LOGAN, Utah – Utah State volleyball (14-6, 6-2 MW) capped off a perfect week Saturday, sweeping San Diego State in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.
The Aggies got off to a good start with a 25-16 win in the first set. The Aztecs pushed the second set to extra points, but USU pulled off the 28-26 victory. Utah State then secured the sweep, taking the third set, 25-19.
Junior middle blocker Kennedi Boyd continued her hot hitting streak Saturday, leading the Aggies with 10 kills and a .643 hitting percentage. Junior setter Kalena Vaivai posted a team-high 20 assists, while sophomore libero Abby Peterson led with 16 digs. Boyd and senior middle blocker Corinne Larsen each put up five blocks on the day.
The Aztecs scored the first point of the match, but the Aggies led for the remainder of the set. A 5-0 run helped USU build up the advantage, where it led by double digits until the 24-15 mark. The Aggies carried that momentum into the early minutes of the second set, but San Diego State battled back with a 5-0 run out of the media timeout. The Aztecs found their biggest lead of the day at the 23-19 point, but the Aggies responded with six-straight points. The two teams then alternated set points, before USU closed it out with back-to-back kills from sophomore outside hitter Tatum Stall and senior outside Kristy Frank.
Much like the first two sets, Utah State utilized an early run to gain momentum and the advantage. Junior opposite side hitter Kenadee Christensen made her Aggie debut in the third set, subbing in to serve once. The match ended on a high note, as sophomore middle Inka Mehtola put up a huge block, and the final point came on a service ace from Vaivai.
Utah State hit above .300 for the fifth time this season, posting a .323 (43-11-99) attack. The defense held San Diego State to .152 (39-22-112).
The Aggies have a split week of competition coming up. The team will play at Boise State on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m., then return home to host Fresno State on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 1 p.m.
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.
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