Bakker, Steiner lead Wolverine spikers to win over Bakersfield

Duo combine for 35 kills in second WAC victory

Kyle McDonald | Sports editor | @kylesportsbias

OREM, Utah — Lauren Bakker had 18 kills and Kiahna Steiner recorded 17 to help UVU defeat CSU-Bakersfield 3-1 on Thursday night at the PE Building (25-22, 26-24, 21-25, 25-21).

It is the second win in WAC play for UVU (6-9, 2-1) and they recorded 13 blocks on the night which is the second highest mark in 2015.  They also had a hitting percentage of .328 which is their third highest this season.

“I think the girls did a good job,” UVU head coach Sam Atoa said. “Offensively there were some errors of the game that I felt like we were struggling at that we did a nice job tonight.  Can’t be disappointed with the way that they controlled the net both defensively with our team blocks and then offensively it was one of the better matches that we’ve done.”

Bakker, who was voted WAC Preseason Player of the Year, also recorded four blocks in the match and Steiner had six.  Setter Sierra Starley had another productive night as she had 47 assists in the match.

Down 10-5 in the first set, UVU went on a 7-2 run to tie the set at 17.  A pair of Bakersfield attack errors helped UVU take the first set 25-22.

In a set where there were 14 ties and eight lead changes,  it was a true who stepped up in a clutch moment.With the second set tied 24, Sabrina Tanner stepped up with two service aces that helped UVU take the set 26-24.

In the third set, with the score tied at 21, Bakersfield rattled off four straight points to take the set 25-21.

In the fourth set, with the score 17-16 UVU went on a 5-1 run that sealed the set and the victory for the Wolverines.

UVU also got strong performances from Madison Dennison and Abby Jensen.  Dennison finished with eight kills and seven blocks while Jensen had seven kills and a service ace.

UVU takes on WAC opponent Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. MT in the PE Building.