Nebraska and Creighton to Face Off in Spring Volleyball Exhibition

Matchup offers chance for both teams to evaluate talent and strategies ahead of new season.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:09pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action and competitive spirit of a volleyball match, with sharp planes of navy, red, and yellow hues.A cubist interpretation of the intense rivalry and strategic matchup between Nebraska and Creighton volleyball programs.Creighton Today

The University of Nebraska and Creighton University volleyball programs will meet in a spring exhibition match on Friday, providing an opportunity for both teams to assess their rosters and strategies as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Huskers are looking to improve their serving game, while the Bluejays are aiming to replace several key players who have departed.

Why it matters

This annual exhibition between the two in-state rivals is an important tune-up for both programs. The match allows the coaches to evaluate new talent, test different lineups and strategies, and get a sense of their team's strengths and weaknesses before the regular season begins.

The details

The exhibition will take place at the Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. While the match does not count towards the teams' official records, it provides valuable experience and insight that can help shape their preparations for the fall season. Nebraska is coming off a strong 2025 campaign, while Creighton is looking to rebuild after losing several standout players to graduation.

  • The exhibition match is scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

University of Nebraska

A Division I volleyball program that competes in the Big Ten Conference and has won multiple national championships.

Creighton University

A Division I volleyball program that competes in the Big East Conference and has established itself as a consistent contender in the region.

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What they’re saying

“This exhibition is a great opportunity for us to see how our new players perform under pressure and get a sense of where we need to focus our efforts in the coming months.”

— John Cook, Head Coach, University of Nebraska

“We lost some key contributors from last year's team, so this match will be crucial in helping us identify the right lineup and rotations as we build towards the fall season.”

— Kirsten Bernthal Booth, Head Coach, Creighton University

What’s next

The exhibition match will be followed by the teams' respective spring training and summer preparation periods, leading up to the start of the 2026 regular season in the fall.

The takeaway

This annual exhibition between Nebraska and Creighton provides a valuable opportunity for both programs to evaluate their talent, test strategies, and prepare for the upcoming season. The match-up between these in-state rivals is always highly anticipated by fans and serves as an important tune-up for the teams before the real competition begins.