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Show Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011 Page 8 WednesdayS110 S Aveti sartib;" 5116 C01160 Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.utahstatesman.com Straight sets Volleyball loses to in-state foe 3-0 BY CURTIS LUNDSTROM staff writer A highly-anticipated battle between in-state rivals was short lived Tuesday night, as the Utah State women's volleyball team lost to Brigham Young University, 3-0, at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The Aggies fell in three straight sets, by scores of 22-25, 21-25, and 19-25. "They were better at the end of games," USU head coach Grayson DuBose said. "When we get to 19-all, they were just better than we were at the end. That's disappointing. We had chances to get better and just didn't take advantage of them." The Aggies were led by junior opposite side hitter Shay Sorensen, who had a team-high 11 kills and a .231 hitting percentage. The Cougars were led by 6-foot-6 Jennifer Hamson, who's height and length was a definite factor in beating the Aggies' tenacious defense. Sorensen said Hamson gave the Aggies a hard 66 time. "She's tall," the 6-foot-1 Utah native said. "I thought our defense set up well against her. We got her a few times." The Aggies offense seemed out of sync at times, dropping several key points during critical stretches. Senior outside hitter Liz McArthur had a quiet night for the Aggies, recording a seasonlow eight kills. "We have to keep emphasizing transitioning," the allAmerica selection said. "I didn't think we transitioned very hard. We'd dig a ball, and our hitters weren't quite ready to take a bigtime swing at it; and against that team you have to take a big-time swing to get kills." With the loss, the Aggies fell to 4-7 on the season, and 16-41 against rival BYU. The Aggies came into the match leading the WAC in blocking and digging, showing that they are a force to be reckoned with on defense. The defense kept USU competitive in each set, but the Aggies ... we have to keep emphasizing transitioning. I didn't think we transitioned very hard." — outside hitter Liz McArthur, USU Volleyball USU OPPOSITE OUTSIDE HITTER Shay Sorensen is blocked by BYU's middle blocker Nicole Warner in front of the student section of the Dee Glenn Smith Spectrum. The Aggies lost the match 3-0. CODY GOCHNOUR photo In theKnow •USU Volleyball has competed in three tournaments so far this season •The Aggies are led by All-America selection Liz McArthur weren't able to get over the final hump and close out games. "We just weren't good at the end, when we needed to be good," McArthur said. "I thought we played hard, and I thought we dug some balls, but when we needed to be good at receiving we weren't, and when we needed to be good in transition we weren't." The Aggies came up with several big blocks in the match and got back to back service aces from sophomore outside hitter Tumua Etiman. The aces came during a critical series of points during the second set, in which the Aggies found themselves down four, but were able to scratch their way back into the game. Sorensen said she loved the support the Aggies had for the rivalry game. "We had a great crowd out there tonight," Sorensen said. "We love to play those guys, *See VOLLEYBALL, Page 10 Aggie offensive skaters gearing up for new season BY MEREDITH KINNEY sports senior writer In this second installment of a three-part series previewing the USU hockey team, take a look at the skaters — the ones who score the goals. This season's offensive staff is overflowing with talent. After graduating seven seniors last season, including all-time leading goal scorer Kent Arsenault, who scored 206 goals for the Aggies, the team has added leadership and depth to a wounded roster. "I feel like with our recruiting we've replaced a good majority of those (seniors)," USU head coach Jon Eccles said. Five of the now graduated seniors were forwards, including Arsenault, Dave Wyman and Jay McFadden. Last season those three combined to score 80 goals, a level of production the Aggies will surely miss. "We've lost a couple guys and put in a couple guys," USU forward Brendan MacDonald said. This year, Utah State returns veteran goal scorers Billy Gouthro, Matt Hamilton and MacDonald to its line-up. The Aggies also added offensive forces who are expected to light up the stats sheet for USU right away. Billy Gouthro led the Aggies in goals scored, with 37, and also tallied 40 assists. The center has been one of the top three scorers on the squad in each of his three seasons with the Aggies. MacDonald also played exceptionally well for the Aggies, and now his leadership on and off the ice is getting recognition. "He has really stepped up and done a good job," Eccles said. MacDonald will take the ice for the season opener against Brigham Young University with a "C" on his jersey. The forward won the captain spot for the 2011-2012 season. "He has really stepped up to his leadership role," Eccles said. "He's definitely leading the team." MacDonald was the Aggies fifth leading scorer, with 30 goals, but he also added 54 assists and was second on the team in points. MacDonald's offensive stats compliment his aggressive style of play. "We're trying different line combinations right now, seeing how everybody fits," MacDonald said. "We've got a real talented team this year." Hamilton is also returning for the Aggies at forward. He recorded 31 goals and further promoted the Ag gie offense with his 46 assists. "We look pretty sick right now," Hamilton FORMER USU FORWARD See HOCKEY, Page 10 David Wyman lunges for a stray puck during a BYU game last season. He is one of five graduated seniors who combined with Jay McFadden and Kent Arsenault to score a total of 80 goals last season. Statesman file photo FREE CONCERT THIS FRIDAY NIGHT 7:00 PM, Featuring "The FenderBenders" okc.), Cache Deals OrrI lir mimildpol .1% ' ■ Got a Smart Phone? Smart enough to Use It? Download Free "cachedeals" Phone App and Scan QuikTag below to win! See Pictures and Videos, too! Coo Wicked Mini Golf! WILLOWS miniature golf is perfect for Wido ws GOLF PARK groups: church groups, roomates, clubs, 41 birthdays, date nights, and more. Come and experience our 18 beautiful holes! Willows Golf Park • 220 North Spring Creek Parkway • ProvFdence, UT (One back east of the Stadium 8 Theater) • 435.752.4255 |