PROVO — The BYU women's volleyball team swept Eastern Michigan in its season finale, 3-0 (30-25, 30-18, 30-26) as graduating senior Uila Crabbe put up a match-high 16 digs, passing Cherie Sam Fong and setting a new BYU single-season digs record.
With the win, the Cougars finish 23-8 on the year, while the Eagles drop to 21-11. Before the match, Crabbe, rightside hitter Carrie Bowers, Laura Nielsen and Sahara Castillo were also recognized in a short ceremony.
"We're going to miss all our seniors," BYU coach Karen Lamb said. "They're each such unique and wonderful individuals. Each of them also bring differing strengths to the court."
The match turned out to be as close as the Cougars held an edge in all statistical categories. BYU out-hit EMU .312 to .134 and was led by sophomore outside hitter Kim Wilson, who was the lone player in the match to put down double-digit kills with 12.
Bowers got the Cougars started with a kill to put them ahead 1-1. From there BYU didn't look back, slowly building a comfortable lead. The Cougars led by as many four points in the early going as freshman middle blocker Lindsy Hartsock recorded three kills to give BYU a 10-6 cushion. The Eagles stayed close and the Cougars were unable to widen the gap. EMU was also unable to sustain a major run, and the game ended on a Wilson kill.
"To have Uila break the digs record at home, on senior night, was special," Lamb said. "She's been awesome all year, and I'm really happy for her, but I know she's got a lot more left in her."
BYU will now wait to see if it receives an at-large berth to the 2003 NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Selection Show will air live Sunday on ESPNEWS at 6 p.m. (MST).