CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah volleyball (2-16, 1-6 WAC) travels three hours north to face Utah Valley (10-9, 6-1 WAC) on Thursday. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT. The matchup marks the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Thunderbirds look to get back in the win column after dropping their last four matches.
Last Time Out
Amaya Tobias turned in a strong all-around performance, leading Southern Utah with 11 kills, two service aces, and six blocks. Asya Akbulut guided the Thunderbird offense with 25 assists, while Aleeya Jones anchored the defense with a team-high 14 digs.
What to Watch
Southern Utah will look to continue improving on offense, as its total kills have increased in each of the past three matches. The Thunderbirds continue to make strides on both sides of the ball, showing improved balance and consistency. Southern Utah has recorded 724 kills and 659 assists this season, with setters creating strong offensive connections and hitters finding more rhythm at the net.
Defensively, the Thunderbirds have tallied 140 total blocks and 806 digs, highlighting their effort to extend rallies and control momentum. With 88 service aces, Southern Utah's serving game remains a steady strength as the team pushes forward in WAC play. The Thunderbirds have also improved their total blocks and digs over the last three matches, a trend they aim to continue.
Scouting the Wolverines
Utah Valley enters the matchup with momentum in conference play, boasting a .205 hitting percentage while averaging 12.4 kills per set. The Wolverines have shown strong offensive balance, recording 792 assists on the season and maintaining consistency in their attack. From the service line, Utah Valley averages 1.5 aces per set, using pressure serves to keep opponents off balance.
Defensively, the Wolverines have been one of the WAC's toughest teams at the net, averaging 3.4 blocks per set and totaling 240 team blocks. They've also remained steady in the back row, collecting 933 digs while holding opponents to a .169 hitting percentage. Utah Valley's combination of efficient offense and dominant blocking presence has been key to its success through conference play.
Head Coach Danielle Jensen
"Utah Valley is a talented team, and we are excited to get back on the court and play against them. We will need to be consistent and work on finishing to get a win. There is growth each day with our team, and they are excited to keep showing it on the court."
Game Information
Opponent: Utah Valley Wolverines
Date/Time: Thursday, October 30 - 6:00 PM MT
Location: Lockhart Arena - Orem, Utah
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Here
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