Volleyball bounces back with huge sweep against Utah State

Utah Valley came out with fire last week, which led to a three-game sweep against in-state rival Utah State University.

It was the first win in four attempts this season against the in-state Aggies. "I didn’t expect to come in and win three straight," Utah Valley coach Sam Atoa said.

Utah Valley (18-9) put up a very nice defensive run in the second game against one of the Aggies’ top players, Amanda Nielson.

"We got to her defensively. We weren’t hitting very well, but our defense definitely kept them at bay," Atoa said.

Atoa said Utah Valley has come a long way with their passing and serving skills and the progress in those areas helped the team to the win.

Camie Manwill and Allyce Wilson of Utah Valley both teamed up with 10 digs a piece to save the second game.

"I really thought the five blocks in the second game were huge," said coach Atoa.

Manwill also had an aggressive double-double with 11 kills and 17 digs on the whole.

Utah Valley kept a tight two-point lead most of the second game.

Utah State put up a fight in the third game, leading Utah Valley 17-12. The crowd kept the adrenaline going and after breaking a tie at 20, Wolverine Meagan Bluth finished the final point with a kill for the match victory (30-26).

Goals have been reached this year for the team. Utah Valley’s captain Jessica Endres also contributed 20 points overall.

I’m just so happy," Endres said, " … this is my senior year and to end with something like that is what we’ve been working for the whole time."

The girls have had their ups and downs, as most teams have this season, but for the first time reached 18 wins.

"We are definitely pulling together right now," Endres said, "and we can feel it on and off the court … our goal is to win."

The girls kept their composure and put in what will be an important win. "It was a hard-fought, earned 18th win," Atoa said. "It’s been a great year."

The next few weeks look positive for the girls as they host Nevada in their last regular season game before the Division I Independent Championship later this month.