LOGAN, Utah – Back on the court after 441 days away, Utah State volleyball opened its postponed 2020 season in a hard-fought five-set loss to Wyoming on Friday.  

Wyoming took the first set, 27-25, while USU bounced back to win sets two and three, each by decisions of 25-20. A late Cowgirl rally gave them a 25-15 win in set four, then the visitors closed out the match with a 15-10 win in the fifth.  

Newcomers stole the show for the Aggies Friday night. Junior outside hitter Kristy Frank led all players with 17 kills, hitting .267 (17-5-45) on the night. Freshman outside hitter Tatum Stall recorded a double-double with 15 kills and 15 digs. Sophomore setter Kalena Vaivai tallied a career-best 46 assists in the match. Utah State hit .120 (54-34-166) on the night, while Wyoming went .170 (51-23-165).

The excitement of the match started early, as the first set went to extra points. The Cowgirls had 10 blocks to USU's two in that first set and closed it out on a service ace. The Aggies gained momentum in the second set, jumping out to an early lead, highlighted by a 5-0 run. Service errors plagued both teams throughout the night, particularly in the third set. A hard kill from Frank secured that win for USU.

The match shifted back to Wyoming's favor for the final two sets, as the Cowgirls had their largest margin of victory in each of those. Two late runs in the fourth gave Wyoming all the momentum. Similarly, UW ended the match on a 5-0 run. 

The Aggies and Cowgirls return to competition on Saturday, Feb. 6, in a 3 p.m. match.

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.