USAFA, Colo. – Utah State volleyball continued its first week of Mountain West play Thursday, falling to Air Force in four sets.

The Falcons opened the match with a 25-18 win in the first set, but the Aggies bounced back to take the second, 25-19. Air Force went on to take sets three and four by scores of 25-19 and 25-21, respectively. USU's win in the second marked its first set victory since Sept. 7.

Freshman outside hitter Hailey Cuff had the best match of her young career Thursday, as she recorded a double-double with 16 kills and 12 digs, career highs in both categories. She is the third Aggie to post a double-double this season. Two other USU players joined Cuff with double-digit digs, as freshman libero Grace DuBay and senior defensive specialist Ally Packard each tallied 11. Utah State continued its strong blocking performance, putting up 10 to Air Force's seven, where sophomore middle blocker Corinne Larsen led with seven. 

Utah State led nearly start-to-finish in the second set, and kept each of the other three close through the majority of play. Air Force built up a sizable lead in each of its winning sets, but the Aggies crept back closer each time. 

As a team, USU hit .174 (41-18-132) on the night, compared to Air Force's .224 (61-26-156).

Utah State returns home next week for a pair of Mountain West matches. The Aggies will host San José State on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., then Nevada on Saturday, Oct. 5, at noon.

Fans can follow the Aggie volleyball program on Twitter, @USUVolleyball, on Facebook at /USUVolleyball or on Instagram, @usuvolleyball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.