With the five-set win over Oregon State on Saturday evening, the Wildcats took home the Varney’s Invitational title to move to 3-0 for the season so far. They will look to remain undefeated as they travel to Omaha, Neb., to participate in the Bluejay Invitational. 

The Bluejay Invitational will be similar to the Varney’s tournament in that there will be four teams, and the tournament format will be round robin. Here is a look at the three teams the Wildcats will take on.

University of Denver (2-1):

Denver took second place in the Rocky Ram Invitational last weekend, falling to host Colorado State. The Pioneers were led by Michele Swope and Colleen King, who combined for 59 kills in the three matches. As high as these numbers are, where the Pioneers really excel is their defense.

Over the weekend, the Pioneers out-dug their opponents 111-83. The Denver team has a habit of forcing their opponents to continue to have to hit the ball and forcing the other team to make mistakes.

Syracuse University (3-0):
The Orange began their season undefeated after winning the Colgate Classic Title last weekend. They defeated host school Colgate University, as well as Bryant University, to bring home the trophy.

Sophomore Andrea Fisher played a huge role in the tournament, including setting a career high with 18 kills in the win over Colgate. Fisher stands at only 5 feet 11 inches, but she is a very crafty hitter who keeps the defense on its toes. She will be an important factor for the Orange this weekend as they look to continue their own undefeated run.

Creighton University (3-0):
The host school enters the tournament with an undefeated record, due in great part to the strong play of senior Megan Bober.

Bober, who has been named First Team All-MVC for two straight years, gives Creighton one of the country’s very best setters. She has started all 98 matches in her career, and much like K-State’s Caitlyn Donahue, she is able to hurt the defense with both her setting and her ability to hit the ball.

Revenge will also be on the Bluejays’ mind, as the Wildcats defeated Creighton in five sets last year.

Schedule – Omaha, Neb. (D.J. Sokol Arena)

Aug. 31    3:30 p.m.   No. 21 K-State vs. Denver   
Aug. 31    6 p.m.    Syracuse at Creighton    

Sept. 1    10 a.m.    Denver vs. Syracuse    
Sept. 1    12 p.m.    No. 21 K-State at Creighton    
Sept. 1    5:30 pm    Syracuse vs. No. 21 K-State    
Sept. 1    7:30 pm    Denver at Creighton