The Creighton women’s basketball team is on a bit of a roll. After starting the season 2-2 including a loss in their home opener against South Dakota, the Bluejays have started to find their groove.
Last Sunday, Creighton knocked off North Carolina State at Sokol Arena on some great three-point shooting. Then they went on the road and beat the feisty Wyoming Cowgirls. But their biggest game of the season is on Sunday afternoon when they host #3 Notre Dame, last season’s NCAA runner-up.
Being able to get a home game against one of the elite teams isn’t easy, but in women’s basketball more teams are willing to go on the road. The Bluejays played in South Bend last season and the Fighting Irish showed how good they were going to be with a 91-54 win. Notre Dame now returns the favor and will kick off an exciting afternoon of basketball in the Omaha metro.
Sarah Nelson is leading the Bluejays in points and rebounds (Adam Streur/WBR)
Through the Bluejays first six games, Sarah Nelson has been dominant averaging almost 16 points and 9 rebounds a game. She has already been named the MVC Player of the Week twice. The sophomore had career highs in rebounds (17) against South Dakota and points (21) against North Carolina State in the past week. Her 53 rebounds for the season more than doubles any of her other teammates. With injuries and illnesses limiting the team at times, Nelson has been the stablizing force for the Bluejay Women.
Ally Jensen missed Thursday night’s game against Wyoming due to a rib injury. She may be questionable for Sunday. Carli Tritz was suffering from an illness last Sunday against North Carolina State and did not play, but did return against the Cowgirls but was only 2-of-11 from the field, finishing with 8 points and 8 rebounds.
Stepping up in their absences has been freshman Taylor Johnson. In the last two games, Johnson has shot 8-of-17 from three point range and became the first freshman in school history to hit four 3-pointers in back-to-back games. She is definitely not afraid to shoot the rock from anywhere.
In order for Creighton to stick with Notre Dame, they will need everyone to be at full strength for this one. The Fighting Irish enter this game at 6-1 and return four starters from last season’s team that was 31-8. Their only loss has been against #1 Baylor. Three players average over 12 points a game, led by All-American Skylar Diggins averaging 19 points a game. The biggest source of their scoring comes from forcing a lot of turnovers. They are third in the NCAA forcing 27 turnovers a game. Creighton has been pretty good holding onto the ball giving it up only about 17 times a game. Ball security will be another key.
Sunday is a great opportunity to see the Creighton women’s basketball team if you haven’t had a chance to see them yet this season. It is very likely you will see a full house at D.J. Sokol Arena and it will be loud. This game sits right in the middle of a busy weekend for Creighton Athletics. Creighton Men’s Soccer hosts South Florida on Saturday afternoon for a chance to go to the College Cup. After the women’s game on Sunday, the Creighton men’s basketball team will be taking on in-state rival Nebraska at the CenturyLink Center. It is a great weekend to be a Bluejay.
With a ranked team coming into town, this has been a hot ticket. As of Friday, only 300 tickets remained for this game. Creighton Athletics
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Notes & Media Menu
- As of Friday, about 300 tickets remained for the 1:35 p.m. game at Sokol Arena.
- Normally, the women’s games are broadcast on 1180 KOIL, but there will not be a radio broadcast on Sunday.
- However, if you cannot make it to the game at Sokol Arena, you can watch a FREE webcast of the game.
- Follow the live stats at GoCreighton.com or on your mobile device at GoCreightonStats.com
- Creighton is 25-6 all-time at Sokol Arena.