MVLB–The Return of the King

For years now, the Waves of Pepperdine have always lead in victories against the Cougars, but tonight was a turning point. As the Cougars of BYU welcomed Pepperdine to the Smith Fieldhouse, they also welcomed back someone else. Returning from a major injury and a four week standby to lead his team is sophomore sensation TAYLOR SANDER (#15). With only a single practice before the game, Sander was still able to pound out Pepperdine with 21 kills for the night. He also put out 4 blocks against the Waves as well. On the back side of the setter was senior opposite Robb Stowell (#13) knocking out 16 points for the Cougars. In the middle was Russ Lavaja (#5) with 11 kills, and Futi Tavana with a season high of 10 blocks.

Pepperdines swinging was big, but the digs in the back were even bigger. The swings were huge from all sides of the court, especially with Taylor Sander swinging huge from the back row. With his swings and Futi blocking everywhere, the Waves fell 25-21.

While BYU has our big swingers, Sander, Stowell, and Josue Rivera (#6), Pepperdine had a couple of twin towers, Maurice Torres and Josh Taylor (Punahou graduate), both who played with Taylor Sander on the Junior National Team. The Waves came out to wash the Cougars out, not letting them come as close as five points. The Waves took set number two, 19-25.

For most of the game, all eyes were on Sander, who finally was able to play again after four weeks. Pepperdine stayed close up against the Cougars until BYU took it up a notch and gained a small lead. When a play kept going back and forth between the two teams, Russ Lavaja was given a beautiful set, which got sent straight to the ground, putting everyone in the stadium in the air. With electric momentum in the air, the Cougars racked up their points and took the third set, 25-19.

With the Waves downed and the Cougars adrenaline high, Taylor Sander and Robb Stowell lead the fourth set towards victory. BYU held the lead from the beginning and built off of point streaks every time. The Waves were only allowed 16 points before the Cougars took the set victory at 25. Good job Cougars and WELCOME BACK TAYLOR!