Creighton University
Missouri
Women's Soccer Continues Opening Weekend Against Missouri on Sunday
8/19/2023 12:11:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Match #2: Creighton Bluejays (0-0-1) vs. Missouri Tigers (1-0-0)
Sunday,  Aug. 20, 2022 • 6:00 p.m. CT
Omaha, Neb. | Morrison Stadium
Television: FloSport / Yurview
Series History: Missouri Leads 2-0-0
LIVE VIDEOÂ |Â FLOSPORTS INFO |Â LIVE STATSÂ |Â CU NOTESÂ (PDF)
Up Next
The Creighton women's soccer team closes out the opening weekend of the 2023 season as the Bluejays faceoff against Missouri on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.Â
The Bluejays kicked off the 2023 season with a 2-2 draw against Nebraska on Thursday night, while Missouri bested SEMO, 4-0.
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Follow the Match
Sunday's match will feature both live video and live stats.
Live video for the contest will be available on FloSports featuring Jon Schriner and Shad Beam, while live stats will be featured through StatBroadcast. Sunday's contest will also be televised locally by Cox/YurView (channel 13 on Cox).
A subscription is required to view the event on FloSports. More information can be found at GoCreighton.com/FloSports.
Links to video and live stats will be provided on the Creighton Women's Soccer schedule page.
Updates will be provided during the match on Twitter (@CreightonWSoc).
Scouting Creighton (0-0-1)
The Bluejays opened the 2023 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Nebraska as seniors Maddie Radke and Hannah Luke delivered a pair of second-half goals.Â
Fresh off a second trip to the BIG EAST Tournament Semifinals in 2022, the Bluejays have renewed energy as 15 players return from last season's squad that posted an 8-4-8 record. Creighton returns eight players who started 10 or more matches in 2022, led by senior Lara Kazandjian.
Kazandjian, a 2022 All-BIG EAST First Team selection, was named to the All-BIG EAST Preseason Team after scoring a team-high four goals last fall.Â
Although the Creighton offense took a major hit with the departure of Aida Kardovic, the Bluejays attack remains strong as its top-five point scorers return from a season ago.
Luke recorded three goals and three assists to tie for the team-lead in points while seniors Abigail Santana and Ariana Mondiri each delivered three goals and two assists in 2022. Junior Azumi Manriki also returns after contributing two goals and a team-high four assists last season.
In addition to the experience returning on the offensive side of the ball, the Bluejays return a wealth of experience on the defensive side.
Graduate Keelan Terrell brings 52 matches of experience and better then 4,700 minutes in the net for the Bluejays. Senior captains Gabby Grimaldi and Peighton Steffen will anchor the back line for the Bluejays after logging a combined 3,254 minutes last season.Â
Creighton also welcomes in 15 newcomers, including transfer Andrine Westlie and freshmen Maia and Shani Sirota (Israel) who are each expected to contribute during their first seasons in Omaha.
Head coach Ross Paule is in his ninth year at the helm of the Bluejays.
Scouting Missouri (1-0-0)
The Tigers opened their season with a 4-0 victory at home against SEMO on Thursday night.
Freshmen Olivia Chianelli and Shania Spriggs, as well as sophomore's Kylee Simmons and Keegan Good each scored goals in the Tigers season-opening win.Â
Goalkeepers Kate Phillips and Mia Collins held the Redhawks scoreless as the Tigers defense did not allow SEMO to attempt a shot.Â
Missouri closed last season with a 5-8-4 record, including a 2-5-3 mark in league play. Junior Milena Fischer is the Tigers top returning point scorer from a season ago, having scored two goals and dishing out three assists. Simmons also ranked among the leads with two goals and two assists in 2022.Â
Redshirt sophomore Bella Hollenbach started all 17 games in goal for the Tigers a season ago, recording 54 saves and a 1.35 goals against average. She has yet to see any action in goal this season. Â
Missouri was picked to finish 11 in the SEC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Head Coach Stefanie Golan is in his third season at the helm and owns an overall record of 13-18-4 at Missouri.
Series History Against The Tigers
Creighton and Missouri have met just two times in program history. The Tigers hold a 2-0-0 lead in the series, picking up a 4-1 win over the Bluejays in 2000 and a 1-0 victory in the shorten 2021 Covid season. Â
Near Record Crowd Witnesses Bluejays Season-Opener
The Bluejays hosted the third largest crowd in school history on Thursday Aug. 17, when Nebraska traveled up I-80 for the 2023 season-opener. The crowd of 1,834 saw the Bluejays deliver a pair of equalizing goals in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw.Â
Thursday's crowd was the largest crowd to witness a Creighton women's soccer match since 2,023 fans saw the Bluejays overcome a 2-0 deficit to beat Kansas State, 3-2, in the 2019 season-opener.Â
1.  2,308 vs. Omaha, Sept. 16. 2017 (W, 3-1)
2.  2,023 vs. Kansas State, Aug. 23, 2019 (W, 3-2)
3.  1,834 vs. Nebraska, Aug. 17, 2023 (T, 2-2)
4.  1,678 vs. Omaha, Sept. 20, 2013 (W, 3-2)
5.  1,547 vs. Iowa, Sept. 21, 2007 (L, 0-1)
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New Faces Around the Pitch
Opening a new season always brings new challenges, including integrating new players into the Bluejay lineup.Â
Creighton's starting XI featured three players making their first start in a Bluejay uniform during the season opener against Nebraska.Â
In total, seven players made their Creighton debut against Nebraska. The seven newcomers are the most newcomers to appear in a season-opening games since seven Bluejays made their first appearance against Kansas State in the 2019 season-opener.Â
Freshmen Maia and Shani Sirota as well as sophomore Andrine Westlie earned their first Bluejay start, while Savanna Solomon, Tejia Murray-Powell, Clara Kulick and Tilly Thomas all made their Bluejay debuts.Â
Bluejays' Post Season-Opening DrawÂ
For the fourth time in program history, Creighton posted a draw to open the season, scoring a pair of second-half goals in the Bluejays' 2-2 tie against Nebraska. It is the second straight season the Bluejays have opened the season with a tie, including a 0-0 draw against Montana last season.Â
The Bluejays also open the season with a draw during the 2009 (T, 0-0 (2ot) vs. Iowa State) and the 2010 (T, 0-0 (2ot) vs. South Dakota State) seasons.Â
Thursday was Creighton's first tie in a game with four or more total goals since a 2-2 draw vs. #10 Georgetown in 2019.Â
Season-Opener History
With a 2-2 draw against Nebraska on Thursday, Creighton moved to 17-14-4 in season openers all-time and 21-9-5 is home openers.Â
Under Paule, Creighton is 4-3-2 in season openers, which includes a 4-0-1 mark in contests at home to start a season and a 6-2-1 record in home openers.Â
Thursday marked the 18th time in program history that the Bluejays opened the season at home. Creighton is now 11-4-3 in those contests.
Hannah Luke Delivers Latest Game-Tying Goal Since 2017
Down to the final eight minutes of play in the season-opener against Nebraska, senior Hannah Luke delivered an equalizing goal in the 83rd minute (82:48) of play to earn the Bluejays a 2-2 draw.Â
Luke's goal at 82:48 was the latest game-tying goal scored by a Bluejays since Jaylin Bosak scored in the 90th minute (89:24) against South Dakota State on Sept. 3, 2017.Â
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Production Returns
Creighton returns eight players who started 10 or more matches from last fall's team that finished 8-4-8 and 4-3-3 in the BIG EAST Conference.Â
All told, CU returns 73.6 percent of its starts, 72 percent of its minutes, 65.4 percent of its goals, 77.3 percent of its assists, 68.9 percent of its points, and 93.0 percent of its saves off of last year's squad.
Below is a breakdown of the production that is back:
Stat   Returners   Departures
Starts   162 (73.6%)   58 (26.4%)
Minutes   14,372 (72.0%)   5,584 (28.0%)
Goals   17 (65.4%)   9 (34.6%)
Assists   17 (77.3%)   5 (22.7%)
Points   51 (68.9%)   23 (31.1%)
Saves   53 (93.0%)   4 (7.0%)
Scoring First Yields Success
Creighton finished 8-0-2 during the 2022 season when scoring first, but 0-4-4 when its opponent scores first.
Additionally, the Bluejays were a perfect 6-0-0 when leading at the half, but 0-3-3 when trailing after 45 minutes and 2-1-5 when the score was tied at halftime.
Overall, Creighton is 46-10-9 when leading at the half, but 10-54-7 when trailing after 45 minutes and 0-0-5 when tied at half under head coach Ross Paule.Â
Creighton's last come-from-behind victory and last victory when trailing at the half came during the 2020 season against DePaul (April 4), when Aida Kardovic and Lea Høiness each netted goals in the second half for a 2-1 win.Â
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International Flavor
Creighton finds players from all over the globe to come to Omaha, Neb. to play soccer and this year's roster features a more robust team with players from 10 different countries.
Creighton head coach Ross Paule has gathered a group of 16 players from nine different international countries, while the remaining 13 players hail from the United States.
Canada: (3) Stella Downing, Lara Kazandjian, Tejia Murray-Powell
England: (4) Hannah Luke, Stacey Qosja, Millie Thistleton, Tilly Thomas
France: (1) Ariana MondiriÂ
Germany: (1) Caroline Blum
Israel: (2) Maia Sirota, Shani Sirota
Japan: (2) Hitomi Yamaue, Azumi Manriki
Norway: (1) Andrine Westlie
Puerto Rico: (1) Jess Torres
Serbia: (1) Anja Jestrovic
United State: (13)
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The Dynamic Sirota Twins
In their first season on the pitch with the Bluejays, twin sisters Maia and Shani Sirota have a special bond on the field. It is a unique experience that a lot of people don't get to do.Â
This season Creighton is one of 16 Division I schools to have a set of twins playing on the same team. Creighton is the only school in the BIG EAST with a set of twins, while the Pac-12 Conference has three schools with a set of twins.Â
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Seeing Double Sirota
Freshmen Maia Sirota and Shani Sirota joined the Bluejay program this season as twins. Maia wears number 6 for Creighton, while Shani will sport the number 20.Â
The Sirota twins are the second set of twins to play for the Creighton women's soccer program.Â
Across all of Creighton Athletics, there have been 12 known sets of twins to play in the same sport. Two other pairs of players were part of triplets.
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Men's Soccer: Cameron and Dominic Briggs (2018)
Rowing: Taylor and Payton Genis (2015-16); Joy and Mary Dobrauc (two of triplets) (1998-2002)
Softball: Alex and Mac Millspaugh (2014); Brittanee and Malloree Grove (two of triplets) (2011)
Women's Tennis: Sarah and Leesa Cadwallader (2007-2011); Jeanne and Jenny Daker (1995-2000); Kim and Lisa Lamberti (1985-87)
Women's Soccer: Katy and Ally Peetz (2004-07); Maia and Shani Sirota (2023)
Men's Golf: Aaron and Adam Tschuor (2001-05); Joe and Tom Zaccone (1987-91)Â
Women's Cross Country: Nikki and Tara Novotney (1991-94)Â
Men's Basketball: Gary and Glen McCracker (1985-86)
Terrell's Logging Major Minutes
A fixture in goal for the Bluejays over the last four seasons has graduate goalkeeper Keelan Terrell climbing the Creighton ranks for career goalkeeper minutes.
Last season Terrell started 17 matches in goal, logging 1,549 minutes and five shutouts in between the posts for the Bluejays.Â
In her four years with the Bluejays, the Olathe, Kans. native has seen action in 53 matches, making 50 starts and logging 4,801 total minutes in between the posts, ranking sixth on Creighton's all-time goalkeeper minutes played list.
Goalkeeper Minutes Played
1.   Jaimie Thompson   6,815   2000-03
2.   Denise Zaver   5,287   1990-93
3.   Kristen Casey   5,180   2005-08
4.   Maggie Phelan   5,058   1997-00
5.   Mary Libert   4,883   1993-96
6.   Keelan Terrell   4,801   2019-present
7.   Katie Jo Swanson   3,329   2009-12
8.   Danielle Rice   3,303   2013-14
9.   Valerie Zimmerer   3,012   2003-06
10.   McKenzie Meola   2,869   2016-17
Terrell's Chasing History
Graduate Keelan Terrell has proven time and time again over her first four years as a Bluejay that she is one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever wear a Creighton uniform.Â
Terrell is one of just five players in Creighton history to rank in the top-10 of every career goalkeeper category. She currently sits tied for fifth in goals against average (1.15), sixth in goalkeeper minutes (4,711), seventh in shutouts (13), ninth in goalkeeper victories (17) and ninth in total saves (164).Â
Goalkeeping Victories   Total   Years
1.   Jaimie Thompson   41   2000-03
2.   Denise Zaver   35   1990-93
3.   Alicia Montgomery   30   2008-11
4.   Kristen Casey   29   2005-08
   Mary Libert   29   1993-96
6.   Maggie Phelan   26   1997-00
7.   Danielle Rice   19   2013-14
   Valerie Zimmerer   19   2003-06
9.   Keelan Terrell   17   2019-present
10.   Katie Sullivan   13   2018-20
Saves   Total   Years
1.   Denise Zaver   355   1990-93
2.   Jaimie Thompson   345   2000-03
3.   Kristen Casey   259   2005-08
4.   Mary Libert   256   1993-96
5.   Alicia Montgomery   226   2008-11
6.   Danielle Rice   199   2013-14
7.   Maggie Phelan   193   1997-00
8.   Katie Jo Swanson   173   2009-12
9.   Keelan Terrell   164   2019-present
10.   McKenzie Meola   160   2016-17
Goals Against Average    Total   Years
   (Minimum 1,000 Minutes Played)
1.   Alicia Montgomery   0.81   2008-11
2.   Valerie Zimmerer   0.96   2004-06
3.   Denise Zaver   1.14   1990-93
4.   Jaimie Thompson   1.15   2000-03
5.   Keelan Terrell   1.16   2019-present
6.   Kristen Casey   1.18   2005-08
7.   Katie Jo Swanson   1.24   2009-12
8.   Danielle Rice   1.36   2013-14
9.   Lori Kwapiszeski   1.37   1989-90
10.   Mary Libert   1.38   1993-96
Shutouts (indicates shared shutouts)
1.   Jaimie Thompson   24 (2)   2000-03
   Denise Zaver   24 (8)   1990-93
3.   Alicia Montgomery   22 (0)   2008-11
4.   Kristen Casey   18 (0)   2005-08
   Mary Libert   18 (6)   1993-96
6.   Maggie Phelan   17 (6)   1997-00
7.   Keelan Terrell   13 (0)   2019-present
8.   Valerie Zimmerer   10 (3)   2003-06
   Lori Kwapiszeski   10 (8)   1989-90
10.   Katie Sullivan   9 (0)   2018-20
   Meghan Coleman   9 (6)   1994-97
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Home Sweet Home
Following a 2-2 draw against Nebraska on Aug. 17, Creighton is now 111-56-26 all-time at Morrison Stadium (opened in 2003), which includes a 12-5-4 mark in home-openers.Â
Last season the Bluejays finished the year 6-1-3 in Morrison Stadium. Creighton's six home wins last fall were tied for the second most home wins since joining the BIG EAST in 2013 and the tied for the seventh most home wins since moving into Morrison Stadium in 2003.
Creighton holds a 49-31-11 mark at Morrison Stadium since the start of 2013, when the program joined the BIG EAST and a 16-25-5 mark during home league matches.Â
Most Win in Morrison Stadium in a Season
   Year   Wins   Overall Home Record
1.   2010   9   9-1-2
2.   2009   8   8-2-2
   2008   8   8-2-1
   2005   8   8-1-1
5.   2015   7   7-4-0
   2007   7   7-2-1
7.   2022   6   6-1-3
   2019   6   6-4-0
   2016   6   6-2-2
   2013   6   6-4-0
   2006   6   6-5-0
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Creighton Picked Fifth In BIG EAST Preseason Poll
The Bluejays were picked to finish fifth in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced on Aug. 10.
Creighton earned 67 points in the preseason coaches' poll to place fifth, two points behind fourth place finisher, Butler. The Bluejays went 4-3-3 during BIG EAST play last season to tie for fourth place before bowing out of the postseason in the semifinals of the BIG EAST Championship. The squad returns eight starters and a total of 15 returners from a season ago and welcomes 15 newcomers for the 2023 campaign.Â
Defending BIG EAST regular-season and tournament champion Georgetown claimed the top spot with 100 points, including the maximum 10 first-place votes. Xavier tallied one first-place vote and a total of 89 points to place second. St. John's totaled 79 points for third, followed by Butler with 69 points for fourth. Connecticut (63), Providence (47), Marquette (34), Villanova (33), DePaul (16) and Seton Hall (14) rounded out the bottom half of the poll.
The top six teams in the final league standings will qualify for the 2022 BIG EAST Championship Presented by JEEP. The first-round matchups will be hosted by the higher seed on Oct. 30 (3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5), while the semifinals on Nov. 3 (1 vs. winner of 4/5 and 2 vs. winner of 3/6) and final match on Nov. 6 will be played in Boyds, Md.
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Kazandjian Tabbed To Preseason All-BIG EAST Team
Senior midfielder Lara Kazandjian earned individual recognition as the BIG EAST Preseason honors and poll was released on Thursday, Aug. 10.
Kazandjian, a Kirkland, Quebec, Canada native, made an immediate impact in her first season with the Bluejays in 2022. The senior was voted to the All-BIG EAST First Team last fall after leading the Bluejays with nine points on a team-high four goals and one assist. She logged 1,186 minutes in 17 matches on the pitch. Kazandjian is one of eight players returning to the squad this season after starting at least 10 matches during the 2022 season.Â
Preseason BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year
Abby Isger, Butler, R-Sr., F
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Preseason BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year
Julia Leas, Georgetown, Grad., D*
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Preseason BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year
Allie Augur, Georgetown, Grad., GK*
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Preseason All-BIG EAST Team
Abby Isger, Butler, R-Sr., F
Talia Sommer, Butler, So., F/M
Chioma Okafor, Connecticut, So., F
Lara Kazandjian, Creighton, Sr., M
Allie Augur, Georgetown, Grad., GK*
Julia Leas, Georgetown, Grad., D*
Eliza Turner, Georgetown, Jr., M
Meg Hughes, Providence, Sr., F
Jessica Garziano, St. John's, Grad., F
Natalie Bain, Xavier, So., D
Ella Rogers, Xavier, Jr., M
*Unanimous selection
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Exhibition Recap:Â
Aug. 11: Creighton 2, Omaha 1
Powered by goals from junior Azumi Manriki and sophomore Andrine Westlie, the Creighton women's soccer team defeated Omaha 2-1 in the Bluejays lone exhibition match of the 2023 preseason on Friday, Aug. 11.Â
Manriki put the Bluejays on the scoreboard first, blasting a 30-yard rocket pass the outstretched reach of the Mavericks diving goalkeeper and into the back of the net in the 20th minute (19:49).
Headed into the second half with a 1-0 lead, Westlie extended the Bluejays lead out to 2-0 heading in a perfectly placed cross into the box from freshman Clara Kulick in the 49th minute (48:40).Â
Omaha, however, cut Creighton's lead down to 2-1 as the Mavericks converted a penalty kick in the 84th minute.Â
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Season Outlook
Entering his ninth year as the Bluejay head coach, Ross Paule and his experienced squad have their sights set on a return trip to the BIG EAST Tournament and their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2010. Â
Creighton ended last season in its second BIG EAST Championship semifinals after closing the year with an 8-4-8 overall record, including a tie in the first round of the BIG EAST Championships that resulted in a 6-5 penalty kick shootout victory over Butler. Â
The Bluejays bring back a wealth of experience with 12 returning players starting at least four matches last season.Â
One of the driving forces for the Bluejays in 2023 will be goalkeeper Keelan Terrell. The Kansas native returns for her fifth
season in net for the Bluejays after posting a 0.99 goals against average in 17 matches last season.Â
The addition of Caroline Blum and Maddie Merrick as well as the return of Kailey Hall adds depth in the net as all three goalkeepers will battle for playing time.
Senior Peighton Steffen and graduate student Gabby Grimaldi will lead the line of defense in front Terrell once again this season. The duo logged over 3,200 minutes combined last fall, while posting seven shutouts. Steffen started all 20 matches, playing a team-high 1,812 minutes for the third consecutive season. Grimaldi saw action in 19 matches, tallying one assist.Â
Graduate student Hitomi Yamaue is expected to return to the back line this season after having her 2022 season cut short due to a knee injury, while senior Maddie Radke will be called upon to play a more significant role this season after dishing out three assists last fall.Â
Offensively, the Bluejays have a large hole to fill as three-time All-BIG EAST First Team honoree, Aida Kardovic, graduated in the spring of 2023.Â
Although, All-East Region honoree Aida Kardovic has departed, the Creighton attack remains strong as the Bluejays welcome back the top-five point scorers from a season ago, including All-BIG EAST selection Lara Kazandjian. She closed 2022 with four goals and an assist, while senior Hannah Luke delivered three goals and three assists in 20 matches.
Seniors Abigail Santana and Ariana Mondiri, as well as junior Azumi Manriki are all expected to be key contributors for the Bluejays once again this season. Last fall Mondiri and Santana each delivered three goals and two assists, while Manriki dished out a team-high four assists and added two goals.Â
Creighton welcomes in 14 newcomers for the 2023 campaign, which includes three transfers and 11 freshmen.Â
Senior Stella Downing comes to Creighton after playing two seasons at Ole Miss. As a Rebel, Downing tallied three assists while appearing in 41 matches. Prior to joining Ole Miss, Downing dished out two assists in 12 matches at Memphis.Â
Freshmen Shani Sirota and Savanna Solomon are also expected to make an immediate impact for the Bluejays this season.Â
Creighton's 2023 schedule will test the Bluejays from the first day of the regular season as Creighton opens the year with a match against in-state rival Nebraska on Aug. 17. In total, Creighton will host nine regular-season matches inside Morrison Stadium, which includes match- ups against Minnesota and perennial BIG EAST powerhouse Georgetown.Â
The Bluejays will also be battle tested on the road, traveling to face defending Atlantic 10 Conference champion Saint Louis before conference road trips to Connecticut, Villanova, DePaul and Butler.
