Women's Volleyball 10/2/2018 3:57:00 PM Taylor Whitson - SUU Athletics Strategic Communication

SUU Prepares for Packed Week of Big Sky Conference Play

PREVIEW | SUU Prepares for Packed Week of Big Sky Conference Play

CEDAR CITY, Utah -- The Southern Utah University volleyball looks ahead to a busy five day span in which they will play three home matches. On Thursday, October 4, the Thunderbirds will face the Grizzlies of University of Montana, then play the Bobcats of Montana State University on Saturday, October 6 University and finally the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona University on Monday, October 8.

"As an athlete and coach during this time of year, you are ready and hungry to compete," said head coach Pete Hoyer "We have been grinding things out since August and to be able to play three home games in a row - that's exciting. Competing, learning and immediately applying lessons into the next game is fun. It's all we can ask for. Our focus is still largely on our side of the net and we are excited to showcase our growth within the next week of play."

Last Time Out

The Thunderbirds split last weeks play where they fell 3-1 to Sacramento State University on Thursday, September 27, then defeated Portland State University 3-1 on Saturday, September 29. SUU is now 1-3 in Big Sky Conference play, 2-14 overall.

Janet Kalaniuvalu lead the Thunderbird offense with 41 kills, followed by both Emma Mangum and Katie Montgomery who had 15 kills a piece on the week. Libero Miahna Waters led defensively with 33 digs followed by Kalaniuvalu who had 28. Setter Alexis Averett posted a season high number of digs at 14 during the Portland State match, totaling 25 digs for the week along with 88 assists and seven points.

Opponent Preview: University of Montana (6-10, 3-1 Big Sky)

The Grizzlies went 1-1 in last weeks conference play, winning an early week match 3-2 on Tuesday, September 25, against Montana State University and then dropping 0-3 to University of Northern Colorado on Thursday, September 27.

Offensively, outside hitter Mykaela Hammer leads the Grizzlies with five solo blocks and 170 kills on the season, 21 of them coming from last weeks play. Missie Huddleston follows second in kills with 110, though zero successful attacks came from last weeks play. The Grizzlies defense is split between three players, Sarina Moreno with 186 digs, Maddy Marshall with 148 and Huddleston with 145.

Allison Lawrence is in her second year as head coach of the Grizzlies.

In their last meeting, SUU lost to UM 3-2 on Oct. 19, 2017.

Opponent Preview: Montana State University (6-9, 1-3 Big Sky)

The Bobcats fell in both conference matches last week, dropping the first 3-2 to the Grizzlies of University of Montana on Tuesday, September 25, and the second 3-0 to the Bears of the University of Northern Colorado on Friday, September 28.

Evi Scott and Hannah Wilson lead the attack for the Bobcats with 159 and 154 kills on the season. Libero Alyssa Rizzori holds her own on defense and from the service line earning the team high in both digs with 334 and aces with 22.

This is the first year Daniel Jones has been named the official head coach of the Bobcats.

In their last meeting, SUU lost 3-1 to MSU on Oct. 21, 2017.

Opponent Preview: Northern Arizona University (10-7, 2-2 Big Sky)

In last weeks play, the Lumberjacks beat the Portland State Vikings on Thursday, September 27, then lost 3-2 to the Hornets of Sacramento State University on Saturday, September 29.

Redshirt senior Kaylee Jorgenson proves to be the Lumberjacks all-around player, tallying the most kills on the season with 208, 12 solo blocks and 271 digs. Defensive specialist Jordan Anderson leads the team with 315 digs. Setter Abby Stomp has 383 assists, averaging 5.47 assists per set.

Ken Murphey enters his sixth season as head coach for the Lumberjacks.

In their last meeting, SUU lost 3-0 to NAU on Nov. 11, 2017.

Live Stats/Live Stream

A live stream for all of Southern Utah's mentioned matches will be available on PlutoTV and WatchBigSky.com

Follow Us

Stay updated on the Thunderbirds 24/7 by following @SUUVolleyball on Twitter and Instagram along with liking the Southern Utah Volleyball page on Facebook.
Fans can visit www.tbirdtickets.com to purchase tickets for the 2018 Thunderbird volleyball season.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#4 Alexis Averett: S; 5' 10"; Junior

#10 Janet Kalaniuvalu: OH; 6' 2"; Sophomore

#3 Emma Mangum: OH/MB; 6' 4"; Freshman

#1 Miahna Waters: L; 5' 8"; Freshman

#13 Katie Montgomery: MH; 6' 2"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#4 Alexis Averett
: 5' 10"; Junior
: S

#10 Janet Kalaniuvalu
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: OH

#3 Emma Mangum
: 6' 4"; Freshman
: OH/MB

#1 Miahna Waters
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: L

#13 Katie Montgomery
: 6' 2"; Freshman
: MH