Huskers look for a big run

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BY TODD HENRICHS / Lincoln Journal Star

It’s a fine line between feeling the heat and exuding confidence.

That’s where the Nebraska volleyball team finds itself entering the final month of the regular season, a potential November to remember.

“We’ve got a chance to make a really big move,” Nebraska coach John Cook said Tuesday, something he defined specifically as “running the table.”

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Tenth-ranked Nebraska (16-6, 9-4) has seven regular-season matches remaining, including a stretch of three straight against top-25 opponents that begins Saturday at No. 8 Iowa State.

Wednesday night, NU plays host to Missouri (14-9, 6-6), one of seven Big 12 teams in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament berth.

Cook said that despite their six regular-season losses, the Huskers have the tools necessary to make a prolonged postseason run.

The key, he said, is getting everyone to play well on the same night and building some confidence, an attitude that has wavered since the Huskers opened with a lopsided loss to Michigan.

“Some big wins could take care of that, just like the loss to Michigan rocked us,” Cook said. “It goes both ways.”

So, too, does the pressure.

When asked if anything less than seven straight wins was acceptable, Cook replied: “In my mind? No.”

Reach Todd Henrichs at 473-7320 or thenrichs@journalstar.com.