Reilly Shines in Hometown Exhibition During Sweep of Iowa State

Nebraska senior setter Bergen Reilly recorded an ace on the final rally to cap off a stellar performance in front of a sold-out crowd in her hometown of Sioux Falls.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:26pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and colors, conceptually representing the energy and action of a volleyball match.A cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of a volleyball match, reflecting the excitement of Bergen Reilly's homecoming exhibition in Sioux Falls.Sioux Falls Today

In her final year with the Nebraska Volleyball team, senior setter Bergen Reilly put on a show in her hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Playing in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,372 at the Sanford Pentagon, Reilly recorded 17 assists, two kills, and five digs to lead the Huskers to a four-set sweep over Iowa State. Reilly capped off her performance with an ace on the final rally of the second set, thrilling the hometown crowd that was largely there to support the Sioux Falls native.

Why it matters

Reilly's homecoming exhibition was a special moment for the senior setter, who has been a standout player for Nebraska over the past three seasons. The large and enthusiastic crowd in Sioux Falls demonstrated the growing interest in volleyball in the region, and Reilly's performance helped raise the profile of the sport in her hometown.

The details

Nebraska used two different lineups for the four-set match, with the Huskers winning each frame — 25-17, 25-16, 25-16, 26-24. Reilly, who attended O'Gorman High School just seven miles from the Sanford Pentagon, was the main attraction for the sold-out crowd. She received a loud ovation when introduced in the starting lineup and was part of a ceremonial donation to a local scholarship program before the match.

  • The exhibition match took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Reilly recorded the match-clinching ace on the final rally of the second set.

The players

Bergen Reilly

A senior setter for the Nebraska Volleyball team and a Sioux Falls native who starred at O'Gorman High School. Reilly has been a three-time All-American during her career with the Huskers.

Skyler Pierce

A Nebraska outside hitter who terminated on eight of her nine attacks in the first two sets, helping to make Reilly's homecoming a success.

Dani Busboom Kelly

The head coach of the Nebraska Volleyball team, who praised Reilly's leadership and the strong connection they have developed in Busboom Kelly's first year with the program.

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What they’re saying

“Aces always feel good. I've been trying out a little bit of a new serve, and that was the first time I've done it in a game. I did it a few times before then, but it was cool to see that work out.”

— Bergen Reilly, Senior Setter

“I think that instilled in us to make sure we did our job on and off the court, to make this a unique situation for Bergen and make sure it's special for her and to end up with a win.”

— Skyler Pierce, Outside Hitter

“She's been somebody I can really trust, and we have a lot of conversations. That really helps as a new coach coming into a program, and it just bleeds into the rest of the team. For me, personally, she's meant a great deal, and without the way she is, I don't think we'd be sitting here after having one loss in a year and a half.”

— Dani Busboom Kelly, Head Coach

What’s next

The exhibition match kicked off Nebraska's spring ball schedule, and the Huskers will continue their preparations for the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

Bergen Reilly's homecoming exhibition in Sioux Falls was a special moment that showcased the growing interest in volleyball in the region and Reilly's importance to the Nebraska program. The large and enthusiastic crowd, along with Reilly's standout performance, highlighted the impact she has had on the sport in her hometown.