By: Calvin Jensen – USU Eastern Athletics
Photo Courtesy of – Jeff Barrett

It was a 5 set, semi-final thriller inside the Sevier Valley Center Friday afternoon as #2 seed USU Eastern women’s volleyball team defeated #3 seed Salt Lake Community College (29-27, 18-25, 25-21, 19-25, and 15-10).

“That semi-final game is always an extremely tough game and I am so proud of the battle that the team had tonight,” said head coach Danielle Jensen. “They stepped up when they needed and were able to keep focus when it was required. They have all the tools they need to come away with a championship title. I want them to come out and have fun playing their game as a team,” added Jensen.

SWAC Defensive Player Of The Year, Emma Ricks, had a career high 43 digs against Salt Lake Community College as she wowed the crowd with her impressive defense. Outside hitter Kamryn Wiese pounded down 14 kills against the Bruins to lead the offense while right side Sunny Perry put down an additional 10 with outside hitter Alyssa Simmons adding 9. Middle blocker Lindsey Otero was big on the net putting up 5 blocks followed by Kahea Nihipali with 3. Camber Dodson had 29 assists followed by Avery Best with 23.

Later that evening, #1 seed Snow College battled a five set thriller of their own as they battled back from a 14-10 deficit in the 5th, defeating #4 seed College of Southern Idaho 16-14. #2 seed USU Eastern advances to the Region XVII SWAC Championship once again taking on the #1 seed, Snow College. The game will be played Saturday, April 3 at 1 p.m. MST at the Sevier Valley Center. USU Eastern is 2-1 against the Badgers this season and will look to avenge a 5 set SWAC Championship loss to the Badgers.