USU volleyball loses in three close sets
The Utah State Aggie girls volleyball faced off against the Utah Valley Wolverines at home Sept. 18. Those hoping for an end to the winless streak were disappointed, as the Aggies lost three consecutive sets to the then 3-7 Wolverines. This loss dropped the Aggies to 0-11, their worst record through 11 games since 1995, in which the Aggies went 0-30 on the season.
The first set began competitively and the Aggies traded four consecutive serves with the Wolverines to briefly pull away. At one point, the team led by six (10-4). The 10th point was on an outstanding volley, in which setter Heidie Carpenter had a nearly miraculous dig to keep the play alive.
However, counterintuitively, this seemed to deflate the Aggies and energized the Wolverines scores seven-consecutive points to take the lead at 10-11. The Aggies traded points with the Wolverines for a brief time after the Wolverines took the lead, but were unable to retake it, ultimately losing the set 25-22.
The second set began with the remarkable play of opposite side hitter Bailey Downing. Within the first three serves, Downing combined with Izzie Belnap and Hailey Cuff for three blocks resulting in three points for the Aggies. She recorded three blocks and three kills in the set, but it was not enough for the Aggies. They kept things close for much of the set, though the wolverines gained steam and pulled away to win the set 17-25.
The third set began with the Wolverines running the show. The Aggies simply looked outmatched, allowing the Wolverines to score 10 points to the Aggies’ two. However, the Aggies came back to bring the score to 15-16, and it looked as though there was hope for the Aggies winning the set. Unfortunately, hope is easily shattered. The Wolverines held on to their lead and won the match 25-17.
If there is anything positive to be taken away from this match it was the good, and at times great, play of several members of the team. Setter Carpenter racked up 13 assists and defensive Specialist Grace Dubay recorded seven digs.. Finally, Downing dominated at the net, leading the team with six blocks. Downing also scored with some proficiency and totaled a team-high eight kills.
The Aggies’ next game will be on the road at Weber State on the 21st and conference play begins September 24, when they host Boise State.