DURHAM, N.C. – Utah Valley University lost 3-1 (8-25, 25-17, 17-25, 14-25) on Friday night to Duke University inside Cameron Indoor Stadium. UVU (3-5) was led by Avery Page who tallied 11 kills with Alyssa Erickson matching a career-high with eight kills in the match. The Wolverines were unable to slow down Duke (3-5) outside hitter Taylor Williams who had a match-high 16 kills.

The Blue Devils controlled the opening set winning the set 25-8 to go up 1-0. The second set began with a back-and-forth exchange of points, but a strong performance by Chism set the tone for Utah Valley. Her consistent setting led to key kills from Alyssa Erickson and Page, contributing to a 5-0 run that turned the score in the Wolverines' favor at 10-6. As the set progressed, Natalie Riggs delivered an impressive service ace at 18-11, further extending the lead. Despite Duke's efforts to close the gap, the Wolverines maintained control, with Erickson sealing the set at 25-17 with a decisive kill, ensuring a commanding lead for the visitors. Erickson, Page, and Bella Wooden all finished with four kills in the set.

The third set began with the Wolverines taking an early lead with a series of blocks from Bella Wooden and Erickson, pushing the score to 3-1. Chism showcased her playmaking ability with multiple assists, setting up key kills for Erickson and Page, keeping the score close at 8-4. The Blue Devil's constant pressure offensively was tough on UVU, and they used the momentum to pull away to win set three.

Utah Valley faced a challenging fourth set as Duke capitalized on a series of key plays to secure a 25-14 set win. Despite an early kill from Blackett and a service ace by her, the Wolverines struggled to maintain momentum against Duke's effective offense. Chism provided consistent setups, resulting in kills for Wooden and Erickson, but the Blue Devils' blocking and serving runs, including a significant sequence from Ngozi Iloh, ultimately proved decisive in the set's outcome.

Wooden posted an impressive .538 hitting percentage, collecting seven kills and contributing five total blocks in her return to her home state. Chism orchestrated the offense with 33 assists across four sets, while also adding two blocks and six digs.

UP NEXT
Utah Valley returns to action tomorrow morning with a match at 11:00 a.m. MT against Coastal Carolina. The match will be played at the James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum.