The Creighton Volleyball team made its debut in Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA Tournament Regional in Lexington, Kentucky. Head coach Brian Rosen, alongside senior players Kiara Reinhardt, Ava Martin, and Annalea Maeder, spoke with the media before their 90-minute practice session inside the venue that will host their match against Arizona State.
The highly anticipated showdown between Creighton and Arizona State is set to kick off at 12 p.m. Central, with the match being broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
During his opening remarks, Coach Rosen expressed his excitement about reaching the Sweet 16 and praised the dedication of his senior players. “We’ve had these goals for a long time,” he said, highlighting the significance of their journey. He also noted the historical rivalry between Creighton and Kentucky, emphasizing that both teams have frequently met in tournament play.
Addressing the formidable challenge posed by Arizona State, Rosen acknowledged their strong defense and powerful offense. “Both teams have very similar resumes,” he said, and emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and consistency throughout the match. He believes that the key will be which team can keep their systems intact and capitalize on the opponent’s weaknesses.
The accomplishments of Kiara Reinhardt, who recently set a program record for NCAA tournament appearances, were also recognized. Coach Rosen praised her character, leadership, and commitment to the program, which have greatly influenced the team’s success over the years.
As the conversation turned to the team’s unbeaten streak since September, Ava Martin stressed the importance of respecting all opponents, particularly in a competitive landscape filled with surprises. Annalea Maeder reflected on their resilience in overcoming challenges throughout the season, emphasizing that these experiences contribute to their readiness for the upcoming match.
Reinhardt, recalling a past tournament in Lexington, reflected on her experiences and the bonds formed with teammates. She expressed gratitude for the extended time spent playing with her teammates and her desire to continue competing.
On the opposing side, Arizona State head coach JJ Van Niel expressed enthusiasm about his team’s performance this season. He credited their success to a focus on improving their blocking skills and praised the physicality of his players. He highlighted the importance of team depth, noting that various players have stepped up when others have faced challenges.
As the match approaches, both coaches and players are poised to take the court, looking to capitalize on their strengths and push towards victory in the high-stakes tournament setting.
