Made by Aidan McClaren using Canva
Two of the nation’s top women’s volleyball teams are set to face off in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the CHI Health Center. The No. 1-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-0) will travel less than an hour away to play the No. 18 Creighton Bluejays (3-3) in a match that could potentially shake up the national standings and the volleyball scene across the Cornhusker State.
The University of Nebraska boasts a 21-0 all-time record against the Bluejays, going all the way back to 1998, when the Huskers swept the Jays in their very first bout. While history favors Nebraska, Creighton has been on a steady rise in recent years, winning the last five consecutive Big East championships and reaching the Elite Eight in the 2024 NCAA tournament for only the second time in school history.
Nebraska also made a lengthy tournament campaign last season, reaching the Final Four. However, both teams were eliminated in five-set thrillers by eventual national champions Penn State in a testament to how close these programs are to the top.
So far this season, both teams have picked up noteworthy wins. Nebraska opened the year with three top 10 victories against No. 7 Pittsburgh (3-1), No. 5 Stanford (3-0) and No. 3 Kentucky (3-2). Meanwhile, Creighton earned a victory over No. 17 Kansas in a gritty, five-set showdown.
While the Bluejays have shown their potential, they’ve faced challenges in finding their footing against elite competition. They started the season with two straight-set losses to No. 12 Penn State and No. 2 Texas and most recently fell to No. 16 USC. Still, with one of the toughest early-season schedules in the country, Creighton has shown they’re willing to test themselves, and they could be more prepared because of it.
Several key players will make or break the winner of Tuesday’s match. University of Nebraska junior Harper Murray is a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. Averaging 2.6 digs per set, she helps keep plays alive defensively, while also slamming down four kills per set, finishing rallies with power and precision. Murray’s all-around play makes her one of the most impactful athletes on the court, and she could be the difference-maker in this high-stakes clash.
The Huskers aren’t the only team stacked with talent, however. Creighton senior Ava Martin is putting up comparable numbers to Murray and has already contributed to over 100 points for the Bluejays this season. Known for her consistent scoring throughout matches, Martin can take over a set when she finds her rhythm, which would make her a serious threat if Nebraska can’t contain her early on. When she’s in sync, the Creighton offense flows. When she’s off, the Bluejays often struggle to generate the same momentum, showing just how critical Martin is to their success.
Beyond individual talent, both teams will use their unique dynamic advantages to win out over the other. Nebraska’s aggressive offense and quick transitions have been the main catalyst for their undefeated start this season. Their ability to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm with unexpected blocks puts increased pressure on hitters like Martin to perform consistently.
Creighton relies on a balanced and unpredictable attack with skillful hitting and solid serving to control momentum. The Bluejays will likely make use of extended rallies and their home court advantage to tire the Huskers and pull out well-earned points.
With Nebraska perched at No. 1 and Creighton eager to climb after some uncharacteristic losses, Tuesday’s match could reshape the national landscape and the in-state rivalry’s future. A win for Creighton would mark their first over Nebraska in school history and solidify their place among college volleyball’s elite. For Nebraska, a victory means maintaining dominance over the volleyball world and proving why they are the team to beat this season.
With two strong teams, standout players and plenty at stake, Tuesday’s matchup promises an exciting night of volleyball that could shift the season’s momentum. No matter the outcome, fans can expect a competitive and memorable game between two of Nebraska’s best.