Utes volleyball spike USU in three games
It wasn’t the weekend the Utah State women’s volleyball team was hoping for, falling in three games to the University of Utah Saturday in Salt Lake City.
“We should have done much better,” Utah State Head Coach Burt Fuller said. “Our biggest problem was our passing, it didn’t allow us to get the percentage we needed.”
As a team, USU hit only .086 for the night. Utah was only a little stronger with a percentage of .260.
“Utah played well,” Fuller said. “They are a good team and are good kids. We just passed poorly.”
The Ags fell to the Utes in the first game 30-21. They had strong start in the first game, jumping out to a quick 8-1 lead, but the Utes quickly caught up and won.
In the second game USU came out stronger and led until the Utes tied it at 14, then quickly built up a five point lead. The Ags rallied and tied the game at 24, but were unable to hold on as Utah got six-straight points and won the game 30-25.
The third game was much like the first, with Utah State jumping out to an early 9-1 lead. But, once again, they couldn’t hold on and they lost 30-23.
Senior Kindy Peterson led the way offensively for the Aggies with seven kills. She also had seven digs, two service aces along with two block assists.
Junior Zuzana Cernianska had eight kills and freshman Amanda Fahnestock added seven kills to the offense. Fahnestock also had eight digs and two service aces for the night.
“Fahnestock took a couple good swings, but we need more from her,” Fuller said.
He also added that freshmen Monarisa Ale and Amanda Orgill had pretty good nights, but they could also work on their passing.
“We need to pass the ball,” Fuller said. “Our offense is OK as long as we can get the ball to the center.”
He added that with a team like Utah that blocks really well, it is important for his team to pass the ball around the court to spread out its defense. He said that the Aggies were giving the Utes three easy shots to set up a block.
Utah was led by Lyndsey Henderson with her match-high 12 kills. Tracy Neumeier added 27 assists and Liana Bortoto had nine digs. Amie Toone led the way defensively with five blocks.
Utah State’s next game is Thursday against Cal State Northridge and is the first conference game for the Aggies.
-aedmunds@cc.usu.edu