After a nail-biter neck and neck game, the Utah Tech University volleyball team lost 0-3 to Utah Valley University.
Utah Tech started strong by getting the first point on the scoreboard from an attack error made by UVU. They continued to fight against UVU in the first set as they ended with seven kills, two service aces and four blocks. Unfortunately, the Trailblazers fell behind and lost the first set 20-25.
Whittnee Nihipali, a senior psychology major from Las Vegas, had the highest kill count in the game with a total of 13 kills. Along with 26 total attacks and six digs, helping achieve 13.5 points for Utah Tech.
In a close game, like this one, Nihipali said having a close team bond bolsters up the teammates as they can fall back on the trust they have for each other.
Mykenna Nelson, a senior sports management major from Phoenix, Arizona, said: “We are able to stay calmer and not get so frantic because we all know that we have each other’s backs. We have a lot of trust in each other and that all comes from team bonding and being a family.”
In the second set, the Trailblazers started by winning the first point. UVU fought back and gained a lead. The Trailblazers never lost its fight coming back to tie 8-8. They continued to stay on UVU’s heels but fell short ending with a 19-25 score. During the set, Utah Tech had a total of 14 kills and 37 attack attempts.
“Little things broke down, like passing, in certain spots but we can always get better at that,” Nihipali said.
With much endurance and energy, the Trailblazers entered the third set with a kill by #5, Bridgett Talia, a senior psychology major from Salt Lake City. After a tough battle, the Trailblazers ended up just a couple of points behind UVU, losing 20-25 in the third set.
Even after a well-put-up fight, the Trailblazer lost all three sets.
The Trailblazers ended with a total of 32 kills, 93 total attacks, 31 assists and 32 digs.
Head coach Camilla Hafoka said going back to the basics, like passing and serving, will be the focus next practice. Reinforcing those skills, hopefully, will help the Trailblazer secure a win the next time they play UVU.
The Utah Tech volleyball team will be on the road this weekend at Southern Utah University. Their game is Sept. 24 at noon.
