Cougars defeat alumni in three sets

PROVO, Utah — To kick off the 2013 season, BYU women’s volleyball competed in its annual alumni match at the Smith Fieldhouse, defeating the alumni in three sets, 25-13, 25-11, 25-19.

During the first half of the opening set BYU took control, taking an early 9-2 lead with a block from freshman Amy Boswell. Senior middle blocker Kathryn LeCheminant added a trio of kills to keep the momentum going for the Cougars. Sophomore libero Ciara Parker contributed an ace towards the end of the set to extend BYU’s lead. The Cougars took the first set 25-13.

The second set began with both teams exchanging points until sophomore Alexa Gray contributed three consecutive kills to give the Cougars a 7-3 lead.  The alumni had trouble returning several hits from the Cougars, racking up six errors within an eight-point span. Junior Tambre Haddock closed out the set 25-11 with a service ace.

The third set proved to be more challenging for the Cougars. The alumni took their first lead of the match, 5-4, from a BYU service error. The former Cougars remained within a point of BYU until a pair of Hannah Robison kills gave the Cougars a 19-16 edge. Sophomore outside hitter Kimberly Dahl also contributed four kills in the 25-19 Cougar victory.

Boswell led the Cougars during regular play with 10 blocks and two kills, while Dahl added nine kills.

Bryn Porter led the alumni team with eight kills.

BYU played two extra sets after the initial three to continue its preparation for upcoming matches. Redshirt junior Jennifer Hamson joined the alumni team during the fourth set. The Cougars built a slow 10-5 lead after a pair of Boswell kills. Boswell led the team in scoring once again, contributing seven kills and a block. For the alumni, Hamson led with eight kills. The Cougars went on to win the set 25-17.

The fifth set saw the alumni leave the court to make room for more players from this year’s squad. It was blue versus white in the fifth. Points were exchanged early as neither team took a dominant lead. A Gray kill evened the score 13-13, while an 8-0 team run followed. The blue team went on to win the final set 25-15.

The Cougars officially open the season in Ohio as they compete in the Hampton Inn Invitational Friday and Saturday.