Aggies end losing streak with win over Washington State

Utah State University’s volleyball team ended its six-game losing streak with a five-set win over Washington State Thursday night.  

“We came into the week and just said, ‘we have no choice but to win,’” head coach Keith Smith said. “There is no hoping to win, there is no wanting to win, there is no ‘I think we’re going to win’. We’re winning, and there’s no other option.”  

The Aggies trailed in the first set 21-25. Smith said the biggest challenge, causing them to lose the set, was Washington’s hitting percentage of .447.  

“Our offense was good; we had .350, we just didn’t stop them,” Smith said.  

Going into the second set, the Aggies quickly took control. Overall, the team completed 11 kills and won the set 25-12.  

“We changed our defensive mindset and were really in control,” Smith said.  

 USU continued to win the third set, 25-22. In the fourth set, however, Washington ended up winning 25-18, bringing the game to a five-set match.  

“I thought that was really, really cool to just see that consistent effort throughout the fifth set, no matter what the score was,” Smith said. “Even when they went on a run, we were just really, really in control.”  

USU had yet to win a fifth-set match this season. However, they were able to execute what they needed to do in order to come up with this win. 

“That’s a good Washington State team, but I think we have full confidence in what we can do and, of course, a win always gives you a little bit more,” junior outside hitter Sami Blackett said.  

After the game, Blackett came away with 23 kills.  

“I would consider myself probably a little bit of a gamer, so when it gets to the end of matches or end of sets, I want to be the one that gets those points for my team, and I have full trust in everybody getting me the ball,” Blackett said.  

Other players that scored high points include graduate student middle blocker Sophie Scott and junior middle blocker Ava Napierski, who combined for 25 kills.  

“25 kills out of the middle, like five kills per set, was huge,” Smith said.  

Blackett complimented her teammates, saying they help open up the floor for everyone else. 

“Not only do they get their own kills, but it makes it easier for us pins to get kills too,” Blackett said. 

Sophomore setter Silina Damuni also helped with 57 assists.  

Blackett said that as they headed into the fifth set, they knew they had to come away with a win. 

“We want to win games, and we know we can, especially when we go to five,” Blackett said. “There’s just no other option than winning at this point.”  

The team’s overall record has now increased to 4-16.  

“You see our record, and it looks like we are this not-good team,” Smith said. “We’re a lot closer to being really, really good than the record indicates.”  

With conference tournaments in sight, Smith said they need to continue to win.  

“I’m hoping today is a kickstart. We have no choice but to come into every match and win,” Smith said. “We have to, if we want to make the conference tournament, we have zero margin of error anymore.”  

Although their overall record isn’t what they want it to be, Blackett said the team is preparing to make it to the tournament. 

“We know that we’re capable of making a run and getting to the tournament, so I think that’s what we’re excited for right now,” Blackett said.  

Every game the Aggies have won this season has happened on their home court in the Wayne Estes Center.  

“We’re playing pretty good overall, home or away, but it definitely adds a little boost playing here,” Smith said.  

The team’s next two games against Texas State and Oregon State will be at home. Blackett said she has confidence in her teammates and is confident they can go and win more games.  

“We’re at home for the next little bit, so that always helps too, not having to travel and be on the road,” Blackett said. “It was good to get a win under our belt, and now we can go on a little bit of a stretch and hopefully pick up a couple more.”