The loss to Loyola Chicago in the first round of the NCAA tournament last week marked the end of the BYU women’s volleyball season.
Loyola-Chicago swept the Cougars 0-3 (25-20,25-21,25-17). BYU had only been shut out one other time earlier this season — against Utah. The Cougars entered into the tournament with a No. 5 seed.
This was the Cougars' second year in the Big 12, and they were of six teams that the Big 12 send to the NCAA tournament.
Overall, they finished 19-10, 12-6 in conference play. They landed sixth in the conference. During the season, BYU played 113 total sets throughout their 30-match season.
Players that made their marks this season:
Brielle Kemavor: The outside blocker was honored twice this season for Big 12 weekly awards and was selected to play on the All-Big 12 team. Kemavor led the team this season with 166 total blocks. Being a leader on the defense throughout the season, she played in all 113 sets this season being a defensive power.
Alex Bower: This freshman setter was setting rookie expectations throughout the season. Not only did she also play all 113 sets, but she was also selected for Big 12 weekly awards twice, earning the rookie of the week. She had a total of 1,131 assists. Being an offensive power on the team, Bower also had 29 aces.
Claire Little: Little had 427 kills on the team which led the team. Little was also second on the team for aces, with 30 on the season. Being an upperclassman this season, she has been a leader on the court for this young team.
BYU was a standout this season in the Big 12. Because of this, four athletes were selected to the All-Big 12 teams.
This season, the Cougars are saying goodbye to three seniors — Kalia Thunstrom, Alyssa Erickson, Elyse Stowell, as well as graduate student Kjersti Strong. Along with this goodbye to four teammates, they will also be gaining four new teammates as well for the 2025 season — Anna Blamires, Suliane Davis, Grace Fredrick and Kaylee Tingey.
There are questions for next season. How will the Cougars' young team compare to others in the Big 12? Will they be missing key leadership and tenured athletes on the court? Will BYU continue to climb up those Big 12 rankings?
As the offseason starts for the Cougars, they are already eager to see what they can do next season.