Post by bigfan on Oct 11, 2006 20:28:12 GMT -5
Mizzou should provide big turnout, tough match for No. 1 NU
By: Brian Ortmeier
It's already dubbed "Can the Huskers" Night II, which means the Nebraska volleyball team can expect a large crowd for tonight's road match at Missouri.
Last year, the Tigers ran the same promotion in which fans could get free admittance into the Hearnes Center with two canned food items to benefit the Central Missouri Food Bank.
And it worked.
In 2005, the Missouri fan base came in full force to produce a school record 7,298 fans and over 5,000 pounds of food, but the overall turnout was not enough to thwart the Cornhuskers, who won 3-1.
This time around, Missouri is putting a small twist on the promotion, awarding free pizza to the first 400 students to arrive to the match. The student section is courtside, making it a tough environment to play in.
Despite all the commotion created by Missouri's students, NU junior All-American Sarah Pavan said it does not affect her play.
"It gets me fired up to make a big play," said Pavan, an outside hitter who led the Huskers with 18 kills at the Hearnes Center last season. "But it's not fun having to listen to them pick on individuals, because we don't get that at home at all."
In a way, the No. 1 Huskers should be prepared for an unusual atmosphere after playing against Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, on Saturday. The Aggies, who are known for their crowd traditions, also ran the canned food promotion but called it "Aggies Can."
"A lot of their fans are dressed up in different costumes, and they had cadets that were leading all the cheers," Pavan said. "Every time one of us would pass, they would do a snake-hissing sound."
But there is a slight difference between College Station and Columbia.
While Missouri is a more hostile atmosphere, A&M provided a friendlier environment for the Huskers.
The Aggies' yell squad leader even allowed NU Coach John Cook to lead one of the coordinated cheers.
"It was, "Beat Texas,' " Cook said. "I can't remember how it all went, but the end was 'Beat Texas.' They asked me if that one was OK. I said sure."
With tonight's match at 6:30 determining the Big 12 Conference leader, don't expect a coordinated cheer following the match.
Similar to last year, the Huskers (15-0, 7-0 Big 12) and Tigers (13-4, 7-1) will battle for possession of first place in the Big 12.
"They're second place in the Big 12," Cook said. "So far, I think this is going to be the biggest challenge."
By: Brian Ortmeier
It's already dubbed "Can the Huskers" Night II, which means the Nebraska volleyball team can expect a large crowd for tonight's road match at Missouri.
Last year, the Tigers ran the same promotion in which fans could get free admittance into the Hearnes Center with two canned food items to benefit the Central Missouri Food Bank.
And it worked.
In 2005, the Missouri fan base came in full force to produce a school record 7,298 fans and over 5,000 pounds of food, but the overall turnout was not enough to thwart the Cornhuskers, who won 3-1.
This time around, Missouri is putting a small twist on the promotion, awarding free pizza to the first 400 students to arrive to the match. The student section is courtside, making it a tough environment to play in.
Despite all the commotion created by Missouri's students, NU junior All-American Sarah Pavan said it does not affect her play.
"It gets me fired up to make a big play," said Pavan, an outside hitter who led the Huskers with 18 kills at the Hearnes Center last season. "But it's not fun having to listen to them pick on individuals, because we don't get that at home at all."
In a way, the No. 1 Huskers should be prepared for an unusual atmosphere after playing against Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, on Saturday. The Aggies, who are known for their crowd traditions, also ran the canned food promotion but called it "Aggies Can."
"A lot of their fans are dressed up in different costumes, and they had cadets that were leading all the cheers," Pavan said. "Every time one of us would pass, they would do a snake-hissing sound."
But there is a slight difference between College Station and Columbia.
While Missouri is a more hostile atmosphere, A&M provided a friendlier environment for the Huskers.
The Aggies' yell squad leader even allowed NU Coach John Cook to lead one of the coordinated cheers.
"It was, "Beat Texas,' " Cook said. "I can't remember how it all went, but the end was 'Beat Texas.' They asked me if that one was OK. I said sure."
With tonight's match at 6:30 determining the Big 12 Conference leader, don't expect a coordinated cheer following the match.
Similar to last year, the Huskers (15-0, 7-0 Big 12) and Tigers (13-4, 7-1) will battle for possession of first place in the Big 12.
"They're second place in the Big 12," Cook said. "So far, I think this is going to be the biggest challenge."