No. 21 BYU women's volleyball battles in a tight, 4-set loss to Arizona

Under the glow of McKale Center’s arena lights, the BYU women’s volleyball team stepped into Arizona territory with intensity.

A mix of both Wildcats fans and Cougar supporters wanted a win for their team. The game consisted of long rallies, powerful swings, and a tug-of war between the two teams, both hungry for a win.

In the end, Arizona defeated BYU 3-1.

The No. 21 Cougars came out swinging with Sophia Callahan leading the charge with her 14 kills on an impressive .481 hitting percentage. Next to her was Suli Davis, the freshman standout who had 20 kills and 15 digs, bringing the team fierce energy.

The Cougars took the second set 25-21, after dropping a tight 26-24 first set. The third and fourth sets mirrored the tension of the first, with Arizona coming out ahead of BYU 25-22 and 26-22.

Setter Alex Bower led her offense with 40 assists feeding her hitters with ease. Outside hitter Claire Little Chambers added 10 kills and 12 sits, while middle blockers Elena Wallace and Brielle Kemavor combined for seven blocks.

It was Arizona’s Jordan Wilson who was the difference-maker on the opposing side, hammering down 24 kills for the Wildcats’.

“We just decided that it’s time for us to get it together. We have to prove to people that we’re strong, we should be in the top 15, top 25, and that we work our hardest everyday in the gym to come out here and beat these teams,” Wilson said after the match.

Despite the tough loss, BYU played hard and still remains among the Big 12’s elite.

The Cougars lead in hitting percentage and rank near the top in kills, assists, and aces. The team now turns toward a Friday showdown with No. 8 Arizona State, hoping to bounce back from this game.