By Brent Hinckley
The men”s volleyball team seemed to be inspired by Shamu as the team regained its killer instinct and swept the UC San Diego Tritons 30-28, 30-25, 30-24.
The Cougars, who paid a visit to Sea World Wednesday, swept the Tritons for their 21st win of the season.
BYU and UCSD came out fighting in game one and kept pace with each other throughout most of the game. The teams traded the lead several times during the game.
With the score 20-19, the Cougars went on a 5-2 run to take a commanding lead. However the Tritons marched back and knotted the game at 27.
Two consecutive points earned by junior middle blocker Rafael Paal gave the Cougars game point, which they won as junior outside hitter Jaime Mayol killed the ball with the assist coming from Paal. Paal also led all players with six blocks.
“We were a lot better than last night,” senior libero Mike Wilton said. “We made the right adjustments and took care of business.”
Game two was similar to the first as both teams came out exchanging kills and playing a close game. With the score tied at 17, three consecutive Triton errors gave the Cougars their most solid lead of the game, and they pulled out to a 30-25 win.
Senior opposite hitter Mike Wall led the Cougars with five kills in the game. Wall finished the night with 13 kills on 20 attacks. Senior outside hitter Joaquin Acosta was just behind Wall with 11 kills on 24 attacks.
Being down 2-0, motivated the Tritons, and they came out strong in game three, leading for a good part of the game. Junior middle blocker Eric Perrine led the Tritons with 11 kills on 23 swings, but it was not enough for San Diego, as it was overpowered by the Cougars, who won game three 30-25 to sweep the match and the series.
“I have a lot of respect for them,” sophomore middle blocker Chris Gorny said. “Coming out and playing hard every night knowing you”re going to lose.”
Coach Carl McGown told his team; the wins over UCSD were a good way for the team to prepare for their weekend matches against Hawaii.
The matches against Hawaii have serious playoff implications for the Cougars. The results could determine whether the Cougars earn a two, four, or even a six seed in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation tournament.
The Cougars are 12-10 all-time against the Warriors, but have not fared well when playing in Hawaii”s Stan Sheriff Center. BYU has only won three of the last 10 matches played in Hawaii, including the team”s last visit in 2000, when it won three games to two.
The No. 4 Cougars and No. 2 Warriors face-off Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. M.D.T.
The games will be Webcast through the Hawaii athletic website at: http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
