Four Huskers Named to AVCA Watch List: Nebraska's Volleyball Dominance Continues

Nebraska’s volleyball program continues to shine as four Huskers were named to the prestigious American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Watch List for the 2024 Division I Player of the Year Award. Senior Merritt Beason, sophomores Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly, and senior Lexi Rodriguez have earned their spots among the nation’s best. The list includes 36 athletes from 21 schools, with Nebraska leading the pack with four nominations.

Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes these athletes stand out and why Nebraska is the powerhouse it is.

Merritt Beason: Senior Leader and Offensive Dynamo

Merritt Beason transferred to Nebraska from Florida in 2023 and immediately made her mark, earning AVCA first-team All-America honors. With her 3.76 kills per set in 2023, she became a vital offensive force for the Huskers, earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors four times. Beason’s power was on full display during the 2023 NCAA Lincoln Regional, where she posted 19 kills and 11 digs in a stunning victory over Arkansas. This year, though her average is down slightly at 2.82 kills per set, she’s recently surged to 3.36 kills per set with a .353 hitting percentage over the last four matches. Clearly, Beason is heating up at just the right time for a title run.

Harper Murray: The Sophomore Sensation

If there were any doubts about Harper Murray’s abilities after her breakout freshman year, she’s silencing them quickly. After earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2023 with 3.23 kills per set, she has continued to lead the Huskers in her sophomore season, averaging 3.18 kills per set. Known for her six-rotation prowess, Murray is not just an offensive threat but also solid defensively, averaging 2.30 digs per set this season. Her nine service aces show her versatility and potential to take over games, which she will likely continue to do as the season progresses.

Bergen Reilly: The Setter with Vision

Bergen Reilly, the Big Ten Setter of the Year in 2023, has already proven herself to be a difference-maker. The fact that she was the first freshman to win the award speaks volumes about her ability to control the tempo of a match. Reilly’s 10.51 assists per set last season helped the Huskers’ offense flourish, and she’s been even better this season, averaging 11.26 assists per set, ranking her sixth nationally. As the floor general, Reilly’s playmaking will be crucial as Nebraska chases a national championship.

Lexi Rodriguez: Defensive Wall

Lexi Rodriguez’s reputation as one of the best liberos in Nebraska history is already secure. As a three-time All-American, Rodriguez is on the verge of joining an elite club of four-time All-Americans, a feat only achieved by two other Huskers. With 1,547 career digs, she’s closing in on the school record held by Justine Wong-Orantes. Rodriguez’s defensive leadership has helped Nebraska become one of the top defensive teams in the nation, and her ability to read opposing offenses makes her an irreplaceable part of the Huskers’ success.

Looking Ahead

With these four players leading the way, Nebraska looks primed for a deep postseason run. The AVCA Watch List is just the beginning—come December, the Huskers hope to see one of their own crowned as the Player of the Year. Either way, with a roster this talented, Nebraska volleyball fans have much to be excited about as they watch these stars continue to shine.