Leaving Lincoln

What a trip it has been to Lincoln and the KC area this weekend. While it didn't turn out the Lady Toppers wanted, here's what Im thinking in the days following the trip.

- 'There is no place like Nebraska': That wasn't more evident than what we saw Friday night in the NU Coliseum. The knowledge the fans showed and the support has to be unmatched in the country. We weren't far from where Travis Hudson and his team we're sitting. He's talked so much about how far Western volleyball has come, but the NU Coliseum showed how much further it can go.

-Hudson said after the match that he didn't prepare his team well for what they were going to face. That may be a little harsh. This team seemed to just be happy to be out there playing. That satisfaction is going to have end for the program. They have to focus on winning a match, not just being there. But also give them credit for taking that attitude. It was evident that they were enjoying themselves in Lincoln and this team gets along well. And with only one graduating senior this team is going to return to this stage next year.

-A few postseason awards now:
Biggest Heart: Jenna Gideon. After injuring her shoulder, there was no quit in Gideon. She poured it out every match in the postseason.
Best Celebration: Emily Teegarden. I don't know what you call it, but it a celebratory dance that will hit dance floors soon.
Most Articulate: Aquila Orr. Orr always had impressive things to say and is very well spoken.

-On a few side notes:
-Id like to give a lot of credit to Ivan, check that, Evan Sisley. He got all-access to the team and did a great job capturing the moments of the NCAA Tournament.

-We also journeyed up to Omaha, Nebraska in the ice and cold on I-80. We made it safely and Ivan, check that Evan was able to give himself a self-guided tour of the Bright Eyes landmarks around the "Big O" while I chilled in Mr. Toad with cousin Tommy.

-Overall this was a great trip and fun to travel to cover stuff like this. Now just one more week of Herald stuff, including the game I've been looking forward to for months: WKU vs. Nebraska. See you on Wednesday!!