hitter was a common contributor at Nebraska for 3 seasons, serving to the Huskers attain the nationwide championship match twice throughout her Husker profession. 

But on Sunday, Batenhorst can be on the other facet of the web from the Huskers when she leads No. 20 Southern California into Lincoln for a 6:30 p.m. match in opposition to No. 2 Nebraska.

NU libero Lexi Rodriguez stated she's completely happy to have a probability to play in opposition to her shut pal.

“I know Husker Nation is going to give her a warm welcoming,” Rodriguez stated. “I haven’t seen her in a really long time. I loved playing with her. I want to see her succeed. Even though we’re going to have to stop her, I think it’s going to be fun to see her over there on the other side of the net in a different role and a different jersey. No matter how she does I’m going to be super proud of her.”

Batenhorst transferred to USC after final season and instantly grew to become a key a part of the Trojans' offense. Her 449 hitting makes an attempt are 221 greater than some other participant on the group and she or he leads USC in kills with 161 on a .214 hitting share.

“She looks like she’s having a lot of fun,” Rodriguez said. “She’s taking big swings — she’s taking a lot of swings. I think she’s been ballin’ out, so it’s really good to see because she’s my best friend. I’m proud of her.”

USC (9-2, 1-0) beat Ohio State in 5 units Friday in its first Big Ten match since becoming a member of the convention. Batenhorst had a match-high 15 kills.

Batenhorst will not be the one acquainted face on the USC bench. Trojan affiliate head coach Tyler Hildebrand was an assistant at Nebraska for 3 seasons, together with the 2017 nationwide championship group. He was beforehand the coach at Long Beach State earlier than resigning in February after going 40-19 over two seasons.

Sunday's match would be the solely time Nebraska faces USC this season. 

Welcome to the brand new Big Ten, the place the addition of 4 new groups this season means NU will solely play many of the different 17 groups as soon as throughout a 20-match league schedule.

The Huskers solely play three groups twice this season — Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.

Nebraska coach John Cook is simply positive with the format and thinks it may add to the significance of some matches.

“I think this is going to be great,” Cook stated. “It’s going to be great for the fans and the media because (it’s like), ‘Hey, we’re playing Minnesota, and we get one shot. Here we go.’ As this builds toward a conference champion, those are going to be some huge matches.”

In the previous groups performed each residence and street matches in opposition to seven opponents.

Wisconsin could have it a little more durable on the schedule with two matches in opposition to Nebraska, Minnesota and Northwestern.

Penn State, one other contender within the Big Ten race, has two apiece in opposition to Purdue, Maryland and Michigan State.

When Big Ten play begins, Rodriguez is aware of there are going to be a lot of nice matches.

“Once it starts, it’s go, go, go and we’re trying to be on our ‘A' game every single weekend for (10) weeks,” Rodriguez stated. “It’s a pretty long season. I think it’s just getting in the mindset to battle for the next 10 weeks.”

Nebraska freshman defensive specialist Olivia Mauch is wanting ahead to her first trek by means of the Big Ten. She is aware of the season is about to go up a notch.

“I’ve always watched it on TV, but now I get to be a part of it and I’m so excited,” Mauch stated.

Nebraska’s match in opposition to Louisville final week averaged 684,000 viewers, making it the most-watched common season match ever on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2. At its peak, the published had 808,000 viewers.

The ranking didn’t come shut to the 2023 nationwide championship match between Nebraska and Texas, which was additionally a Sunday afternoon match on ABC. That match averaged 1.7 million viewers.