Dixie State volleyball stays atop PacWest with sweep of Holy Names

Dixie State University vs. Holy Names University, Volleyball, St. George, Utah, Sept. 24, 2016, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Teams are learning one thing about Dixie State: When PacWest Conference play begins, the Trailblazer volleyball team gets down to business.

blazerDIn 2015, Coach Robyn Felder’s squad started the season 2-8 before winning 17 of its next 19 games during conference play, eventually winning the PacWest season championship outright for the first time.

This year, the team started slow again with a 3-4 record. But DSU sits undefeated atop the PacWest standings once again after Saturday’s sweep of Holy Names University.

Dixie State's Taylor Duryea (4), Dixie State University vs. Holy Names University, Volleyball, St. George, Utah, Sept. 24, 2016, | Photo by Megan Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News
Dixie State’s Taylor Duryea (4), Dixie State University vs. Holy Names University, Volleyball, St. George, Utah, Sept. 24, 2016, | Photo by Megan Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News

The Trailblazers’ 3-0 record includes road victories against then-undefeated Concordia and Point Loma, the two teams picked third and fourth in the PacWest preseason poll.

“Our team chemistry has been untouchable,” said DSU outside hitter Taylor Duryea. “When we play together, we are really hard to beat. When we are in rhythm, both offensively and defensively, we can beat any team.”

The match against HNU’s outcome was forecast early with twin 25-12 sets to open the match. The Trailblazers finished the match with a 25-20 score in the final set.

Fourteen players saw floor action as Felder spread the playing time to her reserves, starting in the second set. Lindsay Garrett, Brette Anderson and Taylor Duryea led the team in kills with seven apiece. Kayla Chapman and Jaydra Thurber each recorded five kills. Kailey Frei led the team with 23 assists. Garrett recorded nine blocks. Duryea led the team with 14 digs.

The ‘Blazers only scored one service ace in the match after averaging seven over the first nine matches. DSU got most of its points Saturday on its attack and HNU’s errors. Dixie State’s attack percentage was .250 against a negative .082 from HNU.

They also outperformed the visiting Hawks in total kills (39-21) and blocks (15-4). DSU was without team captain and kills leader Delayne Daniel. She is expected to return Monday.

“Our team has a lot of depth and talent,” said Duryea. “We can count on each other when one of us misses a game.”

The Trailblazers will host Hawaii Hilo on Monday at the Student Activities Center. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

 

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