Volleyball takes down Utah in three with a sold out crowd
LOGAN — Utah State Volleyball (3-1) defeated the University of Utah (1-2) 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-22), securing their first win in a three game homestand. This marked their first home game of the season.
USU fought in front of a sold out crowd of 1,488 fans. The last time the Wayne Estes Center sold out was against the same in-state rival on Sept. 1, 2015.
“It was amazing,” Boyd said. “Club Estes is as loud as it gets in any volleyball arena. We’re so grateful for the people that came and supported us. We worked really hard this summer and we didn’t feel like we played our very best, but it just shows how much room for growth we have and how much we’re capable of.”
Both teams put up a fight creating a total of 23 tie scores and only 7 lead changes.
“We know Utah has great players. They’re very physical, they’re very talented. Each set was really close. We never felt like we were at a point where this was going to be a walk in the park. We knew they’d bring their best and we’re just happy it went our way,” Boyd said.
Junior opposite side hitter Adna Mehmedovic led the Aggies with 10 kills, while graduate middle blocker Kennedi Boyd had a .417 (5-0-12) attack percentage. Sophomore setter Leah Wilton-LaBoy had a team-high 20 assists.
The Aggies took the first set by storm, securing 14 kills compared to Utah’s seven. Scores were kept close with no team scoring more than two consecutive points until a 5-0 Aggie run. It ended 25-20 with a kill from graduate outside hitter Shelby Capllonch.
The second set ran similarly with 11 digs and seven kills. The Aggies took an immediate lead with Utah close behind. The quick rotation between players left the players energized and strong in gameplay.
Utah gained the lead at 9-7 but one point after another had the teams tied at 21-21. An easy shot down the middle from Sophomore setter Leah Wilton-LaBoy brought the Aggies into a 4-1 run just before the end of the set giving them a second win 25-22.
A 5-1 lead by Utah set the tone for most of the set. A kill by Capllonch and a Ute attack error tied the game back at 13 each. Schneggenburger sent in two kills helping the Aggies gain the lead. The team maintained speed and Boyd sent the Utes packing after her final kill. The third set ended 25-22.
“It’s an unbelievable environment in here,” head coach Rob Neilson said. “We’re so excited for just the energy that’s been created and the momentum that’s been created. Our fanbase is coming back, and new fans we won over tonight with just how fun it is in here. Obviously, we’re really excited about our group. We’re deep. We’re talented. We played the game really well in a lot of different areas.”
Overall, USU hit .157 (35-18-108), while holding Utah to a .072 (32-25-97) mark.
Utah State continues its homestand hosting Weber State (2-1) on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m.