Box Score Omaha, NE – Villanova (9-3) dropped its BIG EAST opener to No. 14 Creighton (8-3) in straight sets Friday night. Creighton looked strong from wire-to-wire to prevent a replay of 2017, when Villanova took down Creighton in Omaha.
The match was close for the first portion of the first set, with Nova hanging tough and only trailing 12-10. Creighton then turned it on and put together an 8-1 run to pull away and take the set 25-16.
The second set played out differently, but ultimately finished with the same result. This time, Creighton hit the jets early and took a commanding 16-4 lead. Villanova refused to give in, and hit its stride late to keep it close, but once again fell 25-16.
The third set was a completely different story than the first two, but unfortunately had the same fate. Villanova played the set much closer and kept it tied through 14-14 and trailed at just 21-19, but was unable to win the set, with Creighton closing out the set and the match 25-21.
Sophia Howling led the Wildcats with eight kills, followed by
Allie Olsonoski and Sanaä Barnes with six each.
Emma Decker once again paced the assists with 25, and
Regan Lough finished with 12 digs.
Creighton held Villanova to its second lowest hitting percentage of the season at .223 while the Bluejays hit .365 themselves, the second highest Nova has allowed this year.
Villanova will look to bounce back Sunday against on the road at Providence. That match will begin at 1 p.m.
For all the latest on Villanova volleyball, follow along on Twitter and Instagram @NovaVolleyball.
