Erin Gunther likely would have gotten Bruce Erickson’s vote for the best performance by a Bluejay last weekend even if she hadn’t scored two goals for the Creighton soccer team.

The junior from Longmont, Colo., fired in the game-winner in the 2-1 win over Loyola Maryland on Friday and opened the scoring in a 5-0 victory against Loyola Chicago on Sunday.

She leads the Bluejays with five points and has a shot on goal percentage of .750. But her value goes far beyond scoring.

“She’s had to play a couple of different positions, and she’s done that very well,’’ Erickson said. “She just brings some organization to our team.’’

In Creighton’s first two games, Gunther played only at midfield. Last weekend, she spent a third of her time on defense. She played a lot at forward last spring, too.

“She’s one of our most versatile players, if not the most,’’ Erickson said. “We kind of plug her in where we feel like we need her the most.’’

Erickson said the left-footed Gunther has improved every season and is more fit this year than she’s ever been. A great ball winner, she also helps the Bluejays connect in their attack.

On Monday, she was named the Missouri Valley player of the week for the first time.

While the weekend wins were welcome, Creighton (2-1-1) is still looking for consistency. Erickson said the team may have got an inflated view of itself after a 3-0 preseason victory over Kansas.

“In the next two games, we had the game dictated to us,’’ he said. “We made a few minor adjustments in training last week, and the training we had today was very good. I think we’ll respond.

“When we work hard and we play hard, we play much better. If we do that, one takes care of the other.’’

The Bluejays host Iowa State on Friday night at 7 at Morrison Stadium. Omaha freshmen Theresa Kucera (Millard North) and Margaret Powers (Omaha Marian) have been getting some playing time for the 3-0-1 Cyclones.

« Sports - Bluejays Today

Share