Omaha Supernovas Press Release

The Omaha Supernovas received a signature performance from franchise pillar and star outside hitter Brooke Nuneviller, plus a fourth-set spark from first-round pick Kiara Reinhardt, to outlast the Columbus Fury 25-22, 25-22, 24-26, 25-23 in its home opener Saturday night at Nationwide Arena.

Limited to a quiet night in Omaha’s (2-0) season opener Thursday, the Oregon product showcased the talent that made her last season’s Outside Hitter of the Year, notching match highs in both kills with 19 and digs with 18. Following her franchise record-breaking performance against San Diego, Sarah Parsons followed up by matching Nuneviller with 19 kills while adding 13 digs, a team-high four blocks and one ace to lead all players with 24 points. Opposite Merritt Beason equaled her kill total from the season opener with seven, plus an ace. The former Nebraska standout also showcased her defensive ability, logging 13 digs to reach double figures in each of the first two matches of the season.

Janice Leao struggled in her return to Columbus (1-1), where she played in 2025, opening the door for Reinhardt to shine when she entered the match to start the fourth set. The former Creighton All-American was successful on five of her seven swings, including an ace, to help Omaha close out the win. Elise Goetzinger slowed late but finished with eight kills and one block as the primary middle blocker option for most of the match.

Setter Sydney Hilley bested her assists-per-set mark from Thursday, racking up 51 total assists for 12.75 per set. She also tallied 10 digs, two blocks, two kills and one ace. All-League libero Morgan Hentz passed at a team-leading 67 percent positive rate, adding 17 digs and four assists.

Omaha produced a .202 team hitting percentage, adding nine blocks and four aces, but struggled with errors, committing 28 hitting errors and 14 service errors.

Columbus relied on the trio of Megan Lush with 12 kills, Raina Terry with 11 and Abby Walker with 10 for its offense. The Fury block was a factor all night, posting 17 blocks, including a match-high five from Lush. Columbus hit .161 with two aces.

The Supernovas return to Omaha to begin a three-match homestand, starting against rival Atlanta Vibe next Friday, Jan. 16, at the CHI Health Center at 7 p.m. CST.

Photos: Major League Volleyball