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Important Week For BYU Volleyball
Cougars Face Utah Valley, Utah in In-State Matches
Oct. 8, 2007 PROVO, Utah - Weekly Notes
A pair of in-state rivals are on the slate next for the BYU women's volleyball team as the Cougars play host to Utah Valley on Tuesday night in the Smith Fieldhouse before traveling to Salt Lake City to face Utah on Friday night. At 11-5 overall and 4-3, BYU is looking to get on a run in the month of October. "This is another important week for us," said BYU head coach Jason Watson. "We're excited to get back on the court Tuesday to play Utah Valley at home, and, of course, Utah is always a tough opponent, especially at Crimson Court. How we respond in these two matches is very important." Senior outside hitter Chelsea Goodman has continued to step up for the Cougars, ranking among the top 10 in the Mountain West Conference in kills, digs, aces and points. The preseason MWC Player of the Year is just two double-doubles away from tying the league career double-double record at 47. Junior middle blocker Rachel Dyer has also been solid for BYU as she leads the MWC and ranks fifth in the nation in hitting at .452. The Cougars are capable of coming up big over the next several weeks as BYU has traditionally played its best in October, going 17-2 (.895) all-time in the month in just over two years under Watson. BYU will begin the week with a 7 p.m. contest against Utah Valley on Tuesday night. The Wolverines are 12-5 overall this season and have won seven straight matches, one shy of the school record. Utah Valley features a one-two punch with junior outside hitter Camie Manwill averaging 4.36 kills per game and senior middle blocker Jessica Endres tallying 4.32 kpg. BYU is 5-0 all-time against the Wolverines. An important MWC matchup is on tap for Friday night as the Cougars face Utah on Crimson Court at 7 p.m. The Utes are 7-9 overall this season and tied with BYU for fourth place in the league at 4-3 after losing the 2006 MWC Setter of the Year and Player of the Year as well as the nation's top middle blocker during the offseason. Junior outside hitter Kathryn Haynie leads the team with 3.61 kills per game while adding 2.17 digs per contest. BYU leads the all-time series, 62-21, but has not defeated Utah in Salt Lake City since 2000. The Cougars' match against Utah Valley will be televised live on BYUTV and can also be followed via BYU All-Access or GameTracker. All-Access and GameTracker will also be available for the Utah match in addition to a live Internet audio stream on BYU Radio.
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