Reilly Hosts Sioux Falls Exhibition Match for Homecoming Event
Bergen Reilly, a standout setter from Nebraska, is set to make a memorable return to Sioux Falls this weekend. The Sanford Pentagon will host a volleyball exhibition match featuring the Nebraska Cornhuskers against Iowa State on Saturday at 1 p.m. CDT. This event has drawn significant interest, resulting in a sell-out of the 3,250-seat venue within minutes.
Bergen Reilly’s Homecoming
Reilly has a strong connection to the Sanford Pentagon, having attended numerous events there as a child, including club tournaments and a state championship game during her high school years at O’Gorman High School. Many family members and friends will gather to support her as she plays in South Dakota for the first time as a collegiate athlete.
“It’s gonna be awesome,” said Reilly about the match. “Many people have wanted to see me for the last three years and couldn’t make it to Lincoln.”
Event Details
- Match: Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Iowa State
- Date: Saturday
- Time: 1 p.m. CDT
- Location: Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls
- Tickets: Sold out in minutes
Significance of the Venue
The Sanford Pentagon has a history of hosting major college sporting events, including over 100 Division I basketball games in the past twelve years. Nebraska men’s basketball has played four games there since 2018, and the women’s team has participated in recent years as well. The venue is known for creating an energetic atmosphere, especially when filled to capacity.
NU’s coach Dani Busboom Kelly expressed enthusiasm about returning to Sioux Falls. “The Pentagon is known as a great facility and hosts a lot of events,” she noted, emphasizing that it made sense to play there due to circumstances surrounding their home arena.
First Experience of a Full Crowd
Despite Reilly’s extensive history with the venue, she anticipates the energy of a sold-out crowd will feel different. “I’m really excited to experience that as a college player,” she said, highlighting the unique environment that playing in front of a large audience brings.
Community Support
Reilly’s parents, Brendan and Tiffany, plan to support the Huskers during their stay in Sioux Falls. Although they cannot host the team at their home due to renovations, they will still arrange a dinner for the players at a different location.
Upcoming Matches
This exhibition is just the beginning for Reilly and her team in their home state. Nebraska is scheduled to play South Dakota State on September 2 in Brookings, further extending their reach into the region.
Anticipation is high from fans eager to watch the Huskers play in new locations. Tickets for the upcoming match have surged in price, reflecting the excitement around the event.
Legacy of Excellence
The match will also mark a reunion of sorts for past champions. Both head coaches, Dani Busboom Kelly and Iowa State’s Christy Johnson-Lynch, won national championships at Nebraska, creating an intriguing narrative for their first encounter as head coaches.
As Bergen Reilly steps onto the court this weekend, she bridges her past experiences with her present as a collegiate player, embodying the excitement of this much-anticipated homecoming.
