Oregon Ducks Volleyball: Huskers stuff Ducks, move on to regional

Oregon struggled against the block Saturday night in Nebraska. The eighth seeded Huskers took the match in straight sets, ending Oregon's season 25-22, 25-19, 25-22. Liz Brenner had 14 kills but her final attack went awry as the Ducks finished the season in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

In the first two sets, the Ducks would hit squarely into the block, not giving themselves a chance as the Huskers continued a strong performance at the net. Oregon simply got outplayed at the net and when they had a chance to return the favor, the Huskers simply put the ball past the block and onto the floor. It was almost fitting that the final points of each of the first two sets were Nebraska blocks.

The Ducks led in the first and the third set and at times looked in control, but once the Huskers caught up, Oregon just didn't have what it took to take a set from in Lincoln. In what was seen as a rebuilding year, it's a strong showing from an Oregon team who looked almost dead in the water at mid-season.

Oregon will lose Lauren Plum and Ariana Williams, but the return of Liz Brenner, Amanda Benson and Shellsy Ashen show that sunny days are ahead for the Oregon volleyball team. The Ducks finish in 4^th place in the conference which again is impressive in a "rebuilding" season.