The Utah women’s volleyball team has been looking forward to this match all season8212;and the day has finally arrived.
Playing rival BYU at home is one of the most anticipated matches of the season for coaches, players and fans alike.
“It’s always a big match; you can’t deny that. Everyone knows it is huge,” said head coach Beth Launiere. “It’s a match everyone wants to be in and we really have fun with it.”
As the biggest event of the season, the BYU match draws more fans than any other game, another reason Utah enjoys playing BYU so much.
“We love how the fans come out and support us,” Emillie Toone said. “As seniors, we really want to beat BYU in front of our crowd one last time.”
Despite the emotions and hype surrounding the match, the Utes have been working hard to prepare just like they always do8212;scouting out BYU players, watching game film and practicing hard all week.
“This match is just as important as Air Force or Wyoming. We have to prepare like we always do,” said middle blocker Lori Baird. “The rivalry just makes it more exciting.”
Statistically, the Utes have an edge over BYU, as they earn an average of three more kills, assists and digs per set than the Cougars do. Utah also outblocks the Cougars, averaging 3.04 blocks per set to BYU’s 2.0 per set.
Regardless of statistics, Launiere says this match will be much tougher than the first time the two teams faced each other.
“I think (the Cougars) are playing a lot better than they were before,” Launiere said. “They had recently moved Kayla Walker to the right side and now she is getting more comfortable putting up big numbers and we’ll have to defend that.”
Walker and teammate Bryn Porter currently lead the Cougars as they both average 2.95 kills per set. Middle blocker Ashton Hosford leads BYU with 1.32 blocks per set and libero Melissa Lake digs 3.6 balls per set.
Baird is still leading the Utes both offensively and defensively with 3.18 kills and 1.44 blocks per set, while Keisha Fisher leads the back row with 3.21 digs per set.
“Everyone can talk about the match and be excited, but we have to prepare the same and we’ll be ready for them,” Launiere said.
One area the Utes know they will need to be strong in is blocking. Last time the two teams met, Utah blocked an impressive 20 balls and set a new school record with 37.5 block assists. The Utes are looking to replicate those numbers tonight.
“We have an amazing front line and if we keep blocking like we have been, there is no way they can handle us,” said setter Abby Simmons. “As long as we keep doing that, we should be able to keep our win streak alive.”
The match, which will be broadcast live on The Mtn., will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Crimson Court.
Tyler CobbAbby Simmons said that as long as Utah can keep blocking they could keep their wining streak alive. Utah plays BYU at home Friday in their most anticipated game of the season.