John Cook Reflects on Nebraska Star’s Jaw-Dropping Save: “I Took the Hit”

Nebraska Volleyball is making headlines again—and this time, history is being written! The No. 3 Huskers advanced to the NCAA Semifinals with a decisive 3-0 victory over the No. 7 Wisconsin Badgers on Sunday, energizing the 8,743 fans packed into the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Dominating Performance in Three Sets

The match opened with a nail-biting first set that ended in a 26-24 win for Nebraska. In the second set, the Huskers dominated with a commanding 25-17 victory. The third set started competitively, with Wisconsin closing the gap to 15-11, but Nebraska surged ahead, claiming 14 of the last 20 points to seal the set 25-21.

This win not only secured Nebraska’s spot in the NCAA Semifinals for the second consecutive year but also marked their 18th semifinal appearance in program history. Under head coach John Cook, they’ve reached this stage an impressive 12 times in 24 years.

However, one of the biggest moments of the match wasn’t just about the score—it was a jaw-dropping save by Nebraska star Laney Choboy that left the volleyball community stunned.

John Cook Reacts to Choboy’s Incredible Save

In a recent video shared by Inside Nebraska, Cook sat down with Lexi Rodriguez and Harper Murray to discuss the game and Choboy’s incredible play. A reporter asked Cook about the moment, saying, “Coach, Laney dove into you in the third set. Were you more prepared this year than last year?”

With a chuckle, Cook replied, “Yeah, I was ready for her this time. I knew she was coming, so I braced myself. I took the hit because I didn’t want her running into the scoreboard—it’s right there in the corner. I was ready for it.”

Cook’s lighthearted comment underscored his commitment to protecting his players, both on and off the court. Fans immediately reacted to Choboy’s heroic effort. One commented, “Wow, now we know why you’re the GOAT 👏👏👏👏👏. We’ve got your back ❤️.”

Choboy’s Save Ignites the Volleyball Community

Choboy’s save, which saw her diving to keep the ball alive and colliding with Cook in the process, was a pivotal moment in the match. Fans took to social media to praise the play. One wrote, “Choboy, you never cease to amaze me! 👏👏👏👏❤️,” while another exclaimed, “LANEY IS A BEAST!!! 🔥🔥🔥.”

The sophomore has quickly become a standout for Nebraska, building on an impressive freshman year. In her debut season, Choboy played in 34 matches, averaging 1.82 digs per set, alongside 37 assists and 14 service aces. Her remarkable performances earned her a spot on the Ameritas Players Challenge All-Tournament Team, showcasing her dedication and talent.

One fan perfectly captured Choboy’s style, saying, “She just plays the game like it’s second nature—so relaxed, yet always clutch in big moments.”

Team Effort Leads Nebraska to Victory

Nebraska’s win was a collective effort. Taylor Landfair led the way with 13 kills, while Andi Jackson and Harper Murray contributed 10 kills each. The team posted a hitting efficiency of .210 while holding Wisconsin to just.126 . Nebraska also out-blocked the Badgers 12-9, with Jackson tallying five blocks.

Defensively, Lexi Rodriguez recorded an impressive 17 digs, and Murray added 12 digs, rounding out a stellar performance.

The Huskers Are Ready for the Next Challenge

Choboy’s save wasn’t just a highlight—it became the talk of the volleyball world. One fan summed it up, saying, “Probably the grittiest match I’ve ever seen 🥺.”

As Nebraska heads into the NCAA Semifinals, their combination of resilience, teamwork, and individual brilliance—epitomized by plays like Choboy’s—cements their place as one of the best teams in the nation. For Coach John Cook and his Huskers, the journey continues, and the community can’t wait to see what’s next.