LOGAN, Utah — The Wyoming Cowgirls rallied in thrilling fashion Saturday afternoon to escape Utah State with a five-set win on the road, earning their first league win of the season.
Trailing two sets to one in the match, Wyoming trailed by as many as seven, 13–6, in the fourth set and was down 18–13 later. UW was able to rally in the fourth, however, and controlled most of the fifth set to come away with the win.
Wyoming (9–4, 1–1 MW) ended the fourth set on a 7–2 run after trailing 21–18 to escape the set and force the decisive fifth. In the fifth, the Cowgirls broke a 5–5 tie early in the frame and never looked back, building as big as a five-point lead, twice, in the fifth and eventually closing things out at 15–12. Set scores for the match went 25–27, 25–20, 22–25, 25–23 and 15–12.
Paige Lauterwasser surpassed her career high in kills as she tallied a match-high 23 in the contest. Sarah Holcomb and Sonte Stewart added 10 kills each in the win. For the second consecutive match, Holcomb recorded a double-double as she was formidable at the net on defense, recording 10 total blocks.
Also on defense, Kayla Mazzzocca and Emma Winter added four blocks apiece while Kasia Partyka had three. Partyka tallied 45 assists to lead the way in the match. In the back row, Sierra Grizzle ended with 12 digs from her libero position.
Wyoming ended up hitting 40 points higher as a team on the day, .247 to .207. The Cowgirls also enjoyed a 15–12 edge in team blocks and a 13–8 advantage in service aces. UW hit .316 in the decisive fifth set while holding the Aggies to a .111 efficiency.
The Cowgirls return home next weekend for their first home matches of the conference slate. UW hosts Fresno State and San Jose State Thursday and Saturday, respectively. First serve against the Bulldogs is slated for 6:30 p.m.