Sometimes it takes adversity to make a team to grow even stronger. Good existing chemistry helps, too. The Creighton volleyball team will put both theories to the test this weekend, when the Bluejays participate in the Northern Colorado Invitational in Greeley, Colorado.
The Jays started last weekend’s Bluejay Invitational on a roll, dominating Syracuse Friday night and playing well early against nationally ranked Kansas State Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, mere minutes into the opening set against the Wildcats, Michelle Sicner, who is being used primarily as a blocker and hitter this season rather than a setter, fell down wrong on her ankle and hit the court in pain. The injury caused her to leave the game and she sat on the sideline with her ankle wrapped in ice as the Bluejays eventually fell to a sweep by KSU.
“We had some matchup issues that were disrupted because of [Sicner’s injury],” said head coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth. “We had matched some things up based on Michelle and the injury kind of messed that up.”
After going the first four matches of the season with the constant rotations in place, Bernthal Booth had to change their game plan against the Wildcats while at the same time figuring out how to move forward not knowing how long Sicner might be out.
“I thought we were a little up and down this weekend, but I think we were up and down in practice last week. A lot of time practice indicates play. We are doing some good things. We need to get more consistent in positions and our serve/receive broke down a bit. “
Fortunately for the Bluejays, they were able to regroup to finish their weekend with a nice win against Denver. Creighton sits at 5-1 heading into this weekend in Colorado. Still, Sicner’s availability is a question mark; she could be out for up to a couple of weeks. Bernthal Booth said the ankle isn’t broken. Fortunately, there are several veteran players like Leah McNary, Natalie Hackbarth, and Katie Neisler that can easily fill in different roles on the team. But it will also need to be a team effort.
“I think we have seen different people step up in each match. We need to have everybody step up on a consistent basis,” Bernthal Booth said. “Not everyone is going to have their best match every time, but what we are seeing is some players really carrying the load in the match and another kid having to carry the load due to someone struggling. We will get there, but we want all of our hitters firing on the same night and consistent serve/receive. I also want to continue to see people diving after balls and playing with intensity that we want.”
Jansen, Elman and Jereb lead a strong group of freshman (WBR/Spomer)
One of reasons for this easier transition is the consistency of the new freshmen Melanie Jereb, Ashley Jansen, and Kate Elman. All three have played key roles to start the season and Bernthal Both recognizes that consistency. Bluejay fans have compared Jereb to recent graduate Allie Oelke, while Elman has locked down the defense and leadership needed at libero. Meanwhile, Jansen has contributed in the back row with solid serving.
“I think they are doing a great job,” said Booth. “They have targets on their back, as any freshman does, and they have been handling it well. Fortunately they are all mature kids. The good thing is that they all should improve throughout the year.”
Creighton will play three teams that made the NCAA Tournament last season in Ball State, Tulsa, and host Northern Colorado. Although Ball State and Tulsa have struggled a bit to start the season, those teams will still be tough and UNC comes into the weekend undefeated on the season and a home court on their side. The Bluejays have a small margin of error if they want to go 3-0 on the weekend or the total opposite with three losses.
“I think our energy, support of teammates in crisis, and chemistry is fantastic,” said Bernthal Booth. “I have really liked how we have responded to adversity as a team and that will play dividends in the long run.”
NOTES:
- Two of the three matches this weekend can be heard on 1180 Zone2. You can also follow the live stats. Creighton plays Ball State at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, while also being able to listen to the Northern Colorado match on Saturday night. The match against Tulsa on Saturday afternoon has been moved to an auxiliary gym due to Northern Colorado football, so there will not be live audio or stats.
- In addition to having the option to listen to the final match against Northern Colorado on Saturday at 8:00 p.m., free video will be available for fans across the country to watch.
- Freshman Kate Elman already has 100 digs in six matches to start her career, the second best in Creighton history behind Bianca Rivera who had 106 in 2007 through six matches.
- Senior Megan Bober went over 100 straight matches started in a row over the weekend and sixth all-time in career starts. She could be the all-time leader by the end of the season.
- Creighton returns home next weekend to open conference play against league favorites Wichita State and Missouri State.