By Calvin Jensen, USU Eastern Volleyball

Sterling, COLORADO – Sweeping seems to be something the 20th ranked women’s volleyball team is getting used to.  The Lady Eagles dominated the competition at this weekend’s invitational in Sterling, Colorado against many nationally ranked programs.  On Friday they defeated both Casper College and 16th ranked Northeastern Junior College.

Saturday would prove to be no different for USU Eastern.  They started their afternoon off with an upset against the 11th ranked Iowa Western Reivers with a sweeping score 3-0.  The Lady Eagles dominated at the net and their defense made it impossible for Iowa Western to find any answers to a powerful offensive showing by the Eagles.  The leaders for this game were outside hitter Kiara Richardson with an impressive 16 Kills, middle blocker Kahea Nihipali with 4 Blocks, setter Ashlee McUne with 47 assists, and libero Avery Best with 18 digs.

Receiving national votes this week, Western Nebraska would be a tough task and the Lady Eagles knew it.  That competition would not phase them as they would sweep the weekend tournament with a 3-1 win against the Cougars.   The team was led by outside hitter Kiara Richardson with another 16 kills, middle blocker Kahea Nihipali was an iron wall with her 5 blocks, setter Ashlee McUne ran the offense with 52 assists, and opposite hitter Sunny Perry led with 14 digs.

USU Eastern will finish their tournament play this upcoming weekend as they travel to Scottsbluff, Nebraska to attend the Wyo-Nebraska Invitational.  They will look to continue their record breaking 17-3 start against Sheridan, Trinidad, Western Wyoming, and Eastern Wyoming Colleges.   Cheer on your nationally ranked Lady Eagles via Facebook LIVE on their USU Eastern Women’s Volleyball Page.