On Thursday, February 27th, CHI Health Center was filled with energy and excitement as the top two teams in the PVF league, the Omaha Supernovas and the Orlando Valkyries, squared off in a highly anticipated matchup. Except, this top-tier meeting was so much more than a great showing of volleyball; it was a homecoming and a reunion for four former Creighton Volleyball players—Norah Sis, Maddy Bilinovic, Kendra Wait, and Allison Whitten.
Norah Sis and Maddy Bilinovic, who played crucial roles in helping Creighton Volleyball reach the Elite Eight last season, were thrilled to return to Omaha.
“It’s very fun. I’ve been looking forward to it since day one,” Sis expressed. “This game is so special on many different fronts. I am from here, I played here, Omaha always brings a great crowd, and also just knowing…and having played with so many players on the other team. It’s super special.”
“Nebraska is always going to be the state of volleyball,” Bilinovic added.
Omaha will always hold a special place in her heart, and the fans made it clear that she will always hold a special place in theirs. Despite playing for the opposing team, Maddy and Norah received a warm welcome from the Supernovas fans, who are used to seeing them in Creighton uniforms. However, no one cheered louder than the entire Creighton volleyball team and staff who were in attendance.
The former Bluejays, who were so used to playing together, now faced each other through the net. Allison Whitten, the Libero for Creighton in 2022 and defender for the Supernovas, made several appearances throughout the match as a serving specialist, and at 22-14 in the second set, Norah Sis entered the game and recorded a dig in her hometown.
All night, the teams traded points back and forth in a competitive matchup. The Supernovas boasted an impressive offensive performance, but the Valkyries were able to make quick adjustments. They applied pressure to the Novas from behind the service line and executed well during crunch time at the end of each set. In a 3-0 sweep, Norah, Maddy, and their Orlando Valkyries upset the No.1-ranked Omaha Supernovas on their home court.
After the match ended, the emotional reunion continued, with all the current and former Creighton players gathering together in a heartfelt embrace.
“Those teammates of ours [referring to the Creighton volleyball players] are our best friends, so it was really awesome,” Bilinovic expressed.
It was a beautiful moment of connection and shared memories, cementing this matchup as much more than just another game in the PVF league.