MVLB–Cougars Pounce the Tigers

Being second in BYU's blocking record (rally-scoring era), Futi Tavana (#17) came out to beat that record and beat it he did. Futi now has 541 blocks in his all time BYU career. He and the rest of the Cougars came out that night to get a straight, three set sweep against the Tigers of the Pacific. The all around hitting was led by, of course, Taylor Sander (#15) posting 11 kills on the board. Senior opposite, Robb Stowell (#13) came swinging on the backside with nine kills. Puerto Rican standout, Josue Rivera (#6) came out putting down 7 kills for points as well. Futi lead the team in blocking tonight with a total of 6 blocks. Senior setter, Joe Kauliakamoa (#8) posted 33 kill assists. Freshman libero, Jaylen Reyes (#12) lead all players with 6 digs.

Set one started off with back to back points with small leads and ties from both teams. The Cougars had big swings, but errors in serving and passing would keep the Tigers close on the Cougars tails. With three kills each from outsides Sander and Rivera, the Cougars would take set one, 25-23.

With a little bit of water and a pep talk from Coach Chris McGown, the second set proved to be a completely different story. The Cougars were lead in this set by both Stowell and Sander with four kills. BYU took the lead to start the game and never lost it. With two service aces from Sander and Futi in the middle, the Cougars ran away with this set, 25-12.

The third and final set was a bit of a wake up call for the Tigers, but Pacific wouldn't come very close. In the beginning, the Tigers kept it close with the Cougars. BYU realized that the Tigers were stepping on their tail, and ran away to leave them in the dust, 20-12. Pacific would only see the scoreboard six more times before the Cougars hit 25. The third set was finished by Josue Rivera, securing a three set sweep.