Husker volleyball faces first away game at LSU

The Cornhuskers take on their biggest test of the season this weekend, or at least the one that intrigues NU volleyball coach John Cook the most.

"We wanted to schedule this so we have a tough match on the road," Cook said.

"Potentially LSU at their home gym."

With the Baton Rouge, La., tournament being the Huskers' first competition outside the state of Nebraska, there are answers to be found. Cook said he is waiting to see the focus he gets out of his team and the leadership that will come from his All-Americans.

After Nebraska's game against Creighton Tuesday, Cook singled out his returning All-Americans in Tara Mueller and Sydney Anderson. He said they would have to step up and lead by example throughout the season.

"Once you get your name on the wall, and you're an All-American, we tell them, the greater the rewards, the greater the responsibility," Cook said.

Both Mueller and Anderson said their leadership roles have stretched them but that stepping up to the challenge is something they look forward to.

"When he says that, it's tough at first to take in," Mueller said. "I need to be on my game and be focused. I need to show the younger players that if we, the older players, can all come in and work hard and do our best every day, then that helps them step up."

The best way to do that, Mueller said, is not only to stay consistent in practice and during games, but to also keep a level head during the trying moments of games.

The junior outside hitter said it would be important to stay away from getting caught on the "rollercoaster" of emotions during games.

Her new role is something Anderson will have to get used to.

That role includes knowing what to say and how to handle each player.

Mostly, though, Anderson said team unity would be the key.

"We win together, we lose together," Anderson said. "Great kills go back to the pass. The biggest thing for me is that I want this team to come together."

Mueller leans on what she learned from former Husker Christina Houghtelling to help the team unity.

It's as simple as getting new players in the right position during practice and settling them down in game situations, she said.

"I don't want them to have to wait for coach to yell at them," Mueller said.

While it may be tough to take on the leadership roles of a team sporting five true freshmen, Anderson and Mueller said it is something they have been looking forward to.

As for having their names on the wall, that's a different story.

"That, I don't think has hit me yet," Anderson said. "I think it's just a name saying I'm on the team. I don't think it will hit me until I'm gone."

Before she leaves though, Anderson has a bit of work to do, including leading her team into hostile territory to play UL-Lafayette, LSU and Tulane this weekend.

"I'm as interested as you guys are," Cook told reporters after practice Wednesday. "I don't know how we'll play, but it's a good test for us."

davehoufek@dailynebraskan.com