Utah Volleyball Starts Pac-12 Play Strong
University of Utah junior libero/defensive specialist Brianna Doehrmann (17) attempts to dive for a dig in an NCAA Volleyball match vs. The Colorado Buffalos at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. (Photo by Kiffer Creveling | The Daily Utah Chronicle)
September 29, 2019
Utah Utes volleyball began Pac-12 play this week by first taking on the Colorado Buffs at home, and then traveling to Oregon to take on the Ducks. On Wednesday, Sept. 25 the Utes started out strong at home against the Buffs and won in three straight sets.
In the first set the Utes went on a seven straight run to start it all off, giving them a great lead in which they ended up taking the set 25-11. When the second set came around, the Buffs got the head start, leading 1-6 after the first timeout, the Utes were able to comeback from behind taking the set 25-22. The third set was a constant battle between the two teams, going point for point, but the Utes were able to come out on top taking it 25-23.
This increased their season record to 9-3 and gave their conference record a strong 1-0 start before heading to Oregon.
“Our whole goal this week was to start off the Pac with a win,” said junior outside hitter Dani Drews. “Being able to do that and sweep while we’re at it is huge for us as a team.”
Drews led the team with 14 kills and 10 digs. Kenzie Koerber also had double digits with 10 kills and 11 digs.
“I think we learned that we can play a really steady, mindful, yet emotional match,” said Head Coach Beth Launiere. “We barely made any errors tonight, which is exactly what we need to do in the Pac.”
For their next match the Utes, headed to Oregon to take on the No. 24 Ducks at home. where they almost pulled off the comeback. The Ducks took the first two sets 20-25 and 17-25. It was go time for the Utes, and they were able to get the next two matches 25-23 and 25-20.When the final set came around, the Utes fought hard, but ended up falling 13-15. The Utes went to 9-4 on the season and 1-1 in Pac-12 play.
Drews had another great evening, scoring a high of 22 kills and hitting .286. After coming up with 16 digs, Brianna Doehrmann moved into third all-time in Utah’s career dig category. Berkeley Oblad had 12 kills on the day with four blocks, Koerber was just behind her with 11 kills and three blocks.
Next week the Utes head to Arizona next weekend to take on Arizona and Arizona State, starting in Tucson on Friday and then Tempe on Sunday. Friday’s game is set to start at 7 p.m. locally and will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks. Sunday’s game will start at 1 p.m. and will be live-streamed via the Arizona State Athletics website.
