Kirk Danielson

Jacked-up SDSU fans had a lot to cheer about Tuesday night at Frost Arena, as the Jackrabbit Volleyball Team defeated Creighton, 3-1. The win was their third straight at home, and puts the team at 10-4 going into next weeks Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne tournament in Fort Wayne, Ind.

The first game was a hard fought match that saw the two teams exchange leads numerous times. Junior Kristina Martin had some big kills to bring the Jacks to match point. Before the Jacks could close out the game, the Blue Jays went on a run to prevail in the first game, 33-31. That was the last time Creighton would come close to victory for the rest of the match.

The second game started much as the first, with both teams exchanging leads in a close game. With the Jacks up 8-7, and senior Kristie Klusaw serving, the Jacks reeled off five straight points to take a 13-7 lead they would not relinquish.

The final score of 30-24 only tells part of the story. In game two, the Jacks defense began to tighten up, as the team began visibly playing with more energy.

The Jacks jumped out to quick lead in game three. They went up 8-3 on the strength of kills by Martin, and some tough defense by junior Amy Anderson. With Anderson serving, the Jacks took an 11-4 lead and never looked back. Anderson later blocked Creighton on the final two points to win the game for the Jacks, 30-25.

Anderson finished the match with 15 kills and was a sparkplug for the Jacks all night long.

“It’s fun to be that person who can get everybody going and do the good things,” Anderson said.

Game four started out close, with both teams exchanging leads, until they were tied at 12. Then the Blue Jays went on a run and took a 17-12 lead. With Creighton leading 22-18, the Jacks again found their groove. Sophomore Samantha Pearson served five straight points to give the Jacks a 23-22 lead. The team would not trail again. Another run of six points at the end of the match led to the Jacks winning, 30-25.

Martin led the team with 21 kills, and Minette Ridenour added a double-double, with17 kills and 13 digs. Sophomore Laura Slagter was the fourth Jackrabbit to record double-digits in kills. Klusaw paced the offense with 59 set assists, while Pearson’s 20 digs led the Jackrabbit defense.

#1.884292:244780078.jpg:vball02.jpg:Kristina Martin sets up to spike against two Creighton players.: