The BYU women’s volleyball team lengthened its win streak after defeating the BYU-Hawaii Seasiders in straight sets (25-19, 25-15, 25-20) on Wednesday night in Provo.
The Cougars led the entire first set thanks to sophomore Jennifer Hamson and senior Christie Carpenter who combined for 11 kills and six digs.
However, the Seasiders did not make it easy for the Cougars, with both freshman Shih Ting Chen and junior Lauren Hagemeyer contributing six kills each.
“‘[Chen] was difficult for us to defend because she could get on the ball pretty well and could move the ball pretty well,” BYU head coach Shawn Olmstead said.
BYU-Hawaii came within two points of the Cougars’ lead, but the BYU hitters were too strong for the Seasiders’ defense.
“The hitters helped make the difference tonight,” Carpenter said. “Everyone hit really well. Heather [Hannemann] was dishing the ball out so we were all able to contribute.”
BYU finished the first set strong and won 25-19.
BYU-Hawaii started the second set off with the lead, but the Cougar defense soon shut down the Seasiders’ hopes of a victory. The Cougars led by as many as 12 points during the second set. Junior setterHannemann had a total of 15 assists in the second set alone to boost the Cougar offense.
“When the passing is there, it’s fun. We just ran the offense and ran every hitter to get the girls going,” Hannmemann said.
The Cougars finished off the second match, winning 25-15.
By the third set, both teams came out and battled defensively until the Seasiders failed to find an answer for Hamson’s hard-hitting serve.
“Jen Hamson is always a big-time player for us,” Carpenter said, “but all of the players contributed.”
Hamson finished with 15 kills, while freshman Katie Vaughn had 11 and Carpenter topped it off with nine. Hannemann had 42 assists and five digs. Both Kathryn Lecheminant and Vaughn contributed defensively, blocking the Seasiders’ hardest hits. It was a total team victory, with the Cougars ending the final set 25-20 in the 3-0 match.
Following the Cougar victory, Olmstead said, “A win is a win and we are excited about that. That always helps and it helps the kids feel more comfortable. We will keep getting better.”
The Cougars have a busy upcoming schedule, playing three games in two days this weekend. BYU will take on UC Riverside, Eastern Michigan and Utah in the Utah Invitational on Friday and Saturday.
