It had to be hard for NU volleyball coach John Cook to find much wrong with his team through the first six matches. The Huskers swept all six before beating Minnesota 3-1 on Sunday. Although Nebraska had dominated up until that match, be began to see where the Huskers need improvement.

Sarah Pavan and Jordan Larson have been spectacular despite being double blocked. Rachel Holloway has shown how good she can be at setter while Dani Busboom has embraced her new role as libero.

We knew Tracy Stalls would be outstanding in the M1 spot. The M2 and the other outside spot with Dani Mancuso were the question marks and they still are. Mancuso came on strong late in the Minneota match, but NU got little from Amanda Gates and Kori Cooper at the M2 position. Cook is looking for Mancuso and either Gates or Cooper to step up and produce in order to take the pressure off Stalls, Pavan and Larson.

That will probably be the key to the season. Mancuso is a very good player, just not at the same level as Pavan, Larson and Stalls. The Huskers really need either Gates or Cooper to pump up their play and take it to the next level.