Aug. 24, 2007

TUCSON, Ariz. - Utah State's volleyball team lost its season opener Friday morning to the University of Arizona in three games (30-24, 30-26, 30-25) in the first match of the 2007 Sheraton Wildcat Classic.

Utah State was led by junior outside hitter Melissa Osterloh (Sandy, Utah) who recorded a double-double in the match with 11 kills and 13 digs. USU also got a solid performance from senior opposite side hitter Amanda Nielson (West Valley City, Utah) who had 12 kills and six digs.

Arizona had four players notch double-digits in kills led by Tiffany Owens who had 13 to go along with eight digs.

Both offenses played well in game one as Arizona hit a blistering .389 (19-5-36) and Utah State hit .297 (16-5-37). Game two was just the opposite for both clubs as USU hit .073 (13-10-41), while the Wildcats hit .130 (15-9-46). Arizona concluded the match by hit .293 (17-5-41) in the third game, while Utah State was held to a .111 (13-9-36) hitting percentage.

Utah State returns to action at 6 p.m. (MT) Friday evening against Saint Mary's who defeated Eastern Washington in three games (30-11, 30-27, 30-24) in the second match of the tournament on Friday.

Arizona 3, Utah State 0
USU           24            26            25
UA            30            30            30