Utah Volleyball Returns Home to Make Big 12 Debut

MATCH WEEK
Utah Volleyball returns to the Jon M. Huntsman Center this weekend, beginning its inaugural Big 12 conference slate by welcoming in the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Colorado Buffaloes. The Utes host Texas Tech on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. MT to kickoff Big 12 action. Utah returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. MT, hosting former Pac-12 rival Colorado. 

Catch the Utes in action on ESPN+ with Jacob Suomi (play-by-play) and Stevie Shaughnessey (color) on the call on Thursday. Covering the match on Sunday will be Brian Preece (play-by-play) and Stevie Shaughnessey (color).

QUICK HITS

• Utah is back in the AVCA top 25 conversation for the first time since August 2022, as the Utes are receiving nine votes in the most recent poll.

• The Utes last met the Red Raiders in 2001 twice here in Salt Lake City. Utah defeated Texas Tech in September, securing a 3-1 win at the Utah Classic. The Utes welcomed back Texas Tech in November for the NCAA First Round, defeating the Red Raiders, 3-0. 

• The last time Utah and Colorado collided in the Huntsman Center they closed the book on the Pac-12 regular season, as the Utes won the 3-2 battle.

• As a team, Utah has averaged 14.6 kills per set with 13.3 assists per set. From the service line, the Utes are averaging 1.5 aces per set. On the defensive side of the net, Utah is posting 15.1 digs per set with 2.7 blocks per set.

• The Utes won six consecutive matches to end the non-conference slate, winning four of six matches by way of a 3-0 decision. 

• Utah boasts a deep attack of five hitters averaging 2.0+ kills per set with a hitting percentage of .250 or better. Kamryn Gibadlo (3.28/.316), Lauren Jardine (3.23/.282), Emrie Satuala (2.41/.435), Rianne Vos (2.14/.369), Allie Olsen (2.00/.365).

• Running the two setter system, Utah has seen great production out of newcomer Isabelle Marco as she leads the Utes in assists per set at 6.03. Meanwhile, the veteran setter Grace Hammond comes in at 5.20 assists per set.

AMONG THE NATION’S BEST

• Utah ranks among some of the best in the nation (2nd) and the Big 12 (1st) for kills per set, averaging 14.61.

• The Utah defense has held its opponents to a .125 hitting percentage, ranking them…