Cougars Open Second Half of MWC With In-State Rival Utah, Welcome Alumni

PROVO -- After going 5-3 in the first half of Mountain West Conference play, the BYU women’s volleyball team (10-9, 5-3) will face in-state rival Utah (13-7, 6-2) at the Smith Fieldhouse Friday at 7 p.m.

“The first round of the Deseret Duel was a very exciting hard-fought battle and an extremely tight match at the Crimson Court,” said BYU head coach Shay Goulding. “We expect nothing different at the Fieldhouse this Friday except that we certainly will have the home court advantage.”

BYU leads the all-time series 64-24 with Utah winning the last three matches.

In front of a record-high 1,747 fans at the Crimson Court the Cougars battled a close match with the Utes, falling in five sets. Senior rightside hitter Kayla Walker led the team that night with 19 kills and 11 digs, her fourth double-double of the season. Camilla Phillips had eight kills while Kiana Rogers posted 41 assists. Morgan Lloyd Sorensen held up the back row with 24 digs, tying her career high.

“We look forward to our fans filling the gym, cheering us on, and helping us defend the Smith Fieldhouse,” said Goulding. “The team is excited and ready to welcome Utah to our court. Like any other match, the focus will remain on aggressive serving and passing. With solid execution of these two skills, our blocking and hitting percentages will take care of themselves.”

The team has invited all Alumni back to Friday’s match and encourage all to come partake of a great volleyball match from the Alumni reserved section and a reception to follow the match.

The last time out the Cougars split road games, falling to MWC-undefeated Colorado State at their home court Thursday in three games and beating Wyoming in five on Saturday.

Freshman Nicole Warner led the Cougars in kills with nine against the Rams, hitting .667, a career-high in hitting percentage. Christie Carpenter added eight kills while setter Kiana Rogers posted 26 assists and seven digs. Senior Morgan Lloyd Sorensen tallied 10 digs, her 13th double-digit dig night of the season.

Against the Cowgirls the Cougars had three spikers in double-digits with Christie Carpenter leading the way with a career-high 21, Christina Measom with 13, hitting .310 and Nicole Warner with 12 (career-high tied), hitting .370. On the defensive side of the ball Morgan Lloyd Sorensen led the team with 18 digs, accompanied by Melissa Lake Wright with 12.

All fans are encouraged to wear blue to cheer on their Cougars Friday night. Next the Cougars will host Utah Valley University Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.