Wayne State, Kearney enjoy moment at stadium match

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel break down a huge week in Nebraska Athletics: Volleyball's Memorial Stadium match and football's season opener.

UNK entered the court at Memorial Stadium prepared for the elements. Roughly half of the Lopers wore sunglasses as they warmed up ahead of their scrimmage against Wayne State, the Division II opening act to Nebraska’s match against Omaha that night. There was a slight glare from the mid-afternoon sun, and playing volleyball in a football stadium was unfamiliar for everyone. It was worth a shot.

“Some of us thought we should just try it out,” outside hitter Lauren Taubenheim said, “and it wasn’t it.”

The glasses were off by the time the game began. It was the first unusual touch of an afternoon that defined differences and spectacle above results. Wayne State won all three sets of the exhibition match, not that it was particularly important to either teams’ season or the evening at large.

“I have no words, honestly, to explain it,” Wayne State setter Rachel Walker said. “I think (I’m) just grateful to be invited to this and to live in a sport that cherishes the sport this much is just so cool. Growing up, playing volleyball, my mom coached me in volleyball. I’ve always been around volleyball. And I think just growing up in a state like this is just a huge blessing and then to be a part of it at this level, playing for Wayne State College, it was just — it couldn’t have been a better experience.”

Even before the sea of humanity that would define the Division I match that evening rolled in, Memorial Stadium gradually filled with red as the undercard progressed. When UNK entered the stadium that morning, a gaggle of Husker fans swarmed the Lopers for high-fives. It didn’t matter that they were a Division II team. For a few hours, they were the stars of the show.

Marching bands from both schools were on hand, including an active Wayne State contingent occupying a triangle in the northeast corner of the stands, its gold shirts making it stand out like a sunflower in a bed of roses.

Meanwhile, conditions played with the product on the court. The sun became less of a factor throughout the match as it dipped behind the west bleachers, but the heat — 86 degrees when the game started — and humidity served as another difference from an air-conditioned gym.

A slight wind picked up in the third set, making setting and passing harder, pushing the ball away from the center of the court.

“All the basics of volleyball, the communication, the serve and pass game, those were all things that were the same, but the wind was definitely a factor,” Kearney right setter Jaden Ferguson said. “And hitting-wise, if you were on top of the ball, go for it, but if you were underneath it or to the side of it, you kind of had to make a smart shot.”

Wayne State secured the win after the game point in the second set even though the match kept going for a final first-to-15 set. The Wildcats gathered after the victory, those on the court embracing in a subdued, circular group hug as the attention of the rapidly-growing fans around them turned to the next match, the next unique experience in a day full of them.

“It’s just kind of a whirlwind,” Wayne State middle blocker Maggie Brahmer said. “You don’t really think growing up that you can be a part of something like this, and then you go to a DII and you watch the Division I girls on ESPN and all that kind of stuff. And obviously we weren’t on ESPN, but we’re playing on the same court in front of lots of people, so just very thankful and just a whirlwind of emotions.”

University of Nebraska Kearney's Addyson Mock bumps a ball against Wayne State during Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

The crowd fills in for the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

University of Nebraska Kearney's Jaden Ferguson tries to block a spike by Wayne State's Kelsie Cada during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Chanatee Robles, Taya Beller, and Kelsie Cada celebrate a point against the University of Nebraska Kearney the Nebraska Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Brett Myers checks the air in a volleyball due to the temperature during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

A look inside Memorial stadium as Kearney takes on Wayne State during a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Hendryx, 9, and Hadley Hamburger, 12, of Lincoln, high-five fans during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Allie Petry warms up before playing the University of Nebraska at Kearney before the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State and the University of Nebraska at Kearney warm up before the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

The crowd fills in for the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State celebrates a point during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Evee Mins, 12, of Lexington, Neb., watches the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State and the University of Nebraska at Kearney warm up before the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

A Wayne State player warms up during Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Spectators watch warm ups between Kearney and Wayne State during Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Fans watch the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Karin Vaughn, of Lincoln, holds her granddaughter, Josie Johnson, 13 months, of Elkhorn, during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Spectators walk into Memorial Stadium during Volleyball Day in Nebraska in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Spectators watch warm ups between Kearney and Wayne State during Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State players warm up during Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kearney players warm up during Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kearney's Emersen Cyza (18) spikes the ball between Wayne State's Taya Beller (13) and Wayne State's Taylor Bunjer (2) during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kearney's Abby Rose (7) and Kearney's Emersen Cyza (18) go up to block against Wayne State's Taya Beller (13) during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Kelsie Cada (11) hits the ball against Kearney's Jaden Ferguson (21) during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kearney's Asha Regier (17) hits the ball during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Alex Anthony, a freshman student at Nebraska, fills up his cup at a water fountain during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Rachel Walker (14) and Wayne State's Maggie Brahmer (18) go up to block against Kearney's Asha Regier (17) during the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

A look inside Memorial stadium as Kearney takes on Wayne State during a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Rachel Walker (14) sets the ball during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Laney Kathol (3) celebrates a kill during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Nebraska's Andi Jackson (15) goes up to block against Wayne State's Taya Beller (13) during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Havyn Heinz (1) serves the ball during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Nebraska's Andi Jackson (15) hits the ball against Wayne State's Rachel Walker (14) during the second set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

People stop at the concession stands during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Chick-fil-A is available during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Beer is available during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

The Wayne State band performs during the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Lynne Roland, of Du Bois, Neb., watches the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

The crowd fills in for the Volleyball Day in Nebraska Wayne State vs. Kearney match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Fans arrive ahead of Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Fans arrive ahead of Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Ava Burger, 17, of Solon Springs, Wis., arrives ahead of Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Fans walk past the Hawks Championship Center as they arrive ahead of Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kinley Heffner, 8, of Trenton, Neb., waits for the gates to open ahead of Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

University of Nebraska Kearney's Rhianna Wilhelm warms up before the first set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

University of Nebraska Kearney's Jensen Rowse serves against Wayne State during Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

University of Nebraska Kearney's Asha Regier, left, hits the ball towards Wayne State's Grace Baumert, center, and Taya Beller, right, during Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

University of Nebraska Kearney's Asha Regier hits the ball towards Wayne State's Rachel Walker, center, and Maggie Brahmer, right, during Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

University of Nebraska Kearney's Lauren Taubenheim, left, hits the ball toward Wayne State's Taylor Bunjer, center and Maggie Brahmer, right, during Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Rachel Walker sets the ball against the University of Nebraska Kearney during Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Kelsie Cada spikes the ball during against University of Nebraska Kearney's during Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Fans take a selfie during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kearney's Rhianna Wilhelm (24) sets the ball during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kearney's Jensen Rowse (12) hits the ball during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Ella Myler (8) hits the ball during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kearney's Abby Rose (7) hits the ball during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State head coach Scott Kneifl during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kearney's Carly Purdy (14) hits the ball against Wayne State's Ally Beresford (10) during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Brooke Peltz (9) serves the ball during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Kearney's Lauren Vandenberg (13) hits the ball against Wayne State's Ella Myler (8) during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Laney Kathol (3) celebrates the match point during the third set of a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State players celebrates after defeating Kearney, 3-0, during a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Laney Kathol (3) and Wayne State's Rachel Walker (14) celebrate after defeating Kearney, 3-0, during a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State head coach Scott Kneifl high-fives Taya Beller (13) after Wayne State defeated Kearney, 3-0, during a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Wayne State's Maggie Brahmer (18), Taya Beller (13) and Rachel Walker (14) celebrate after Wayne State defeated Kearney, 3-0, during a Volleyball Day in Nebraska match at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

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In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel break down a huge week in Nebraska Athletics: Volleyball…