Utah Valley State (0-0) vs. University of Utah (0-0)

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Date: September 1, 2004
Times: 7:00 pm (MST)  
Site: Crimson Court
Internet Broadcast: The game can be seen and heard by going to: www.utahutes.com
Series Record: Utes lead series 1-0

OREM, Utah - The Utah Valley State volleyball team will be tested early in its 2004 season opener on Wednesday against 24th ranked University of Utah in Salt Lake City. The first serve is scheduled for 7:00 pm (MST) on Crimson Court.

Wolverine Update:
In the first year of NCAA Division I competition in 2003, head coach Sam Atoa led the Wolverine volleyball program to a 10-14 overall record, including wins over D-I opponents, Boise State and Pac-10 power Washington State.

UVSC returns three players who received D-I Independent honors last year. They are outside hitters Alina Wallauer and Krystal Peterson, and setter Lacee Koelliker. Wallauer (173 K, 2.37 K/G) received two honors as she was named the Independent -??Newcomer of the Year,-?? and to the All-Independent Second Team. Koelliker (379 A, 4.51 A/G) and Peterson (109 K, 1.85 K/G) were both named to the Independent All-Freshman Team.

The Wolverines kicked off their 2004 season with an alumni game last Thursday in the Activity Center. Leading the charge for the current Wolverines over the alumni was Malia Roberts with 19 kills. Deise Borghetti, who only played in three of the five games, added 14 kills and hit an impressive .481 on the night. Other Wolverines of note were Anne Olsen (10 kills, 10 digs), and Koelliker (40 assists, 6 kills, 5 digs).

Scouting the Opposition:
Last year, Utah went 22-9, advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and was ranked No. 23 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) final poll. Additionally, Kim Turner was the Utes' first-ever All-American, making the AVCA third team.

Leading the Utes this season will be senior setters Kelsie Kartchner and Tracy Neumeier. Kartchner is a three-year starter, while Neumeier gained valuable experience last season when the Utes ran a 6-2.

Up Next:
The Wolverines travel to Missoula, Montana on September 7, to take on the University of Montana. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm (MST).