BYU volleyball: Inspired Cougars knock off top-ranked UC Irvine
By James Davis
Deseret News
PROVO — The BYU men's volleyball team was up for the challenge of hosting No. 1-ranked UC Irvine on Thursday night, coming away with a dominating 3-1 upset.
In spite of an awful second set as the Cougars hit -.027 as a team, BYU held the upper hand for most of the rest of the match to grab the big Mountain Pacific Sports Federation victory (30-24, 20-30, 30-18, 30-28). The Cougars (15-9, 11-6) and Anteaters (19-4, 14-3 MPSF) meet up again tonight at 7.
"After Northridge, my guys have kind of made this paradigm shift where we've agreed to play as a team," BYU coach Shawn Patchell said. "We've been playing better and getting better and we're peaking at the right time."
Kent Tuttle, who had 10 kills while hitting .350 for the Cougars in the match, left the game late in the first set after diving into the stands after a ball. For his efforts, Tuttle missed the second set, earning 10 staples to the head before then returning in the third.
"It was a little tough just to come right back in after sitting out a whole came," he said. "But I just kept telling Yamil (Perez) to keep setting me the ball so I could get back in a groove and we were able to do that."
After the dismal 30-20 showing in the second set, the Cougars came out of the break an inspired team in the third. Leading 6-5, the Cougars went on a 6-0 run with Perez serving to go up 12-5. The Cougars didn't stop, pushing the lead to as much as 13 before winning 30-18.
"Besides just serving, (Perez) set the ball extremely well and he forced the middle of the court," Patchell said. "I think that was one of his best nights setting — and serving, he's one of our best serving."
The Cougars got some nice blocking and rode an 8-1 run to go up 17-11 in the fourth. Backed against the wall the Anteaters showed some fight and closed the gap to 20-17. BYU then pushed back to win 30-28.
"We have more work to do tomorrow night," Patchell said. "We can really help ourselves in the MPSF with another win (tomorrow)."
E-MAIL: jdavis@desnews.com
Comments
- Health care exchange not taking off 6:22 p.m.
- No prison for couple in scheme 6:21 p.m.
- Sources say Halladay to Phillies 5:55 p.m.
- House gives Real honor 5:53 p.m.
- Church museum has Latin exhibits 5:52 p.m.
- Streetcars could pump life into city 5:51 p.m.
- Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney 5:35 p.m.
- Gray dances away with dignity 5:17 p.m.
- Parlor games to enliven parties 5:17 p.m.
- Eco-friendly holiday packaging 5:17 p.m.
- Wet spot found in Powell's home
- Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney
- Y. opponent nearly smelled roses
- D-Will treats military families to party
- MWC looks better in basketball
- Maynor amazed by L.A. fans
- Pace happy not to be noticed
- High school football: All-region teams
- Jazz Extra: Starting 5
- BYU singers compete in 'Sing Off'
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
178 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness152
- Gay-friendly curriculum phased out140
- LDS to emphasize helping needy125
- Jazz fall apart late at L.A.110
- Unga might enter NFL draft106
- BYU to wear royal blue uniforms101
- Disappearance called 'suspicious'96
- TV mom gives birth to 19th child95
- Choir, guests unwrap musical magic82
 |
Minnesota at Utah |
| Game starts at: 7:00 p.m. MST |
Gary Andersen is stockpiling recruits and getting commitments from...
Latest comments
One team has played in the National Championship in the modern era. ESPN put...
It's interesting to note in the book "Hot Springs & Hot Pools of the...
"A non-BYU student cannot be held to BYU's Honor Code. What about that...
A couple of years and USU will be competing on the field with Utah and BYU,...
Put them in jail! Wow a little tears and everything is forgiven!
What I've noticed is that the less well-known a product is, the louder the...
that now that we have an attorney retained we should be ready for some...
This is no solution. It is pure desperation and states very clearly that all...
Way to go Mr & Mrs Deron Williams - he has to have a great wife that supports...
Nutter was right. You already know there are 8 students with nut allergies....
You can be the first to comment on this story.