JASMIN CORBIN — Guest Reporter

Jays volleyball recently placed second in the Ameritas Players Tournament in Lincoln, Neb.

The Jays’ first game was played Sept. 8 against No. 11 University of Nebraska-Lincoln in front of a sold out crowd, the 150th straight sellout for the Cornhuskers. Both teams came out swinging as they battled back and forth for points. The Jays went on a 6-0 run as sophomore defensive specialist Julianna Mandolfo served up an ace that gave Creighton the lead 12-9. The Huskers answered back, going on a 16-2 run. The run proved to be too much of a deficit to overcome, and Nebraska won all three sets, 25-14, 26-24 and 25-16.

Creighton head coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth emphasized balance in response to losing to the highest-ranked team the Jays had faced this season.

“It’s this balance of being able to recognize when we are getting better even when we are losing,” Bernthal

Booth said.

Creighton’s next match was Sept. 9 against Weber State University. The loss to Nebraska in the first game seemed to motivate the Jays in their second game. Freshman outside hitter/middle blocker Lizzy Stivers said the team was mentally focused. This was noticeable as the Jays sharpened up their team play against the winless Wildcats. Creighton’s stars overpowered Weber with a season-high 11 aces.

The Jays led a balanced attack as senior setter Megan Bober and sophomore outside hitter Natalie Hackbarth both had seven kills. Junior middle blocker Heather Thorson added six and freshman setter Michelle Sicner chipped in five. The team’s communication at the net also contributed to Mandolfo’s team-best 17 digs and five aces. Creighton swept Weber State in three games, 25-12, 25-13 and 25-18.

Finally, Creighton faced Saint Mary’s College last Saturday. The Jays came out strong and led most of the game. Freshman outside hitter Leah McNary sparked life into the Jays with 10 kills in the match, her career best at Creighton. Bober also added 10 kills on a great night of 20 assists and four digs. Sicner added to the accolades with seven kills, 12 assists, and

five digs.

Creighton held off St. Mary’s despite numerous come backs and swept the Gaels, 27-25, 25-22, 25-23. The Jays improved to an overall record of 4-6. Creighton’s dynamic duo of senior middle blocker Laurel Sanford and freshman Sicner were named to the all-tournament team.

The Jays placed second behind in-state rival Nebraska. The team will kick off its annual Creighton Classic this weekend at D.J. Sokol Arena Friday night against

Drake University.