The Wolverines started strong but could not stop a Weber State rally as the Wildcats clawed back for a thrilling win.
The in-state rivalry between Utah Valley and Weber State was renewed on Thursday night, pitting the two-time defending WAC champion Wolverines against the three-time Big Sky champion Wildcats.
UVU came into the match looking to get back into the win column after a narrow defeat to Utah State, while Weber was looking to rebound after a loss to Cal State Fullerton.
Each team was looking to gain momentum in this non-conference match before they both start conference play next week.
The match
When the match began, it was apparent it would be a battle between two rivals with a championship pedigree. The first set was back and forth until UVU eked out a 28-26 win, setting the tone early and pumping up the home crowd.
The second set was back and forth at the beginning, but the Wolverines used the momentum they gained from the first set to take set two by a 25-19 score.
Down two sets to none, Weber State knew that if they were to have a chance in the match that they would need to put a stop to the Wolverines’ run in the third set. With their backs against the wall, they executed throughout the set and dominated, winning 25-10.
The fourth set was the chance for UVU to take back the momentum that they squandered in the previous set. If they could not win the set the match would come down to a fifth and final set. Weber State had seized control of the match, while the Wolverines wanted desperately to take it back and finish the match in four sets.
However, Weber State would prove to be too much for UVU in the fourth set as they thoroughly outplayed the Wolverines in a 25-15 set win.
The match was now down to a fifth and final set. While this was not an ideal spot for the Wolverines after being up 2-0, it showed the resiliency of the Wildcats after a rocky start.
Winner takes all
The final set was tightly contested throughout, with each team gaining an advantage before quickly losing it. With the final set only going to 15 points, each team knew that they had to win every point possible. Leading 14-13, UVU needed one more point to stop a Wildcat comeback. Instead, Weber State showed its grit by regaining its momentum. The Wildcats took the next three points to win the set 16-14 and take the match in five sets, shocking the Wolverines.
Final thoughts
After having a two-set lead, the Wolverines cannot be happy with the loss. They played well against a quality opponent and had their chances to seal the win but came up short.
Weber State, on the other hand, must feel quite accomplished in its comeback efforts. Coming back from being down 2-0 is an impressive feat and they showed the fight and resilience of a championship team.
Each team still has a lot to play for as they both look to win their respective conferences. The Wolverines will look to build on back-to-back WAC Tournament titles and NCAA appearances, while the Wildcats have won three titles in the last two seasons and reached the quarterfinals of last season’s NIVC.
Up next
Utah Valley
UVU heads to Provo to face rival BYU on Saturday, Sep. 17 at 6 p.m. in its final non-conference match. The match can be seen on BYUtv.
The Wolverines then open conference play on Thursday, Sep. 22, traveling to St. George to face in-state foe Utah Tech at 6 p.m. The match between UVU and Utah Tech can be streamed on ESPN+.
Weber State
Weber State plays its last non-conference match at home, facing Utah State on Saturday, Sep. 17 at 2 p.m.
The Wildcats then open their Big Sky schedule on Thursday, Sep. 22, traveling to Oregon to face Portland State at 8 p.m.
Both Weber State matches can be seen through ESPN+.
