By Calvin Jensen, USU Eastern Sports Information Contributor
The USU Eastern women’s volleyball team put on quite the show inside the Bunnell-Dmitrich Athletic Center Thursday night. In front of a packed crowd, the Lady Eagles defeated the College of Southern Idaho, sweeping the conference series against the reigning national champions for the first time in school history.
CSI entered the contest after winning a major upset against #11 Salt Lake Community College; however, the Lady Eagles matched that momentum and then some throughout the game. In the 3-1 victory (25-20, 25-20, 21-25 and 25-22) outside hitter Kiara Richardson and right side hitter Sunny Perry again impressed offensively. Richardson hammered down 14 kills with an impressive four blocks on the night. Perry matched those kills at 14 and again reached a career-high defensive showing with an impressive 22 digs on the back row. Middle blocker Kahea Nihipali had a big presence on the net with nine kills and two blocks while national front-runner Ashlee McUne added 38 assists, two blocks and one ace on the night.
“CSI is a well-coached program and we knew the momentum they would have coming into this game. I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from the team; their mental and physical toughness right now is very exciting to watch. They are working hard in and out of practice and it is definitely showing as we continue to see improvement individually and as a team each week. I want to thank for the community of fans for the energy they help create for our team; it adds so much in our success here at home,” said head coach Danielle Jensen.
In a crucial home contest, the 17th ranked Lady Eagles will take on the 10th ranked Bruins of Salt Lake this Saturday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. With a two-way tie in SWAC standings, a win would give USU Eastern sole possession of second place and the momentum as they finish out their final three conference games of the season.
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- Photos by Jeff Barrett
