A packed John Cook Arena, 8,592 fans buzzing with anticipation, and a freshman stepping onto the court for her first-ever match as a Husker. That was Ryan Hunter on Saturday, April 26, stealing the show in Nebraska volleyball’s 4-0 rout of Kansas during the inaugural Husker Games at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Just 13 months after a torn ACL, the opposite hitter didn’t just play—she dazzled, proving she’s ready to leave her mark.The match wasn’t a straight shot to victory. In the first set, Nebraska fell behind 9-5 after a 4-0 Jayhawk run. But the Huskers, true to form, clawed back, tying the score at 12-12 and again at 14-14. Then Mauch took over, serving a 5-0 run that flipped the momentum, putting Nebraska ahead 19-15. Kansas battled back to knot it at 20-20, but the Huskers answered with a 4-0 surge, sparked by a Leimbach ace and sealed by Murray’s fifth kill of the set on Nebraska’s third set point, clinching the frame 25-20. That grit set the tone for the 25-18, 25-21, and 25-22 wins that followed.
Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, who also made her debut, couldn’t hold back her excitement and was impressed by Hunter’s performances. While talking in post-match press conference, she said, “Just super aggressive. For a freshman to come out there and swing away, and some of those out-of-system swings were pretty insane. And that sets the tone for her. Like, she’s going to go after and go for kills.” Ryan Hunter, who hadn’t touched competitive volleyball in over a year, came out swinging in her debut. Playing the final three sets, she racked up 11 kills on a scorching .563 hitting percentage, added two blocks, and sprinkled in two digs. While veteran middles anchored all four sets, it was Hunter’s fearless energy that had everyone talking.Hunter’s journey wasn’t easy. Sidelined by injury, she skipped beach volleyball and focused on what she does best: blocking and killing balls. “And I told her, she didn’t play beach. So we did some training with her. Your job is to block balls and kill balls. And let’s not worry about anything else. And she did that tonight. So it was good to see her do her job.” Busboom Kelly told while talking to the press. Nebraska hit .285, out-blocked Kansas 8-4, and served six aces. Fresh off a 33-3 season, the Huskers look fierce, and Hunter’s debut was a statement: she’s here to swing for the stars
