The Horned Frogs (17-12 overall, 5-9 conference) faced another 3 game loss against No. 18 BYU Cougars (20-4 overall, 10-3 conference) Saturday night.The Frogs fell short at the beginning of game one and started to climb back up with 12-17. Lauren Otto served three straight aces and there were several kills by Nirelle Hampton and Kourtney Edwards. The Cougars kept their lead however with several blocks with the final score of 30-22.
“They were blocking us and we really didn’t switch up our shots like we should have,” Anna Vaughn said. “They’re a really aggressive blocking team and that really put us kind of on our heals.”
After a slow start in game two the Frogs tied the game with 4-4. A kill shot by LeMeita Smith put the Frogs in the lead 4-5 The teams were neck and neck until the Frogs came up 5-9 with a block by Vaughn and Smith and two kills by Hampton.
“I really think Nirelle did a really good job of setting and getting the ball out to people today,” Cali Corley said. “She’s one of our leading players all the time so I think she did really good tonight.”
The Cougars serving gained the lead until a kill by Otto. After a timeout by the Cougars they maintained the lead ending at 30-25.
The Frogs started game three with the lead but the Cougars shortly regained the advantage. A block by Emily Allen and Edwards put the game at a tie 8-8. The Frogs fell behind again after an error but tried to get back up with two blocks by Edwards.
“Passing I think we did really well,” Vaughn said. “The defense really went after it and fought hard.”
The Frogs were looking to come back at 20-26 after an ace serve by Corey but they couldn’t catch up losing by 20-30.
“I think we had a really good energy and that we came out ready to play,” Corey said. “We just didn’t put all the pieces to the puzzle together and that’s what went wrong.”
The Frogs play New Mexico Friday Nov. 10 on the road in Albuquerque
“I think our team has a new energy and they’re ready to step up and play them on the road,” said Prentice Lewis, head coach.
