Nov. 4, 2008
OGDEN, Utah - The Utah Valley University women's volleyball (8-11) team fell in a tight in-state contest against Weber State (16-11) Tuesday night in three sets (29-31, 21-25, 27-29).
Junior Kristin Anderson anchored UVU's offense and defense in the match with a team-leading nine kills and eight total blocks. Freshman Sarah Clement added seven kills and six total blocks, and sophomore Kayli Broadbent chipped in eight kills and six digs. As a team, the Wolverines hit .131 and tallied fifteen total team blocks while holding the Wildcats to a .125 attack percentage.
"It's disappointing that things didn't bounce our way, but we've got to be able to take care of the ball better," UVU head coach Sam Atoa said. "For the whole match I though our middles carried us. Our freshmen came in and played well in the third game, and that's very encouraging too."
The Wolverines trailed for most of the first set, but took its first lead of the match with a set point at 25-24. The Wildcats won the next two points to earn their own first set point up 26-25. Utah Valley returned the favor and earned its second set point up 27-26, but could not convert. Weber State took the set 31-29.
The second set was another close battle that went to the home team 25-21. UVU was within one point late in the set at 21-22, but dropped the final three points to fall behind two sets to none. The Wolverines recorded seven total blocks in the second set after recording only one in the first. The Wolverines held the Wildcats to a .119 attack percentage in the first and then a .125 percentage in the second set, but hit only .083 in each of the first two sets.
The resilient Utah Valley squad continued to battle in the third set and fought off four set points before falling 29-27. The Wolverines kept the pressure on the Wildcats throughout the set by improving offensively and remaining tough on defense. UVU bettered its attack percentage to .244 in the final set and recorded another seven blocks while holding WSU to .131 with four blocks.
The last time these two teams met, UVU beat WSU in five sets in Orem.
Utah Valley's last home match of the season before hosting the Independent Championships will be Friday at 7 p.m. against future Great West Conference opponent Houston Baptist. The team's lone senior, setter Kristi Lindley, will be honored in Senior Night festivities. Fans can get $2 off admission and students get in free with a can of food to be donated to the Utah Food Bank.
