The frustrations of losing to Colorado State the last four times they played on Crimson Court came to a head for the University of Utah's volleyball team Friday night.
"They beat us the last few times at home, so we knew they were going to come in and fight, and so we weren't going to let that happen," said Ute junior outside hitter Emillie Toone, the nation's top blocker coming into the week. She had three solo blocks and six block assists in a three-game match.
The No. 21-ranked Utes made quick work of the Rams, 30-26, 30-21, 30-24, to open Mountain West Conference play and move their record to 8-2. All eight of the wins have been sweeps. CSU fell to 5-5, 0-1.
Utah hosts Air Force tonight at 7 on Crimson Court.
"We were in and out, getting it done," noted Toone.
"Our energy was at the highest level. I just hope we can play that way. We haven't lost a game at home yet," added Toone, saying that the reason she looks much more aggressive on the court this year is, "I've just been trying to swing harder, and I'm connecting with my setters."
To be sure, the Utes still have things to improve on, like making unforced errors that helped CSU sneak back a couple of times after Utah had built leads as big as 11 points near the end of the second game.
The Rams fought back within two several times in the first game after Utah had gone up 7-1 and were able to tie a few times early in the second and third games, but they never led in any of the games.
"We really played as a team," said sophomore Lori Baird.
"The system is starting to come together," said coach Beth Launiere.
Toone, who also hit .467 with nine kills, said the blockers can take more chances because libero Connie Dangerfield is there. "If it goes over us, we still have amazing diggers back there," she said.
Airial Salvo hit .321 from the outside and tied Kathryn Lovell with 11 kills each.
BYU 3, AIR FORCE 0: At Provo, No. 19 BYU opened up MWC play with a sweep of the visiting Air Force Falcons, 30-18, 30-12, 30-17. The win Friday was the Cougars' eighth three-game victory of the season and improved BYU's record to 9-1 on the year. BYU was led by junior outside hitter Chelsea Goodman, who recorded her sixth double-double of the night with 12 kills and 11 digs.
UTAH STATE 3, ARK. LITTLE ROCK 2: At Tulsa, Okla., Amanda Nielson recorded career-highs with 32 kills and 19 digs to lead Utah State's women's volleyball team to a five-game win (31-33, 30-28, 30-27, 24-30, 19-17) against Arkansas-Little Rock in the second round of the Oral Roberts Classic Friday afternoon. Utah State improves to 6-6 on the season with the win and will play St. Francis today at 1:30 p.m., and Oral Roberts at 7 p.m.
E-mail: lham@desnews.com