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Solid Effort Leads to Win For BYU Volleyball
Cougars Sweep Weekend Series With Victory at Air Force
Sept. 29, 2007 USAFA, Colo. - In an all-around effort including some fresh faces, the No. 23 BYU women's volleyball team clipped the Air Force Falcons' wings Saturday night with its sixth sweep of the year, 30-17, 30-21, 30-27. With the win, the Cougars improve to 10-4 overall and 3-2 in Mountain West Conference play. "This was a good conclusion to an important weekend for us," said BYU head coach Jason Watson. "It enables us to return home next weekend and continue our hunt for the MWC Championship." Senior Chelsea Goodman moved one step closer to owning the MWC career double-double record as she recorded her 43rd career double-double with team-bests of 17 kills and 13 digs. Bryn Porter also posted a double-double with 10 kills and 11 digs. Rachel Dyer picked up 13 kills on .550 hitting to go along with three blocks and a career-best seven digs. Seniors Jenna Judkins and Catherine Parker started the match while true freshman Christina Measom came off the bench to put up six kills and a team-leading four blocks. Air Force came out strong in game one to build a 7-5 lead, but the Cougars quickly took control with a 9-1 run that started with a kill and an ace from Goodman. The 14-8 BYU lead proved insurmountable as the Cougars sprinted to the 30-17 game-one victory. Goodman and Hansen each recorded five kills in the game while contributing to a .333 team hitting percentage. BYU also posted four team blocks in holding Air Force to a -.026 attack efficiency. Watson called Measom's name in game two, and she quickly made the most of the opportunity with back-to-back kills early. But the Falcons fought with the fire expected from future servicewomen and stayed with the Cougars every step of the way through the first third of the game. BYU was finally able to build a 13-11 lead after a 5-1 run, giving the Cougars the space they needed to keep the Falcons at bay. BYU rode the slim margin as the two teams traded points until closing out the game with a 12-5 run. With the smell of victory strong, the Cougars came out firing in game three, running up an early 7-1 lead thanks in part to four kills from Goodman. But Air Force once again stormed back, earning a chance to tie things up at 18-17 after an 8-3 spurt. However, Measom continued to shine, sending a rocket straight down the middle of the court to thwart the Falcon comeback. The Falcons made another late run after trailing 26-20, but the Cougars hung on for the 30-27 win. After playing 10 of their first 14 matches away from home, the Cougars will return to the Smith Fieldhouse next weekend for a pair of MWC matches. BYU will host TCU on Friday at 7 p.m. before facing New Mexico Saturday at 7 p.m.
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