Natalie Ravenell prepares to serve the ball during a game this season. Ravenell led Butler with 10 kills in the team’s win over Providence on Oct. 18. Jimmy Lafakis/Collegian file photo.

JIMMY LAFAKIS | STAFF REPORTER | jlafakis@butler.edu

The Butler University volleyball team went 1-1 on a lengthy road trip. Butler swept Providence College on Oct. 18 and fell to No. 10 Creighton University on Oct. 20.

The Bulldogs (7-16, 4-7 Big East) started their cross-country excursion by sweeping the Friars. Butler led in every major statistical category, taking a 29-27, 25-23, 25-13 victory. The Bulldogs served seven aces in the match and sophomore outside hitter Natalie Ravenell tallied a team-high 10 kills.

“We came out swinging,” Ravenell said. “We served extremely well, and were in system to run our offense.”

Butler then traveled west to face Creighton. The previous three matchups between the teams went to five sets, but this match required just three. The Bluejays defeated the Bulldogs 25-11, 25-15, 25-8.  Ravenell and junior outside hitter Brooke Gregory recorded six kills each, while senior middle blocker Bri Lilly added five kills and a team-high four blocks.

“A game could go any way at any time,” Lilly said. “We learned that you need to adapt quickly before it gets away from you.”

Butler will return to Hinkle Fieldhouse to face St. John’s University on Oct. 26. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. The Red Storm took a five-set victory in the last meeting.

“The great thing is the second time around allows us to focus on our side of the net,” assistant coach Sofia Sanchez said. “We are very familiar with the opponents.”