Southern Utah University’s women’s volleyball team returns to Cedar City this week for two games against conference opponents. On Thursday, Oct. 31, at 6:30 p.m., they will play against Utah Valley University, followed by a matchup with Seattle University on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m. These games can be streamed on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds lost both of their matchups last week, dropping them to 8-13 on the year and 4-6 in the Western Athletic Conference.
Andrea Spasojevic has been the leader for Southern Utah all season. Her team-leading 213 kills and 24 service aces have been critical to the teams success. Middle blocker Carissa Richie has been a force to reckon with up front, with 69 blocks this year. Another key player on the Thunderbirds defense is Arianna Rossi, who leads the team in digs with 236.
Two wins this week would propel the Thunderbirds conference record back to .500 on the season, inching them closer to securing a spot in the WAC Tournament.
Utah Valley
The Wolverines went 1-1 last week, giving them a 15-7 record with a 6-4 record in the WAC, good enough for fourth place in the conference. UVU got the sweep in this matchup last year, but they will be facing a much improved Southern Utah team.
Freshman Sami Blackett has been electrifying this season. She leads the team and places fourth in the WAC with 305 kills. Setter Evalyn Chism helps operate the offense with her conference-leading 816 assists. The defense is headed by Bella Wooden, who leads the conference with a staggering 132 blocks.
Seattle
The Redhawks were swept in both matches last week. They stand at 5-15 and 3-7 in conference and are No. 7 in the WAC. This team surprised the Thunderbirds earlier in the season with a sweep, but have only won one road game this year.
Arianna Bilby leads the offense with 244 kills and 19 service aces on the year. Marley Hardgrave and Yasemin Elmas provide solid blocking with 61 and 56 blocks respectively. Defensive Specialist Katlyn Sipes has also been a key player with her 298 digs this season.
Southern Utah is 2-11 all-time against Utah Valley and 1-3 all-time against Seattle University.
Author: Jacob McQueary
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
