Hamson Leads BYU in Sweep of Seasiders

PROVO, Utah (Sept. 7, 2011) – In a showdown of BYU schools, the Cougars proved victorious over the BYU-Hawaii Seasiders in a 3-0 sweep (25-19, 25-15, 25-20) Wednesday evening in the Smith Fieldhouse.

“We had to keep on the path at hand and work a little harder and play a little smarter,” BYU head coach Shawn Olmstead said. “We want the players to know that they can keep getting better. We hold them accountable and they understand what is needed in the moment. Often times we need to refocus, but a win is a win and we grow from each one and get a feel for where we need to be in the season.”

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Not only were the Cougars (6-2) able to put away the match in a quick three sets, they were able to break personal records doing it. Sophomore Jennifer Hamson provided an impressive showing, achieving double digits in kills and digs with 15 and 10, respectively. This was also the seventh time that Hamson was able to reach double-digit kills this season.

Kathryn LeCheminant recorded a season-high kills with seven as well as a career-high hitting percentage of .636. Libero Kendalyn Hartsock registered her eighth double-digit outing with 19 digs. Freshman Katie Vaughn reached her career-high hitting percentage at .421.

The Cougars grabbed an early lead in the first set with a 4-0 run on the Seasiders (3-2). Hamson and senior outside hitter Christie Carpenter helped the Cougars continue the lead throughout the set with Hamson supplying six kills and Carpenter five. The Cougars ended the first set at 25-19.

In similar fashion to the first set, the Cougars jumped to the lead at 9-6 after a five-point run. BYU quickly built off the lead with another run, resulting in a six point lead at 14-8. Hamson contributed an additional five kills for the set while Carpenter and Vaughn added four apiece. Their offensive play pushed the Cougars to a comfortable 25-15 victory in the second set.

The third set continued in the pattern of the match with BYU taking the lead and maintaining throughout the set. Hamson contributed points with a serving run that broke her career-record of aces in a match with five. The Cougars had no trouble continuing their lead and finishing off the Seasiders at 25-20 to end the match.

The Cougars will next compete against UC Riverside at the Utah Invitational in Salt Lake City Friday at 5 p.m.

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BYU vs. BYU-H Box Score