By Bennett Parker | Sports Writer
No. 20 Baylor volleyball proved why it is still one of the best volleyball programs in the country, traveling to the home of one of the best teams in the nation: Lincoln, Nebraska.
Baylor (6-2) went 2-1 at the Ameritas Challenge, with its only loss being a sweep at the hands of No. 1 Nebraska (9-0). More strong play from sophomore outside hitter Ksenia Rakhmanchik, sophomore setter Isabella Haggard and others powered the Bears past New Mexico (2-6) and Georgia Tech (8-2).
The Bears were the first team to score at least 20 points in each set against the Huskers, who have yet to drop a set in the season despite playing stout competition.
Baylor searched for a bounce-back road trip after a home loss to No. 10 Florida, and it found some momentum, playing some of its best volleyball at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
Some of the most notable rallies of the Bears’ weekend came from their only loss on Friday night. The Huskers kept their undefeated record, but not without a battle from Baylor, who improved in each set. Nebraska controlled most of the first set and won 25-20 but had a harder time closing out the second set, where the Bears hung within two points at 23-21 but fell 25-22.
The third set is where Baylor shined in this tournament. Despite getting down five points early, the Bears refused to roll over. Making a late 4-0 run highlighted by Rakhmanchik’s 18th kill of the evening to get a 23-22 lead. The Huskers’ home crowd and impressive composure were able to push them past Baylor 26-24 in the deciding set.
Prior to the game, Nebraska had only allowed one opponent to reach the 20-point mark in a set; Baylor did it three times.
Baylor’s winning ways in the tournament began with a sweep of Georgia Tech, who was undefeated coming into the match. The Bears struck with their season-high hitting percentage (.308) and put a blemish on the Yellow Jackets’ record with scores of 25-22, 25-18 and 25-16.
The Bears got right back to business against New Mexico, with Haggard leading the team with 32 assists and sweeping the Lobos 25-20, 25-17 and 25-22.
They jumped out to an early lead in the first set behind three Rakhmanchik kills and a service ace and outpaced the Lobos the whole way to take the set 25-20.
New Mexico turned the tables to begin the second set, taking a quick 6-2 lead. Baylor ran away with it, going on an 11-1 run to lead 13-7. The Bears did not give up the lead to take a 2-0 advantage.
Baylor tried to keep its distance from the Lobos throughout the third set. The Bears found themselves at match point ahead by six. New Mexico fought to keep the match alive, rattling off four straight points to make it a 24-22 set. An attack error from Seenane Brewer sealed the sweep for Baylor.
The Bears were not flawless on the road trip, but they can hang their hats on winning two of three matches over the weekend as non-conference play winds down.
Baylor returns to Waco to take on Incarnate Word at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Ferrell Center.
