Weber State volleyball opens season with 2-1 mark in Wildcat Invitational; soccer 0-4
Weber State volleyball opened its 2023 season Friday and Saturday, going 2-1 in its own Wildcat Invitational at Swenson Gym. Saint Mary’s went 3-0 to claim the tournament title by topping Weber State in five sets Saturday afternoon.
The Wildcats next play three games in three days when traveling to Utah State on Thursday, then hosting Loyola Marymount and UNLV on Sept. 1 and Sept. 2.
Dani Richins moved into third all-time in career kills, passing former teammate Rylin Adams, with her performances through the weekend. Richins is also a match or two away from becoming the all-time career aces leader for Weber State.
WEBER STATE 3, UTAH TECH 2
Weber State blew a 24-18 lead in the first set to Utah Tech, losing eight straight points, then rebounded to mount a reverse sweep by hammering the Trailblazers in the final three sets for a 24-26, 22-25, 25-14, 25-15, 15-6 victory to open the season Friday afternoon.
Weber’s balanced attack saw Richins tally 17 kills, Baylee Bodily 14 and Ashley Gneiting 12. Gneiting added five aces and Saane Katoa had eight blocks.
WEBER STATE 3, MANHATTAN 0
WSU made easier work of Manhattan on Friday night, winning 25-11, 25-12, 25-18.
Brielle Rueckert led with nine kills and New Mexico State transfer Mia Peterson added seven. Kate Standifird served four aces and Katoa had four blocks.
SAINT MARY’S 3, WEBER STATE 2
Weber State lost a well-played match in five sets Saturday afternoon as Saint Mary’s won 25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 26-28, 15-9.
SMC had match point at 24-22 in the fourth set but WSU rallied to force a fifth.
Richins had 20 or more kills for the 10th time in her career. Baylee Bodily racked up 17 kills on a stellar .361 hitting percentage. Kate Standifird tallied a career-high 56 assists.
SOCCER FALLS TO 0-4
Weber State women’s soccer answered a discouraging, 9-2 loss at Gonzaga with a better battle, ultimately losing 3-1 at Washington State on Sunday.
Grace Kirby scored WSU’s goal, going top left in the 49th minute.
The Wildcats next play their home opener by hosting UNLV at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.