The No. 6 Creighton Volleyball team kicked off their BIG EAST campaign with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Providence on Friday night. In just 73 minutes, the Bluejays secured their 11th consecutive victory to open BIG EAST play, winning with set scores of 25-10, 25-12, and 25-13. With this victory, Creighton now boasts a 10-2 general record and a 1-0 standing in the BIG EAST.
Creighton’s new royal blue jerseys, which featured the old Jays script logo, added an extra layer of significance to the match. These special uniforms honored more than two dozen alumni who returned for the game, making the event even more memorable. The Bluejays’ impressive performance further solidified their dominance in the league.
Creighton Shines with Balanced Attack
The Bluejays showcased their depth and talent, with several standout performances. Destiny Ndam-Simpson led the offense with nine kills, followed by Ava Martin with eight. On defense, Maddy Bilinovic led all players with 14 digs, while Sydney Breissinger added 10 digs and two service aces. Throughout the match, 17 different players saw action on the court, underlining the team’s versatility. Creighton totaled 43 kills, 48 digs, eight blocks, and five aces, hitting an impressive .375 as a team.
In addition to individual standout performances, Creighton’s teamwork and efficiency were key to their victory. The Bluejays hit an exceptional .417 in the first set, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Kendra Wait, the reigning National Player of the Week, made notable contributions, including 10 assists, three digs, one block, and one ace in the first set alone.
Providence Struggles Against Bluejay Defense
Providence, entering the match with a 7-5 record (0-1 in the BIG EAST), found it difficult to keep up with Creighton’s formidable defense. The Friars managed just 17 kills, tied for the fifth-fewest ever allowed by Creighton. They also struggled offensively, finishing with a -.033 hitting percentage. Shaliyah Rhoden was the lone bright spot for Providence, registering eight kills, but she was the only Friar to record more than three kills in the match.
Creighton’s defensive prowess was evident throughout, limiting Providence to minimal scoring opportunities. The Bluejays’ defense marked the 10th-best defensive effort in the team’s history, underscoring their dominant presence at the net.
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Bluejays Volleyball team (image via Getty)A Breakdown of the Three Sets
First Set: Creighton immediately established dominance, racing to a 6-0 lead with Maddy Bilinovic’s serving. The Bluejays maintained a hitting percentage of .417, while Providence struggled to generate offense.
Second Set: Providence briefly led 3-0, but Creighton quickly took control with a 10-0 run. Ndam-Simpson’s six kills on .462 hitting, combined with solid defensive efforts from Bilinovic and Breissinger, allowed Creighton to maintain a lead for the remainder of the set.
Third Set: Creighton extended their momentum into the third set, racing to an early 4-0 lead. The Bluejays increased their lead to 16-6, and six players contributed multiple kills in the final set, with Ava TeStrake finishing with a perfect hitting percentage of 1.000.
Upcoming Match: Creighton vs. Connecticut
Creighton will face Connecticut in their next match on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Huskies, who started their season strong with a 12-0 record, will look to rebound after a loss to Marquette. The match will feature a “Powder Blue Out” theme, encouraging fans to wear light blue in support of the Bluejays.
