Husker China Blog Day 9: Huskers Wrap Up Stay at Jiaotong University

A pleasant light rain cooled Xi'an this morning, a welcome relief from the normally hot, humid, and dry conditions here.  The raindrops led one gentleman to do his morning Tai Chi under the highway overpass near our hotel.

The breakfast buffet was a mix of traditional Chinese fare - fish, vegetables, and rice - and American staples.  After two days of traditional Chinese meals, the players grabbed eggs, cereal, and croissants.

The team practiced at 9 a.m, at Jiaotong University's pleasant practice gym facility, adorned with a welcome University of Nebraska banner.  We are told that folks in central China are much like folks in middle America: gracious; cordial; and hard-working. It seems that most everyone in China is hard-working. Our hosts in Xi'an have been extremely generous - hosting meals and attending to our every logistical need.

Side note for any teenager, NU student, or parent: UNL has a strong partnership with Jiaotong University.  About 50 local students here attend UNL each year.  We only send about two each year to Jiaotong University.  In fact, the UNL Confucius Institute has scholarships for those students wanting to study here.  The UNL students here now not only are studying and living for free, they're receiving a stipend to cover incidental costs.  I often tell my JBTP students that UNL is one of the best universities in the country for foreign study opportunities, but even I didn't know how fabulous some of our study-abroad opportunities truly are.  For all the details, contact Professor David Lou at 402-472-5370 or DLou1@UNL.edu.

All right, let's talk volleyball: the Huskers were 3-1 on this trip when they hit the floor versus Jiaotong University at 3 p.m. this afternoon.  Nebraska won 25-8, 25-14, and 25-15 versus their smaller opponents. Jiaotong also struggled mightily passing versus the Husker servers.  Nebraska had 17 blocks in 3 games and hit an impressive .460; Morgan Broekhuis was one of just two starters that played all three matches and led the Big Red with 11 kills and a .555 attack percentage.

Afterwards Morgan talked about how the college game is much faster than club and high school volleyball.  She thinks her decision to graduate from Colorado Springs Christian High early so that she could join her teammates this spring was a smart one.  She also says that she'll miss her graduation this Saturday, but that she knows she is in the right place.  Kori Cooper made the same wise choice in the spring of 2006 and was instrumental in that title run.

Not only is Morgan a legitimate 6'5", but her setting background gives her tremendous feel for the game. She attempts shots that belie her age.  She also is poised beyond her years.  She gives the China trip an A+.

If the Huskers do run a 2-setter offence this season, it will mean that the two outside hitters will have to pass in every rotation.  Their consistence as passers will be vital in Nebraska's success this year, as few teams will choose to serve Kayla Banwarth, who will be in the middle-back position for 4 of the 6 rotations.  It looks like NU is back to Setter-U and has plenty of firepower up front, so it may come down to passing.  If we pass a lot like 2008 we should be fine.

After 3-plus days in Shanghai, 2-plus in Hongzhou, and one and a half here in Xian, we jump on the bullet train for Beijing Thursday night.

I'm John Baylor in China with Nebraska Volleyball- describing what I see.