OMAHA, Neb. – Sixth-seeded Utah State volleyball’s (24-17, 17-1 Mountain West) 2023 season came to a close on Friday as the Aggies lost 3-0 to Minnesota (17-12, 12-8 Big Ten) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Graduate senior outside hitter Shelby Capllonch logged a double-double with a team-best 12 kills and 10 digs. Junior setter Beatriz Rodrigues finished with 15 assists, while sophomore setter Leah Wilton-LaBoy logged 12. Senior middle blocker Kelsey Watson rounded out the Aggie leaders with a team-high five blocks.
After Minnesota took a 14-7 lead in set one, a 6-1 Utah State run, featuring blocks by Watson and junior opposite side hitter Adna Mehmedovic, along with a Watson kill, trimmed the margin to 15-13. However, Minnesota responded with an 8-1 spurt and maintained the margin for the 25-17 win.
Minnesota won set two 25-14.
The Aggies came out strong in set three as a Stall kill gave USU a 3-1 edge. After Minnesota took an 11-7 lead, a 5-1 Utah State run evened the score at 12-each. Minnesota scored once more before a 6-1 USU run, highlighted by a kill from senior outside Tatum Stall and a service ace by freshman defensive specialist Kendel Hone, gave the Aggies an 18-14 advantage. The teams went back and forth until back-to-back kills from Stall and Capllonch put USU on top 22-17. However, Minnesota closed out the set with an 8-1 run to win 25-23.
Overall, USU hit .048 (31-26-104), while Minnesota hit .196 (33-15-92).
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