Photos by Jeff Barrett
By Calvin Jensen
The 4th ranked USU Eastern women’s volleyball team fell to the 3rd ranked Snow College Badgers in the Region 18 SWAC Championship over the weekend.
After defeating the Badgers and handing them their only two losses on the season, the Lady Eagles uncharacteristically had no answers against the Badgers Saturday afternoon. A 15-6 first set lead for the Lady Eagles dwindled quickly and was ultimately the final momentum generated in the three set loss (25-22, 25-21, 25-15).
“That one hurt,” said head coach Danielle Jensen after the game. “Snow played a great game and unfortunately we didn’t answer back like we have throughout the year. We have to make the adjustments when we face a team with that intensity and unfortunately those adjustments were not made and that was the result.”
USU Eastern struggled offensively with only 19 kills in the game. Twenty four errors added to the Lady Eagles’ woes as they became their toughest competitors, making it impossible to swing any momentum in their direction. USU Eastern, who has led the nation in blocking throughout most the season, was out-blocked 12 to five by the Badgers.
“That wasn’t our team that showed up Saturday, nor does the loss define us,” added Jensen. “These girls have accomplished so much this season and have worked so hard to earn the respect that they have been given; this game doesn’t change that and I am so proud to be their coach.”
Unable to secure an automatic bid to the national tournament, No. 4 USU Eastern will now eagerly await the NJCAA to award only two at-large bids that will be announced on Monday, April 5 at 3 p.m. MST.
