The BYU women's volleyball team looks more and more unbeatable in conference play after sweeping Gonzaga (25-20, 25-14, 25-17) on the road Oct. 19. The win contributes to the Cougars' dominance in the West Coast Conference as the only undefeated team.
Junior Hannah Robison led the Cougars in this match with 12 kills on 21 attempts, seven blocks and two service aces. A close second in kills was sophomore Alexa Gray with eight kills and three blocks.
Jessica Jardine celebrates a play in the win over Gonzaga. (Photo courtesy BYU Athletics)
Sophomore libero Ciara Parker had nine digs, and junior setter Camry Godfrey had 32 assists. Freshman Whitney Young was especially impressive defensively with a new career high of 12 total blocks.
'This was a very nice win for our team,' said head coach Shawn Olmstead. 'A great match by the entire group. Alexa (Gray) and Hannah (Robison) were on fire at the pins. Ciara (Parker) made some huge digs. I'm happy for this team.'
BYU gained a quick 6-2 lead in the first set before the Bulldogs came up from behind and within just one point 14-13. The teams traded points most of the match with neither team holding more than a one-point advantage. A pair of Gray kills helped boost the Cougars to a 20-18 advantage. BYU then took off on a 6-1 run, and a Robison kill won the set 25-20.
Gonzaga held a 4-0 lead in the second set before the Cougars matched that with a 4-0 lead of their own. BYU then rode the momentum, taking a 14-8 lead over the Bulldogs. Robison again finished the set with a pair of kills 25-14.
The score stayed close in the third set, tying the game 10 times until BYU went on a 5-0 run. This put the Cougars ahead 18-12, and BYU pushed to finish the match 25-17.
The Cougars continue conference play on the road next week to play Pacific for the second time this season at 8 p.m. on Oct. 24.