The Creighton Bluejay volleyball team defeated the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Huskers in a spring exhibition match-up last Friday. The two nationally ranked squads competed in the NU Coliseum, the last scheduled event in the famous Husker arena. Despite Nebraska’s home court advantage, the Jays defeated the Huskers in a grueling five-set match, 25-17, 22-25, 27-25, 20-15, 15-13.
Head coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth knew that playing on the Huskers’ home court would be tough, but the outcome was just the reassurance her team needed.
“We want to build off of last year’s momentum and take another step forward with the program,” Booth said. “That match [along with others this spring] has confirmed that we have the ability to have a special year.”
Offensive parity was the key to Creighton’s success Friday night, with three Jays racking up double-digit kills. Sophomore outside hitter Leah McNary led the team with 15 kills, while sophomore defensive specialist Katie Neisler put down 13. Neisler contributed defensively as well with nine blocks and three digs on the night, and the Jays’ 2012 starting middle blocker, sophomore Kelli Browning controlled the net with nine blocks and 12 kills. Sophomore Michelle Sicner, a 6-foot-2 setter in line to replace All-American senior Megan Bober, had a solid all-round night with 49 assists, six blocks, five digs and four kills, while freshman libero Kate Elman led the Jays’ defense with 17 digs.
Along with individual success, the players were happy with the team’s cohesion and unity.
“Everyone played really well together,” said Lincoln-native and redshirt freshman middle blocker Lauren Smith. “ We were able to come together and rally when we needed to.”
The match was the third and final competition of Creighton’s tough offseason schedule, including a win over the University of South Dakota and a five-set loss against nationally ranked Iowa State University. The team’s effort during its spring season has the coaching staff excited for a 2013 season in the Big East.
“It is a new adventure and we are excited about it,” Booth said. “I think our players will compete regardless of who is on the opposite side.”
However, despite the anticipation, the former 2011 regular season and tournament champions will miss the Missouri Valley Conference.
“[The MVC] has been a wonderful volleyball league, and it is definitely bitter-sweet leaving,” Booth said. “I’m glad we can look back in the archives years down the road and be able to say we won the Valley before leaving for the Big East.”