From teammates to rivals, their friendship perseveres.

Many see the Creighton versus Nebraska matchup as a yearly clash of in-state rivals. For Creighton junior guard Chevelle Herring and Nebraska junior Yvonne Turner, it’s more than that. It’s a reunion.

Herring and Turner both attended Bellevue East. Because Herring is a year older, they were teammates for three years, but only played together for two because Herring tore her ACL during her senior year.

When Herring decided to come to Creighton, Turner told her they might play against each other in the future. Although she looked at Creighton, Turner decided to go to UNL. The matchup on Wednesday night was the first time they faced each other as opponents. Herring’s career-high 19 points wasn’t enough in the Jays’ home opener, as they fell to the Huskers 72-67.

“We had a big sis/little sis relationship,” Turner said. “We played similar positions and did a lot of damage on the court, but off the court we were goofy and liked to have fun.”

For Herring, that relationship off the court has no effect when it comes to the game.

“We’re both competitive players, so on the court our relationship kind of changes,” Herring said.

The feeling is the same way for Turner, who won’t let friendships negatively affect her play.

“It’s not hard to become rivals,” Turner said. “I’m friends with a lot of the Creighton team. It’s more motivational. When we step on the court, we’re here for business. All personal relationships are left off the court.”

However, no matter what, there is going to be some effect of the friendship.

“It’s definitely a different feel just because you’re playing against someone you know pretty well,” Herring said.

For both players, competing against a friend is a motivational factor, but doesn’t add any pressure to the already high-pressure situation of the in-state rivalry.

“I did look forward to playing against Vonnie and just Nebraska all together,” Herring said. “They are a good team, and it’s always fun to play against friends. I definitely look forward to playing them again next year.”

For Turner, there is an additional pressure to play well for Nebraska coach Connie Yori, who was Creighton’s head coach for 10 years.

The girls didn’t talk before the game in order to not distract themselves from their upcoming match. Turner tries to play and prepare for every game the same way.

Herring also approaches each game the same way.

“I try to go into every game with the same mindset,” Herring said.

Because Herring received a medical red shirt last season, Herring and Turner will have the opportunity to face each other again next season, which is something both players are looking forward to.

“I always look forward to playing against Chevelle,” Turner said. “Being able to play against her until I graduate, it’s another game to look forward to.”