Utah, USU sweep opponents in volleyball

LAS VEGAS — Junior opposite hitter Karolina Bartkowiak recorded her second consecutive double-double as the University of Utah volleyball swept UNLV (25-20, 25-16, 25-23) in its Mountain West Conference road opener Thursday at Cox Pavilion. The Utes have now won 18 consecutive conference matches dating back to Sept. 18, 2008.

The Utes currently enjoy a four-match win streak, which ties as their longest of the season. Utah has now also won four consecutive sets in conference play.

Utah (10-5, 4-0 MWC) was led by Bartkowiak, who recorded a team-high 11 kills with only one error while taking 17 swings to go along with 10 digs and three blocks. The Aurora, Ill., native now has five career double-doubles, all coming this season.

The Utes outhit the Rebels .371 to .220 in the match and also gained an 8-4 edge in team blocks over their hosts. Utah's .371 hitting percentage was its second-highest mark of the season and the highest recorded in conference play thus far.

Featuring a balanced offensive attack throughout the night, five other Utes — Chelsey Sandberg, Danielle Killpack, Cinthia Silva, Sarah Hibbert and Jennifer Lanting — hit for at least five kills in the match.

Utah has the remainder of the weekend off before hosting in-state rival Weber State Tuesday at 7 p.m.

UTAH STATE 3, SAN JOSE STATE 0: At Logan, junior middle blocker Katie Astle recorded six kills to help the Aggies defeat San Jose State 25-18, 26-24, 25-14 in a Western Athletic Conference match.

USU improves to 9-6 overall and 1-2 in the WAC with the win, while SJSU falls to 0-13 on the season and 0-3 in league play with the loss.

Sophomore outside hitter Liz McArthur had a team-high nine kills for Utah State, while sophomore opposite side hitter Emily Kortsen finished the match with seven kills and 10 digs.

Junior libero Christine Morrill had a team-high 13 digs for USU to go along with two service aces. Utah State will return to action on Saturday when it hosts Boise State in the Smith Spectrum at 7 p.m.

NORTH DAKOTA STATE 3, SOUTHERN UTAH 0: At Cedar City, the Thunderbirds dropped a 25-15, 25-14, 25-18 decision. The loss drops the Thunderbirds to 4-11 on the season and 2-4 in Summit League play, while NDSU moves to 11-3 and 7-0 in conference play.