BYU’s Men’s Volleyball Dominates Weekend Series Against Concordia University Irvine
No. 7 BYU’s excitement surged as they clinched back-to-back victories in convincing style against Concordia University Irvine (CUI) at the Smith Fieldhouse this past weekend amidst a month-long hiatus since their last home game on February 24th, where they split a series with reigning national champion UCLA.
Friday’s showdown witnessed an exceptional display of talent and teamwork as the Cougars swept aside Concordia with set scores of 25-21, 29-27, and 25-21.
Senior Jon Stanley emerged as a standout performer, delivering a career-high seven kills, while Luke Benson led the offensive charge with an impressive 20 kills.
The Cougars’ .286 hitting percentage, coupled with their solid defensive play, effectively stifled Concordia’s offense, limiting them to a .155 clip.
The victory not only extended BYU’s home record to 8-5 but also marked their first sweep since February 10, igniting excitement among fans and players alike.
Saturday’s rematch proved to be a continuation of the Cougars’ dominance on the court as they secured another sweep with set scores of 25-16, 25-12, and 25-19.
Benson once again showcased his power with 18 kills, complemented by Kupono Browne’s solid nine kills. The team’s depth and talent were further highlighted by Teon Taylor’s impressive hitting percentage of .571 and Gavin Julien’s crucial defensive contributions.
The weekend series served as a testament to BYU’s relentless pursuit of excellence, leaving little doubt about their readiness for postseason play. With each player fulfilling their role with precision and determination, the Cougars demonstrated the strength of their collective effort and the depth of their talent pool.
As the regular season draws to a close, BYU men’s volleyball stands on the brink of postseason success, poised to make a statement on the national stage. The Cougars remain focused, with their eyes firmly set on further victories and championship aspirations.
There’s a bittersweet atmosphere surrounding the team as they bid farewell to their graduating seniors.
Gavin Julien will be missed for his consistent reliability in the middle blocking position over the past four years, anchoring the team’s defense with his expertise at the net.
Jon Stanley’s crafty serves and knack for scoring during clutch moments have been invaluable to the team, and his transition to an offensive weapon on the outside this past year has been remarkable to witness.
Kupono Browne’s passion and power on the right side have left an indelible mark on the team, with his impressive 20+ kill season highs for three consecutive years showcasing his immense talent and dedication.
Seniors Kupono Browne, Gavin Julien and Jon Stanley have been instrumental in the team’s journey and their legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of BYU volleyball players and fans.
As BYU looks to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the Cougars do so with confidence and determination, united in their pursuit of greatness and driven by a shared desire to leave an impact on the sport they love.
Up next, BYU will travel to meet USC for the last matches of the regular season, with the first encounter scheduled for Friday, April 5th. The games will begin at 7 p.m. MT at the Galen Center, and viewers can catch the action via streaming on Pac-12 Live.
Make sure to tune in and support the team as they close out their regular season competition.
