OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Invite presented by Sarpy County Tourism came to a close under the lights inside Baxter Arena Sunday as Omaha volleyball faced (RV) Washington State to cap the four-team event kicking off the 2024 season. After winning the first two sets, 25-21 and 25-18, Omaha (0-3, 0-0 Summit League) was reversed-swept by the Cougars (1-2, 0-0 WCC) who came back to win 25-21 and 25-18 in the third and fourth sets, respectively, and won the decisive set 15-13.
McKenna Ruch shined for the Mavericks with 18 kills, matching a career-high, and 14 digs, a new career-best. Kali Jurgensmeier tallied 16 kills in 43 attacks, both single-match highs. Jurgensmeier is now six kills shy of 400 in her career (three seasons).
Newcomer Julia Owens had 24 assists Sunday, her third match as a member of the Mavs.
In their two set victories Omaha was plus-nine in the kills column over the Cougars and hit at a .257 clip in the second frame.
The Mavericks return to action next week with the MH Hospitality Omaha Challenge at Baxter Arena featuring SEC member Oklahoma and Missiouri Valley member Drake. The full event schedule is below.
MH Hospitality Omaha Challenge Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 5 – Omaha vs. Drake (7 p.m. CT)
Friday, Sept. 6 – Oklahoma vs. Drake (6 p.m. CT)
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Omaha vs. Oklahoma (1 p.m. CT)
