After a long stretch of road games, the Cougars are looking to continue their nine-game win streak in sunny California. The BYU women’s volleyball team is heading out to compete in two regular season match-ups this weekend.
Earlier this week BYU secured another victory, defeating Utah State. After a standout performance by junior Kendalyn Hartsock, the Cougars plan to keep up the level of play.
The Cougars will face the Cal State Fullerton Titans (4-5) on Friday at 8 p.m. The Titans are coming off a loss to South Dakota and figure to be hungry for a win.
“First we are focused on beating Fullerton,” Hartsock said. “Nothing else matters right now. You can never underestimate any team, so we are just focused on one match at a time.”
BYU has had a few days to rest and prepare for this weekend’s matches, and Olmstead said this should help ensure the team will come out playing hard on Friday.
“Even when the stats aren’t on our side, we can always depend on the kids playing with heart,” Olmstead said.
That dedication is what has helped the Cougars be so successful so far this season.
“It’s exciting to be on a winning team and it’s a lot of hard work,” Hartsock said. “We just have to treat every match like it’s the most important one of our season.”
BYU plays its second match of the weekend on Saturday, challenging the Cal State Northridge Matadors (6-5).
“We have been playing on the road a lot and it is tiring,” Olmstead said, “but we have matches we need to take care of.”
The Cougars will have played in six consecutive away games after this weekend’s matches. They will return to Provo to take on Saint Mary’s on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Smith Fieldhouse.
