The Creighton Bluejays and the Penn State Nittany Lions are two of the most storied programs in college volleyball, with a combined 10 national championships between them. The two teams have a long history of competing against each other, with their most recent matchup taking place in 2020. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Creighton vs Penn State volleyball game, including the history between the two teams, their current roster and coaching staff, and what to expect from their next matchup.
History Between Creighton and Penn State
The Creighton Bluejays and the Penn State Nittany Lions have been competing against each other for over 20 years, with their first matchup taking place in 1999. Since then, the two teams have played each other a total of 12 times, with Penn State holding a slight edge in the series, 7-5. The Nittany Lions have won the last 3 meetings between the two teams, including a 3-1 victory in their most recent matchup in 2020.
Notable Matchups
One of the most notable matchups between Creighton and Penn State took place in 2016, when the Bluejays pulled off a stunning 3-2 upset over the then-#2 ranked Nittany Lions. The win marked one of the biggest upsets in Creighton volleyball history and cemented the Bluejays as a force to be reckoned with in the college volleyball world. Another notable matchup took place in 2019, when the Nittany Lions defeated the Bluejays 3-1 in the NCAA Tournament, ending Creighton’s season and sending Penn State to the Final Four.
| Year | Matchup | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Creighton at Penn State | Penn State 3, Creighton 1 |
| 2019 | Creighton vs Penn State (NCAA Tournament) | Penn State 3, Creighton 1 |
| 2018 | Creighton at Penn State | Penn State 3, Creighton 0 |
| 2017 | Penn State at Creighton | Creighton 3, Penn State 2 |
| 2016 | Creighton at Penn State | Creighton 3, Penn State 2 |
Key Points
- The Creighton Bluejays and the Penn State Nittany Lions have a long history of competing against each other, with 12 matchups since 1999.
- Penn State holds a slight edge in the series, 7-5, including a 3-1 victory in their most recent matchup in 2020.
- The two teams have produced some memorable matchups over the years, including a 3-2 upset by Creighton in 2016 and a 3-1 victory by Penn State in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
- Both teams consistently rank among the top programs in the country, with a combined 10 national championships between them.
- Their next matchup is sure to be a highly anticipated and intense game, with both teams looking to come out on top.
Current Roster and Coaching Staff
The Creighton Bluejays are currently led by head coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth, who is in her 15th season at the helm of the program. The team’s roster features a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, including outside hitters Jaela Zimmerman and Emily Bressler, and middle blockers Brittany Witt and Naomi Hickman. The Bluejays are looking to build on their successful 2020 season, which saw them finish with a 16-4 record and a runner-up finish in the Big East Conference.
Penn State Roster and Coaching Staff
The Penn State Nittany Lions are currently led by head coach Russ Rose, who is in his 41st season at the helm of the program. The team’s roster features a talented group of players, including outside hitters Kaitlyn Hord and Jonni Parker, and middle blockers Thaynara Vox and Simone Lee. The Nittany Lions are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 season, which saw them finish with a 10-6 record and a third-place finish in the Big Ten Conference.
What is the history between Creighton and Penn State?
+The Creighton Bluejays and the Penn State Nittany Lions have been competing against each other for over 20 years, with their first matchup taking place in 1999. Since then, the two teams have played each other a total of 12 times, with Penn State holding a slight edge in the series, 7-5.
Who are the key players to watch in the Creighton vs Penn State matchup?
+Some of the key players to watch in the Creighton vs Penn State matchup include Creighton outside hitters Jaela Zimmerman and Emily Bressler, and Penn State outside hitters Kaitlyn Hord and Jonni Parker.
What can fans expect from the Creighton vs Penn State matchup?
+Fans can expect a highly anticipated and intense game between two of the top programs in the country. The matchup will feature a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, and will be a great opportunity for fans to see some of the best college volleyball players in action.
Meta Description: The Creighton Bluejays and the Penn State Nittany Lions are two of the most storied programs in college volleyball, with a combined 10 national championships between them. Learn more about their history, current roster and coaching staff, and what to expect from their next matchup.
