ST. GEORGE, Utah — Utah Tech defeated Utah Valley, 3-1 (25-18, 16-25, 19-25, 19-25) in the first match of the season in the Old Hammer Rivalry on Friday.
The Trailblazers (12-3, 3-0 WAC) were led by WAC Preseason Player of the Year Kennedi Knudsen, who tallied a match-high 17 kills. Taylor Snow and Tessa Treanor also reached double figures in kills.
The Wolverines (6-9, 2-1) were led by Bella Wooden, who finished with seven kills and seven total blocks. Alyvia Jaffa added six kills in another strong performance.
Utah Valley outhit Utah Tech .344 to .053 in the opening set, with Avery Page and Sami Blackett leading the offensive attack. The Wolverines used a 3-0 run to take a 15-12 lead following a kill from Olivia Gloeckner. Natalie Riggs added her second ace of the set, and Page extended the advantage to 18-13 with a service ace. UVU capitalized on late Trailblazer errors to secure the opening set.
Utah Tech bounced back in the second set to even the match. The Trailblazers hit .400 with just two errors while taking advantage of seven Wolverine miscues and holding UVU to a .125 hitting percentage. Knudsen recorded four kills, and Utah County native Treanor added three in the set.
Both teams struggled offensively in the third set, but Utah Tech held on for a 25-19 win to take a 2-1 lead. The Wolverines trailed 21-12 before a kill from reigning WAC Player of the Week Wooden sparked a rally. Jaffa followed with a solo block to make it 21-14 and added another kill during a 4-0 run to close the gap to 23-17 before the Trailblazers closed out the set.
In the fourth set, Utah Tech's offense returned to form. The Wolverines cut into an early deficit with a 4-0 run after kills from Blackett and Jaffa and got within one point but could not pull even. The Trailblazers sealed the match with a late 3-1 run to take the 3-1 victory.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. inside Lockhart Arena.
Up Next
Utah Valley hosts UT Arlington on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Smith Fieldhouse in Provo before traveling to face California Baptist on Oct. 16 and Southern Utah on Oct. 18.
