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Creighton Volleyball Opens Season Against Defending National Champion Penn State

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Creighton Volleyball will face a challenging task as they open the 2025 season against the defending national champion Penn State on Saturday, August 23 at 4 p.m. inside Pinnacle Bank Arena. The 12th-ranked Bluejays are looking to build on their successful 2024 season, which saw them go 32-3 and reach the Elite Eight.

Key Takeaways:

  • Creighton returns three starters among 11 letterwinners from last year's team, which went 32-3 and reached the Elite Eight.
  • The Bluejays are led by senior starters Ava Martin (3.66 kps., .312%, 0.48 spas.) and Kiara Reinhardt (1.48 bps., 1.43 kps., .296%).
  • Creighton has picked up transfers Eloise Brandewie (Ohio State), Saige Damrow (Wisconsin), Ivy Leuck (Omaha), and Annalea Maeder (California) to join the roster.
  • Penn State went 35-2 last season and won its eighth national title, with First Team All-American Jess Mruzik (4.35 kps.) and National Freshman of the Year Izzy Starck (10.98 aps.) leading the team.
  • The Nittany Lions have acquired Kennedy Martin (5.57 kps., .362%) via the transfer portal and return libero Gillian Grimes (3.92 dps.).
  • Creighton will be relying on senior starters and transfers to step up and lead the team in 2025.

Statistics:

  • Creighton averaged 14.39 kills, 1.91 aces, 14.31 digs, and 2.69 blocks per set and hit .324 last season.
  • Penn State averaged 14.61 kills, 1.50 aces, 14.77 digs, and 2.48 blocks per set while hitting .283 last year.
  • Creighton has improved its record in season-openers against Top 25 teams, with a 3-3 mark including a 3-0 record on neutral floors.
  • The Bluejays are looking to improve their overall record against Top 25 teams, currently standing at 31-89 all-time.

Sources:

  • Creighton University Athletics news release dated August 23, 2025. [1]
  • AVCA Top 25 poll, preseason rankings, 2025. [2]
  • Penn State athletic department, news release dated August 23, 2025. [3]
  • Creighton University athletic department, exhibition recap dated August 16, 2025. [4]
  • Creighton University athletic department, season-opening history, 2025. [5]

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