By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
CEDAR PARK – Defending League One Volleyball champions Austin opened the 2026 season with a statement win Wednesay night, rallying past Nebraska in a five-set thriller 22-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-9 in front of a packed, energized crowd at the H-E-B Center.
Wednesday’s match was a rematch of the 2025 finals, with former Nebraska member Madi Banks on the opposite side of the net from her former teammates. Banks finished with 14 kills on .333 hitting percentage.
Austin’s roster depth proved to be a factor after it went down 2-1, answering every Nebraska surge with timely offense and its trademark net defense, powered by Asjia O’Neal.
After dropping the opening set, Austin controlled the second behind balanced scoring and improved serve-receive. Nebraska responded in the third, leaning on its physical attack to regain the lead, but Austin dominated the fourth set and held of a late Nebraska surge, forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final frame, Austin seized momentum early and never let go. The home side jumped out to a 5-1 lead and maintained pressure with efficient side-out play and disciplined defense to close out the match, 15-9.
Logan Eggleston led Austin’s attack with 18 kills on .500 hitting, anchoring a balanced offensive effort that featured multiple hitters in double figures. Madisen Skinner added 17 kills, while O’Neal was efficient in the middle with eight kills on .533 hitting.
The atmosphere matched the moment, with fans filling the gym and creating a postseason-like environment for opening night.
“It’s just so fun to come into a gym that’s that packed, with great fans who are loud and engaged,” Eggleston said.
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Nebraska matched Austin point for point for much of the night, getting strong performances from Kim Drewniok and Emily Thater, but came up just short in the closing moments.
“To watch them fight like crazy and not get the outcomes they want, it’s disappointing,” Nebraska head coach Suzie Fritz said. “To open up with those guys [Austin] is tough. They’re an incredibly talented group of people and volleyball players and they’re going to be hard to beat, but so are we for that matter.”
For Austin, the win was about more than the result. It marked a high-energy launch to the new League One Volleyball season, showcased in front of a national audience.
“[Tonight was] a lot of fun,” Austin head coach Erik Sullivan said. “It’s a great way to open the season, not just for us, but for League One. I thought the environment was great, and the fact that it was on linear TV is great for the league.”
LOVB Austin will carry the momentum into Sunday’s home match against Atlanta before a two-game road trip. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m.