After learning about the devastating death of former Saint Louis University volleyball player Megan Boken, the volleyball team went out with a unified spirit in Nebraska’s Husker Classic in Lincoln, Neb. last Friday and Saturday. The team faced the powerhouse Nebraska CornHuskers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Nebraska came into the game on Friday ranked No. 4 in the nation. Even with freshmen Megan Gilbert’s eight kills and six digs, and Lindsey Dinkelacker’s six digs, SLU fell to the Huskers in three sets; 25-13, 25-17, 25-18. Senior Cassie Clarke put on a show with 11 digs and 19 assists while Junior Grace Bonoma finished the game with nine digs.

Saturday featured a defensive showcase by Grace Bonoma who led all players with 13 digs. Rallying behind this effort SLU tied with the Fighting Irish eight times throughout the three sets, losing 25-19, 25-20, 25-17. Cassie Clarke added 21 assists and five kills with Senior Carly Marcum, Sophomore Lauren Baumet, and Freshman Megan Gilbert combining for eight blocks, out blocking the Irish 8-5.

With an enthusiastic fan base and a unique student-led national anthem, the team opened up the home season with a match Monday night against the Santa Clara Broncos in the Chaifetz Arena. The three-set match featured a season high 22 assists by Clarke and six kills each for Dinkelacker and Baumet. Even with these individual efforts, SLU slid to their third straight loss of the season. Nevertheless, standout matches by Dinkelacker and Bonoma, each with 12 digs, helped the Billikens stay in the contest throughout with a season high 13 ties. Santa Clara, however, put away the Bills with 25-20, 25-23 and 25-20 sets.

The Bills, looking for their first win of the season, will be hosting the Active Ankle Challenge, featuring Valparaiso, Southern Illinois and South Alabama, this weekend. SLU hosts Valparaiso on Friday night at 7 p.m. in the Chafietz Arena.