Cowgirls close first half with Utah, BYU

By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org

From top to bottom, the Mountain West Conference is a different volleyball conference then before.

That has Wyoming head coach Carrie Yerty looking forward to the second half of the season.

The Cowgirls, 1-5 in the MWC, 10-10 overall, will close the first half of league play Thursday and Saturday as they host Utah and BYU respectively. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. in the UniWyo Sports. Complex.

“Last year, there were three teams that were very good and there were a chunk of teams that were about the same, and there were the bottom teams that were battling,” Yerty said. “Now, the bottom teams have gotten better and the top teams aren’t as good. So, there is a lot more parody. You seeing Utah losing to New Mexico in four, you’re seeing BYU get beat by TCU. We were right in it with New Mexico. Against UNLV, we had an opportunity to win and against San Diego, we had an opportunity to win.

“I think the only thing we can do is continue to progress and focus on getting better. The wins and losses will eventually take care of itself, I really believe that.”

Last week, the Cowgirls fell in San Diego to the Aztecs in five games, after sweeping Air Force in three.

Despite their league mark, Yerty sees progress in the program.

“I understand everyone would like to see the Wyoming Cowgirls go from 5-29 to 29-5 in 12 months,” Yerty said. “I think what is important is that there is progress being made. It’s frustrating to lose in five, but man, I saw a team in San Diego battle, down two games to come back and win two games, and that was with four freshmen starting and playing. The progress is very good, but that is what it is, it is progress. We’re going to keep chopping wood, we’re going to keep preparing and one unique thing about our conference this year is it is different from last year."

The Cowgirls are led by freshman outside hitter Jodi Purdy, who is averaging 3.51 kills and 2.46 digs per set. She is followed by juniors Dani Bedore and Lauren Whitney. Bedore is averaging 2.38 kills and 1.76 digs, while Whitney is adding 2.35 kills. As a team, the Cowgirls are hitting .201 (948-430-2572) and averaging 12.31 kills and 13.04 digs per set.

Utah is 12-6 overall and 5-1 in the MWC. The Utes are led by Karolina Bartkowiak, who is averaging 3.03 kills and 2.50 digs per set.

The Cougars are 9-8 overall, 4-2 in MWC play and will face the Colorado State Rams before playing the Cowgirls. BYU is by Kayla Walker, who is averaging 4.16 kills and almost one block per set.