UVU hosted the Wolverine Invitational on Sept. 11 and 12 where they competed against No. 15 ranked USC and Idaho State and took second in the Invitational.
The Wolverines started off the Invitational against USC on Friday Sept. 11 and came out strong. USC took the first two sets while UVU won the third, leaving USC to end the game by taking the fourth set.
UVU had some good leads in the first two sets, but couldn’t stay ahead. USC had a five-point lead in the fourth set making it hard for the Wolverines to catch up.
“We’re playing a very, very good team and I think that what’s great is we’re giving ourselves chances, were giving ourselves opportunities and we’re competing,” said head coach Sam Atoa.
Despite the loss, UVU recorded high numbers. Kayli Broadbent put down 15 kills, Allyce Jones racked up 20 digs and Chelsea Fa’alogo recorded an impressive 38 assists.
The next day UVU went up against USC again and Idaho State University later that evening. The Trojans came out and swept UVU in three quick sets. “We got beat by a very good team, but I felt like we had opportunities and chances and I can’t be disappointed as far as that goes,” said Atoa.
The Wolverines came back and beat ISU that night, but not without a fight.
UVU started off the first set looking stronger than they had earlier in the day, but ISU got a good lead and their score just kept climbing. ISU took the first set 25-15. The Wolverines answered back winning the next three sets ending the Invitational.
“Idaho State just came out on fire,” said Atoa. “I was proud of our girls for being able to settle down and play our game and get back into system and do well.”
Broadbent and Jones were named to the all-tournament team for the Invitational and Jones was named the Great West Conference defensive player of the week.
The Wolverines once again recorded high numbers against Idaho State with Broadbent putting down 17 kills, Manwill recorded her fifth double-double for the season with 16 digs and 10 kills, Jones had 10 kills, and Fa’alogo put up another impressive 37 assists.
