Upcoming Event: Volleyball versus Weber State (Exhibition) on August 15, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.
3:00 P.M.
Volleyball
vs Weber State (Exhibition)
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The University of Utah Athletics
Women's Volleyball Falls in WAC Opener
6/21/1999 12:00 AM | Volleyball
October 3, 1998
SALT LAKE CITY - The Brigham Young Cougars, ranked fifth in the nation, demonstrated why on Friday night, dismantling the Utah Utes in impressive fashion 15-3, 15-10, 15-1 in front of a ruckus crowd of 1,257 at Crimson Court. It was the Western Athletic Conference opener for the two Pacific Division teams.
Senior Korie Rogers and freshman Nine Puikkonen led the way for BYU, each recording 10 kills. Puikkonen also hit. 250 with 10 blocks. Rogers added 11 digs and five blocks. Melissa Layton and Mari Burningham Carpenter both had seven kills. Anna-Lena Smith had 32 assists and a match-high 12 digs.
"Everyone played so well it would be very difficult to single anyone out," said BYU head coach Elaine Michaelis. "Nina had a great blocking night, which made a big difference."
Sophomore outside hitter Kalani Tonga paced Utah with 10 kills and four digs. Sara Shakula posted seven kills and four digs. Junior setter Graciela Torres had 26 assists, five digs and four blocks.
The Cougars (11-1, 1-0 WAC) out hit the Utes (10-4, 0-1 WAC) .227 to .047 and had the edge at the net 15 to 6.
Utah kept it close early in game one, trailing 6-3 before BYU scored the next nine points to win 15-3. The Cougars outhit Utah .429 to .065 in the opening frame.
The Utes charged out in game two, leading at one juncture 7-3. The Utes last led at 9-8 before BYU put the game away with another impressive spurt, scoring seven of the last eight points.
"We served well during the last stretch of the second game," said Michaelis. "It became crunch time and our players had to dig a little deeper and make sure they made each play. We moved our block and picked up some tips on defense."
With the momentum carrying over, Brigham Young scored 11 unanswered points to open game three, winning 15-1. "We learned a lot in the second game," said Michaelis. "Utah played well and we made some adjustments for the third game."
"I was disappointed with the way we played in game three," said Ute head coach Beth Launiere. "For the most part we did good things. Normally, our serve pass has been good. They just cover the court so well defensively and just beat us. Good teams have strengths which we couldn't take away. However, we still competed. We're a good team, and we will match up well with a lot of WAC teams."
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