UVU opens with sweep at Baymont Inn and Suites Classic

Wolverines win in straight sets

Adam Cichoski | Sports writer | @adamcichoski

 

Fargo, ND – The Utah Valley University volleyball team opened up play in the NDSU Baymont Inn & Suites Classic by sweeping the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in straight sets (25-23, 25-20, and 25-21) on Friday afternoon in Fargo.

Macky Fifita had 14 kills for UVU (2-3) and got 10 kills and 17 digs from true freshman Abby Jensen. WAC preseason Player of the Year Lauren Bakker had eight kills and six blocks in the win over Milwaukee (2-3). Sophomores Madison Dennison and Sierra Starley also played well with Dennison picking up six kills and four blocks and Starley dishing out 27 assists and picking up a career-best five blocks.

UVU had a better hitting percentage .283 compared to .121 for Milwaukee. They also had 20 blocks compared to just seven for Panthers. The blocks were a huge part of the match especially in set two which saw the Wolverines piece together a 10-1 after falling behind 7-5 early in the set. They would go onto win the second set 25-20. Scoring points in bunches was also the way it went for the Wolverines as they reeled off eight straight points after falling behind 13-12 in the third set to take the lead at 20-13 and eventually put the Panthers away, winning 25-21.

Their next game is September 5th as they continue play in the NDSU Baymont Inn & Suites Classic. They will face host North Dakota State (3-1) at noon MT and follow that up with the finale against Towson at 3 p.m. MT.