VB destroys CSN, stumbles against Snow

Makell Loveless sports writer

After traveling the road, No. 17 Utah State Uni- versity Eastern volleyball returned for its conference home opener. Fans rallied in the crowded bleachers to cheer on the Eagles as they conquered Southern Ne- vada Oct. 10. The Eagles have earned an impressive record of 22-7 and counting.

Continuing the conference season, the Eagles faced Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely, Colo., Oct. 5. The Eagles young team played an outstanding game of 3-0. Coming out strong in the rst set, the Eagles held a solid lead on Northwestern. The short set ended 25-13.

The Eagles drive continued into the second set as they held the lead. Northwestern eagerly tried to match the Eagles momentum and were able to gain some control, but the Eagles still pulled through winning the second set 25-18.

Now controlling the game, the Eagles demolished in the third set 25-12. Leading in kills was Kiara Rich- ardson, 11 kills; Ashlee McUne, three aces, 39 assists; Kahea Nihipali, three blocks and Avery Best, nine digs.

Eagles def. Colorado Northwestern Community College 25-13, 25-18, 25-12

Back on their home court, the Eagles brought the intensity to the oor Thursday night as they battled Southern Nevada. In the rst set, the Eagles jumped to a steady lead with powerful offensive attacks to their opponents. After a time-out called by Southern Nevadas coach, the Coyotes began to close the gap on the score at 22-20. The Eagles swiftly regained possession of the ball and ended the set 25-21.

During the close second set, Southern Nevada turned up the heat and took the lead, but the Eagles stayed neck-and-neck battling for every point. With the score tied at 21-21, the Eagles defense held strong and because of error by the Coyotes, the Eagles were able to take the lead and end the set 25-23.

Continuing into the third set neck and neck, the Eagles were able to shut down Nevada’s offense and defense taking a huge lead and ending the set easily 25-11. Contributing players were Richardson, 10 kills; Nihipali, two aces; Alyssa Simmons, four blocks, McUne 34 assists and Sunny Perry, 15 digs.

Eagles def. College of Southern Nevada 25-21, 25-23, 25-11

The Eagles faced its rival, Nationally ranked No. 5 Snow College in an anticipated war Saturday af- ternoon. In 2018, the Eagles were able to snag a win against the Badgers and had a record of 1-6 against them, now hoping for another win. The rst set didn’t go as planned for the Eagles and because of too many errors the Eagles lost the rst set 25-13.

In a close second set, the Eagles battled point-for- point against the Badgers and while they did perform better, multiple errors would cause the Eagles to fall to another set.

Still hanging onto hope of turning the game around, the Eagles refused to give up, tying the score several times but the Badgers continued to pull through and took the win 3-0.

Leading players of the game were Breanne Bitter, 11 kills; Nihipali, two aces, three blocks; McUne, 31 assists and Perry, 17 digs.

Snow College def. Eagles 25-13, 26-24, 25-22

The Eagles will continue to play on its home court as they face No. 10 Salt Lake Community College again Oct. 19, followed by Colorado Northwestern Community College Oct. 26.