No. 2-national ranking for Eastern volleyball team

Sophomore Alyssa Simmons is from Farmington, New Mexico.

USU Eastern’s volleyball team has the distinction of being nationally ranked many times during the tenure of head coach Danielle Jensen at Eastern. Never in the history of this institution has a volleyball team been ranked as the No. 2 best team in the country or, for that matter, never has any Eagle sports team ever been ranked as the second best team in the nation.

Every week, this team sets more records and breaks more records in its quest to not only be the best team to ever represent USU Eastern, but the best team in the nation.

The team leads the nation in four categories: kills, assists, total blocks and total points scored.

It defeated two No. 2 teams in the nation: Odessa and Snow. The Eagles defeated Snow twice, once at home and one on the road, when the Badgers were the No, 2 team in the nation.

The Scenic West Athletic Conference Awards continually praise the women with Emma Ricks named SWAC Defensive Player of the Week four times this season.

Sunny Perry was named SWAC Player of the Week once as well as Rachel West.

“These girls have done everything we have asked of them to be ranked No. 2 in the nation right now. Not only have they trusted our coaching on the court but they have also trusted one another and built a bond that will last long after their volleyball career is over. That focus and unity has catapulted our team to what I believe is the best program in the nation right now and I don’t see them slowing down until they prove that,” coach Jensen said.

The Eagles’ record of 13 wins was tested this week with away games against perennial volleyball power house, College of South Idaho, on Wednesday and Salt Lake Community College, today (Feb. 26). Scores were not available at press time.

The team consists of Naomi Glasker, F, South Jordan, Utah; Alyssa Simmons, S, Farmington, N.M.; Emma Ricks, S. Alpine, Utah; Rachel West, F, Cedar Hills, Utah; Camber Dodson, F, Sugar City, Idaho; Maci Harrop, F, Layton, Utah; Sunny Perry, S, Springville, Utah; Chelsee Greenwood, F, Lehi, Utah; Kennedy Poulton, S, Bountiful, Utah; Avery Best, S, Uintah, Utah; Lindsey Otero, F, Chandler, Arizona; Kamryn, Wiese, F, Syracuse, Utah; Sydney Mazyck, F, Gilbert Arizona; Kayea Nihipali, S, Las Vegas, Nevada; and Taylor Bair, F, Henderson, Nevada. Coaches include Jensen, Nesreen Iskandrani and Jensen’s husband Calvin.

Every week, this team sets more records and breaks more records in its quest to not only be the best team to ever represent USU Eastern, but the best team in the nation.

The team leads the nation in four categories: kills, assists, total blocks and total points scored.

It defeated two No. 2 teams in the nation: Odessa and Snow. The Eagles defeated Snow twice, once at home and one on the road, when the Badgers were the No, 2 team in the nation.

The Scenic West Athletic Conference Awards continually praise the women with Emma Ricks named SWAC Defensive Player of the Week four times this season.

Sunny Perry was named SWAC Player of the Week once as well as Rachel West.

The Eagles’ record of 14 wins was tested this week with away games against perennial volleyball powerhouse, College of Southern Idaho who they defeated 3-1 on Feb. 24. and Salt Lake Community College, today (Feb. 26). Scores were not available at press time.

Top teams in the NJCAA for the week of Feb. 22

Record Points