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The No. 9-ranked University of Utah Volleyball team (19-2, 10-0 Mountain West) hosts in-state rival and No. 17-ranked Brigham Young University (18-2, 9-1 MWC) this Friday, Oct. 27 at 7pm. The two will tangle on the court for the 75th time in series history this weekend. Friday's match could impact the conference standings as Utah and BYU are the only undefeated and one-loss teams in the league, respectively. The match will be played at Crimson Court, located on the lower level of the HPER-East Complex in room 101.
"The Utah match is always an important match not only for the rivalry but for the implications it has on the conference title and seeding for the NCAA Tournament," said BYU head coach Jason Watson. "These athletes have known each other and played with and against each other for years. That also adds a deeper dimension to this rivalry."
With a sweep of Weber State on Tuesday night, the Cougars are now 19-2 on the season and 9-1 in league play with their only loss coming to then-No. 18 Utah in four games on Sept. 29 in Provo. The Utes have an identical 19-2 overall record and are 10-0 in the MWC, holding sole possession of first place with BYU just a match behind.
"There aren't going to be any motivation issues for us this week, said Utah Head Coach Beth Launiere. "We just need to be prepared to play a good volleyball team and I know the energy level will be there."
"This is going to be a great volleyball match between two very good teams. This is going to be a great opportunity for volleyball fans to see as good a volleyball match as there is."
Fans of both teams can follow the action in a number of ways. In addition to the live BYU Radio broadcast, a live Internet video stream is available to CSTV XXL subscribers. Live stats will also be available. Links for all of these options can be found by going to the Schedule page of the BYU women's volleyball homepage at www.byucougars.com.
