PROVO -- Even after allowing double-hits and ceiling hits for the alumni team, BYU's current Cougar squad came out on top in Saturday’s Alumni Match in the Smith Fieldhouse.
“It was a great opportunity to play against guys that know how to play,” said BYU head volleyball coach Shawn Patchell.
It was a night of hard hits and wise cracks from both teams, as well as the announcer. While the alumni team gave away the first two games, all they needed was a good warm-up, defeating the Cougars in games three (30-26) and five (30-25).
BYU beat their own alumni in four sets, but finished out the night playing five to let the Alumni have another shot.
The 2008-09 squad showed poise and came ready to play while former Cougar and All-American Michael Burke started game one wearing cargo pants, but soon changed into some shorts to bring his “A” game.
Starters for the Cougars included Reed Chilton, Jeff Robinson, Joel Silva, Andrew Stewart, Kent Tuttle, Rusty Lavaja and Futi Tavana. Starters for the alumni included Rob Nielsen, Rodrigo Gomez, Jonathan Alleman, Michael Burke, Joe Hillman and Shawn Olmstead. Five out of the six alumni starters played on the 2004 National Championship team.
“It was fun to see the old guys come out and play,” said 2006 graduate, and BYU's current assistant coach, Rob Nielsen. “They've still got game,” added junior setter Reed Chilton.
The Cougars enjoyed rallying seasoned players and look forward to the start of the official season in January.
BYU will be back in action Dec. 5-6 for the BYU Volleyball Tournament at the Smith Fieldhouse.