LINCOLN — Nebraska’s 6-foot-5 left-hander out of Colorado is a senior intent on going out with a bang.

Nebraska’s 6-foot-5 left-hander out of Colorado is a rookie aiming to play at an elite level right out of the gate.

It’s not a brain teaser, nor is it a riddle. It’s the new dilemma facing every opponent who crosses paths with the Nebraska volleyball team.

Yes, John Cook believes Lindsey Licht and Morgan Broekhuis together can tower over the competition this season. That’s one of the biggest reasons the coach says the sky’s the limit for his 2010 Huskers.

“It’s definitely what can make us so unique,” Cook said. “With Lindsey and Morgan, we can have two 6-foot-5 lefties attacking in all six rotations — not just three rotations. If this works the way I think it can, it’s going to make us very difficult to stop.”

With the Huskers ready to switch to a two-setter attack, much of the conversation has centered on Sydney Anderson and Lauren Cook, the two setters who will share time running the show.

But having a pair of standout setters isn’t the biggest factor in Nebraska’s decision to go to a 6-2.

The ability to have Licht and Broekhuis take turns attacking from the right-side hitter position will be the driving force behind the offense, John Cook said.

The coach isn’t aware of another women’s college team that’s ever had two 6-5 lefties rotating in and out of a two-setter system, and that possibility is simply too enticing for the Huskers to ignore. With Licht or Broekhuis an option on every rally, it only figures to open up more chances for NU’s middle blockers and other outside hitters.

“I think it’s going to really put us at an advantage over other teams,” Licht said. “I’m excited for it, and I know Morgan is, too.”

The last time Nebraska ran a 6-2 was in 2005, and Cook still considers that team one of the most dominant in NCAA history. The squad boasted a parade of star attackers in Sarah Pavan, Christina Houghtelling, Jennifer Saleaumua, Melissa Elmer and Jordan Larson. The setters who shared time that year were Dani Busboom and Maggie Griffin.

It’s easy to remember how 2005 ended for NU: Washington hammered the Huskers in the NCAA championship match. Still, Nebraska that year won its first 28 matches in impressive fashion. And in one remarkable early-season stretch, the Huskers put away four top-five teams when they defeated Hawaii, Stanford, Minnesota and Penn State.

“Washington was the better team that night (in the final),” Cook said. “But it had nothing to do with our system.”

In 2010, Cook is sure that the Huskers finally have enough depth — plus the right mix of personalities — to make a 6-2 work once again.

And Licht and Broekhuis say they’re ready to do their part.

Licht, from Aurora, Colo., has endured her share of highs and lows since arriving at NU in 2007. It took her some time to adjust to the level of play in the NCAA, and she wasn’t always at full strength as she battled through some nagging injuries.

But in the final part of her junior year, Licht had a huge hand in helping the Huskers win 12 of their last 14 matches. During that run, Licht averaged 3.32 kills per set while hitting .350.

“It’s the last shot I have now, and I definitely want to make the best of it,” Licht said. “I feel like I’ve learned so much along the way, and I feel like everything is really set up for me to have a great senior year.”

Cook praised Licht for her hard work during the offseason, and he said Licht will enter the season in the best shape by far of her college career.

“Lindsey’s been through the wars, she’s getting close to graduation — she wants it this year,” Cook said.

Broekhuis, out of Colorado Springs, Colo., was ranked the nation’s No. 2 recruit by Prepvolleyball.com. Cook has touted Broekhuis’ ability to make an immediate impact, much like Pavan did as a rookie in 2004.

Broekhuis, who enrolled at Nebraska in January, takes such lofty expectations in stride.

“I always felt that I’ve dealt with pressure pretty well,” she said. “There’s a lot of tradition here, so I think that comes with this program. I think I’m ready for it, and I think we’re all ready for it.”

During Nebraska’s offseason trip to China, Broekhuis actually led the team in total kills as the Huskers began experimenting with their 6-2.

“Watching Morgan, you’d never guess she was a freshman,” Cook said. “She’s just wired differently. She was rock-solid during our China trip, and I really admire her mentality and her approach to being an athlete.”

Contact the writer:

444-1207, chad.purcell@owh.com

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