They'll see red people

Sophomore middle blocker Jessica Houts goes for a kill during the Jays' victory over Southern Illinois last Saturday.

By KEVIN KLAMAN
Sports Reporter

In this corner, with a record of 10-2 and first place in the MVC, the Creighton Bluejays. And in the other corner, with a record of 10-0 and first place in the NCAA, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The stage is set for another battle in the state of Nebraska. This time around, the volleyball court at Qwest Center Omaha is the battlefield.

The Jays hope to continue this year’s success on Sunday, when they will face their biggest challenge of the season. Unfortunately, that challenge is probably the biggest for any team in the nation.

The Huskers have a lot to prove this year after falling just short in 2005, losing to the Washington Huskies in the championship game of the NCAA Tournament.

However, they are well on their way to doing just that, dropping only a single game to the Minnesota Gophers in their 10 match victories so far. Their undefeated season also includes wins over six teams who appeared in the 2005 NCAA Tournament.

Anyone who thought the Creighton volleyball season was over when Carolyn Decker tore her ACL was sorely mistaken. In fact, almost the complete opposite effect has taken place.

The Jays have fought hard, soaring to their best overall start and a perfect 2-0 record in conference play. Three of their victories have been against teams appearing in the 2005 NCAA Tournament (Nevada and Florida Atlantic with Decker and Jacksonville State without.)

“We set goals for each match,” said coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth. “We’ve done a pretty good job accomplishing those goals.”

The Huskers volleyball team will certainly not be traveling alone. So far, more than 9,900 tickets have been sold for the matchup.

“I know we’ve sold tickets to 4,000 Jaybackers,” Booth said.

Creighton-Nebraska games have consistently attracted large crowds in every sport. The Huskers have enjoyed incredible support for their volleyball team, especially at home with a consecutive sell-out streak of 80 games. Booth did not seem intimidated by the turnout in favor of the Huskers.

“Whether there’s more red or more blue, both [teams’] fans will support good volleyball,” she said. “It’s a great experience [for the players] to play in front of that many people.”

Sunday’s match marks the first ever meeting between the two schools in Omaha. Five games have been played in Lincoln and a sixth was played in North Platte. The Huskers are 6-0 all-time against the Jays including three wins as the No. 1 team in the nation.

The Jays will continue MVC play when they face the Drake Bulldogs on Friday, and then they meet the Huskers at 2 p.m. Sunday.