Calvin Jensen, Sports Information Director, Utah State Eastern
Photo courtesy of Darryl A. Wells
After a strong 2-0 start to their tournament weekend, the 15th ranked USU Eastern women’s volleyball team picked up right where they left of Saturday morning as they faced the Thunderbirds of Casper College. The Lady Eagles picked up the win as they swept Casper in three sets 25-18, 25-16, and 25-19.
Freshman outside hitter Kennedi Knudsen led the offense with 11 kills followed closely behind by another Lady Eagle freshman, Haley McUne with 10 kills of her own. Freshman setter Katie Compas picked up 17 assists and 22 digs were earned by freshman libero Paige Shumway.
“The chemistry in these first three games has been amazing to watch,” said head Coach Danielle Jensen. “We have a very young team who have faced some of the toughest competition in the country. These girls are making adjustments from game to game by being coachable and that is what is making all the difference for them right now.”
In the final game of the tournament, USU Eastern would face 11th ranked Central Wyoming in a much-anticipated showdown in front of a mass of Eagle fans. The momentum of four straight victories wouldn’t fade and the Lady Eagles played their most impressive game of the season against the Rustlers.
After taking the first two sets confidently with scores of 25-20 and 25-14, the Lady Eagles would come up just short in a thrilling third set battle, 24-26. USU Eastern had no intentions of letting Central Wyoming take another set and sailed into their fifth straight victory, pulling off the upset with a final set score of 25-19.
Knudsen continues to be an offensive threat for the Lady Eagles tallying 17 kills against the Rustlers. Freshman middle blocker Casidy Fried had an impressive showing at the net with 8 kills hitting a .412 percentage and putting up 5 blocks. McUne led with 22 digs defensively while Shumway picked up 21 of her own. Freshman setter Jenna Thorkelson organized the offense with 25 assists.
“Every member of this team has had to work through so much and it all came together today. We knew this was going to have to be a high energy game and they all stepped up starting with our bench. Their energy spilled onto the court and they used that energy to come away with the win,” added Jensen.
The Lady Eagles will continue their preseason on the road, continuing to place themselves against some of the best teams in the nation. With just a couple days at home, the team will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada to play in a six-game tournament which includes three nationally ranked opponents. The action begins Thursday against Arizona Western at 1:00 PM PST in Vegas.
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