Aug. 29, 2008

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Valley women's volleyball team lost its first match of the season 3-0 (19-25, 10-25, 22-25) to Utah at the Ute Invitational Friday. 

Junior Kristen Anderson stood out among the Wolverines as she recorded five kills and seven blocks on the night. Freshman Chelsey Garfield also made her presence felt after getting the starting nod in her first collegiate match. She led the team with six kills in the match and two total blocks.

"I saw some bright spots for us tonight against a tough team," Utah Valley head coach Sam Atoa said. "We're a young team, but there were some very encouraging moments with our young players."

The first set went to the Utes 25-17, but the Wolverines were not without their highlights. UVU out-blocked Utah with four total team blocks to Utah's none. Anderson alone had three block assists and one block solo in the set. Setter Kristi Lindley also recorded two block assists in the set. Utah Valley was within two points down 19-17 before Utah surged to win the final six points to take the set.

UVU fell 24-10 in the second set after the Utes hit a blistering .476 and recorded their own four total team blocks in the set. 

Redshirt freshman Jaicee Kuresa gave the Wolverines their first lead of the match at 14-13 in the third set with back-to-back solo blocks. UVU was within one at 23-22, but the Utes edged the Wolverines in the final two points and sealed the sweep with a 25-22 victory in the third set. 

The Wolverines will be back in action Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. as the Ute Invitational continues with a match between Utah Valley and Santa Clara.