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BYU Dominates Utes in Conference Showdown
By Scott Taylor, Deseret News
Nov. 15, 1999
PROVO — The University of Utah lost to some familiar foes in women's volleyball action Friday night. The Utes dropped a three-game match to 10th-ranked BYU 15-77, 15-7, 15-3 in the Smith Fieldhouse, meaning they also fell victim to tradition and mental obstacles in the three-game loss to the Cougars. With the victory, BYU extends its series lead to 58-6 in the 29-year rivalry, which includes an incredible 28-1 mark in matches played in Provo. And the Cougars have pushed a current win streak over the Utes to nine matches since a 3-0 loss in Salt Lake City in 1995. "We just know we have to play well against Utah," said BYU coach Elaine Michaelis of the lopsided rivalry. "It's a matter of respect." Anna-Lenna Smith, the Cougars' All-American senior setter agreed: "It's my favorite game of the year," said Smith, who logged 40 assists and 10 digs against Utah. "You have to be at your best." Utah coach Beth Launiere knows her Ute players see history on the Cougars' side when they look at them through the net. No matter it's a history that long preceded her arrival at the U. 10 seasons ago - it's continues to stymie Utah. She echoed Michaelis and Smith's sentiments as well: "I think BYU plays its best against us. I think that's a tribute to our team - to know they have to go out and get up for us." BYU improves to 22-3 and 11-1 in league play in the inaugural Mountain West Conference season. Utah is 19-7 overall and 9-3 in the MWC. Michaelis sees Utah as a worthy candidate for NCAA tournament admission, while Launiere says 19 wins so far for a young Utes team is "exceeding expectations." In Friday night's match, BYU hit .374 percent, with the Cougars led by Nina Puikkonen's 17 kills and .533 hitting percentage. Teammate Mari Carpenter added 10 kills and a .421 mark, while BYU's Caroline Bower punctuated both the first and second games with game-point service aces. Mckelle Stilson led Utah with a .261 mark and shared team-high honors with Jen Snow-Richards with nine kills apiece.
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