Utah Valley takes out in-state and conference opponents
Freshman Booklelyn Campbell (left) and senior Dani Robison (right) block the ball from Weber State. Kira Terry/UVU Review
The lady Wolverines picked up two wins at home last week after losing two road games the previous weekend.
After returning home from the road with two losses against Great West opponents South Dakota and North Dakota, Utah Valley got some momentum back with two wins, against Weber State and conference opponent Chicago State on Oct. 5 and 7.
“Its fun to be home for sure,” said Coach Sam Atoa. “We struggled on the road and it’s important for us to be able to come back and take care of what we expect to do here at home. I’m really proud of the effort.”
UVU defeated both Weber State and Chicago State in three quick sets. The win over the Wildcats put the Wolverines at 3-1 for the season against in-state opponents going into last Saturday’s game against next-door neighbor BYU.
The match against Weber State was this season’s first ‘Pink with a Purpose’ game night where all proceeds went to benefit former softball player Jordahn Denny who was injured in a car accident in early May, leaving her paralyzed from the mid-torso down.
The lady Wolverines once again boasted high numbers with senior Kayli Doxey leading the team offensively with 12 kills and four digs. Junior Chelsey Heaps followed Doxey with 10 kills and six digs. Freshman stand out Brookelyn Campbell finished with a double-double, 26 assists and 10 digs along with six kills.
During the ‘08 and ‘09 seasons, the Chicago State Cougars remained winless and entered the match against UVU 0-4 on the year. UVU kept them winless.
“This is a very challenging match for us to be able to play because they are short handed and outmatched I think, but I was proud that the girls were able to stay in system because they still have to be able to serve the ball and get better,” Atoa said.
The 3-0 win over Chicago State put the Wolverines at 11-8 on the year and 2-2 in the GWC. Big numbers were spread out all across the roster with Doxey again leading offensively with 11 kills and four digs. Junior Rachel Anderson put up a high of 21 assists while Campbell followed with 11 assists and five digs. Freshman libero Patti Flag led the team in digs with eight. Junior Jaicee Kuresa put down seven kills and had two service aces.
The team will head back out on the road on Thursday to play Texas-Pan American followed by Houston Baptist on Saturday. The Wolverines will return to home court on Oct. 19 to host in-state opponent Southern Utah and host Boise State Oct. 20 before they take an eight-day break.