Julianne Mandolfo, the Missouri Valley Conference libero of the year, is leaving Creighton to pursue other opportunities, coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth said Tuesday.
“We wish Julianne only the best,” Booth said. “She’s a great player.”
The sophomore from Omaha Marian led the Valley with 5.96 digs per set, which ranked fifth nationally. She set a single-season school record with 674 digs, passing the old mark of 618.
Mandolfo is beginning the process of looking at other programs, Booth said. She said sometimes a program is not a good fit.
“With her talent, I’m sure she’ll get opportunities,” the coach said.
Booth said Lexi Malm also is leaving the program after not getting much playing time.
“Lexi has been a great kid in our program for two years,” Booth said. “We want nothing but the best for her also.”
Creighton loses seniors Laurel Sanford and Karisa Almgren after going 17-14 this fall. But several players with lots of court time return in Heather Thorson, Natalie Hackbarth, Megan Bober, Michelle Sicner, Leah McNary, Brooke Boggs, Katie Neisler and Kelli Browning.
Booth said she has several back-row specialists in the program and also some recruits coming in that will help fill Mandolfo’s shoes.
“I think we’ll be fine,” she said.
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