Creighton Takes Bluejay Invitational Title with Win over Wichita State

Bluejay Invitational

• J. Skol Arena, Omaha, Neb.
• Sept. 7-9

Creighton wrapped up its home Bluejay Invitational title with a four-set win over Wichita State on Sunday, ending the weekend with a 2-0 record, including a Friday victory over Iowa State.

The Bluejays’ Jaali Winters was named tournament MVP.

 #14 Creighton def. Wichita State 3-1 (23-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-23)

• Creighton improves to 6-3. Wichita State falls to 4-4
• Attendance: 1,956
• Box score
• Wichita State Recap/Creighton Recap

Creighton came out in the first set on the attack, jumping out to a 14-8 lead halfway through the set. But the Shockers, chipped away and took their first lead at 20-19 and held off the Bluejays to capture the first set.

In the second, it was all Bluejays. After it fell behind 2-0 early, Creighton scored five straight and never looked back en route to taking the set 25-17. The third set followed a similar script as the Bluejays led for all but one point of the set as they captured a two set to one lead.

Wichita State and Creighton went back and forth in the fourth. With the scored tied at 16, Creighton seized control with a 3-0 mini spurt and kept the lead the rest of the match. The Shockers were able to save two match points, but an error secured the win for Creighton.

Creighton Wins! The two freshmen, Kari and Annika, seal the victory for the Bluejays!#GoJays pic.twitter.com/3j3cIsxPnw

— Creighton Volleyball (@CreightonVB) September 9, 2018

 MATCH NOTABLES

• Creighton outside hitter Taryn Kloth, and setter Madelyn Cole earn All-Tournament Honors while outside hitter Jaali Winters earned Tournament MVP.
• Winters notched 18 kills and Kloth finished with 15 for the Bluejays in the weekend finale.
• Creighton middle blocker Annika Welty (6) and right side hitter Kari Zumach (5) both set career highs in blocks.
• Wichita State outside hitter Megan Taflinger led the Shockers with 12 kills. Taflinger also received all-tournament honors.
• Both teams took chances in the service game, contributing six aces apiece. They also combined for 17 service errors.

✌️ 🏆s in two weeks!#GoJays pic.twitter.com/x5eXVp8tG7

— Creighton Volleyball (@CreightonVB) September 9, 2018

UP NEXT

• Creighton will take on Libscomb at 8 p.m. ET Friday at the Illini Classic.
• Wichita State will participate in the North Texas Challenge. The Shockers will take on Stephen F. Austin at noon ET Friday.