Ahead of their NCAA volleyball championship match against Texas, Nebraska women's volleyball coach John Cook has identified a key strength in his team: the exceptional competitiveness of his freshmen players.

Cook, who amusingly skipped a scheduled coaches panel Friday, is entirely focused on preparing for Sunday's title match, which is a historic event being televised on ABC for the first time.

“They're all super competitors; that's their superpower,” Cook said of his freshmen, as reported by Michael Voepel of ESPN. “The bigger the stage, the bigger the match, the harder they compete.”

The Cornhuskers, the top overall seed, showcased their dominance in the semifinals on Thursday by decisively defeating the Pitt Panthers in three straight sets, witnessed by a large crowd. Their title game opponent, Texas, the second seed and defending champions, earned their spot by defeating the top-seeded Wisconsin in the semifinals.

This season, the Cornhuskers boasts an impressive 33-1 record, making their 11th appearance in the NCAA final and having claimed five titles previously. The Longhorns have also been regulars in the finals, marking their 10th NCAA final appearance with three titles under their belt. The rivalry between Nebraska and Texas dates back to their shared history in the Big 12 conference, with Nebraska holding a 33-24 advantage in the series.

Texas' road to the finals was marked by a close call against Tennessee in the regional semifinals and a victory over Stanford. Their standout player, Madisen Skinner, was instrumental in their success, particularly with her serving skills and overall performance.

Nebraska's journey to the final four for the 17th time is notable, especially given the significant impact of their freshmen. These young players have quickly adapted to the high standards of collegiate volleyball, playing key roles in the team's success this season.

Cook's confidence in his team is evident, particularly in his praise of the freshmen's competitive nature, which he views as their greatest asset. This quality has been central to the team's performance, helped by their extensive preparation, including training and playing matches in Brazil during the off-season.

As Nebraska women's volleyball prepares for the championship match, their focus is clear. Despite suffering only one loss this season, against Wisconsin, the team has shown resilience and strategic skill. Cook's guidance and the team's collective strength set the stage for a compelling championship clash against Texas.