Mortensen, Little Chambers record double-doubles as No. 14 Cougars sweep Wildcats

TUCSON, Ariz. — Outside hitters Elli Mortensen and Claire Little Chambers fueled No. 14 BYU women’s volleyball to a sweep at Arizona (26-24, 25-19, 25-18) at the McKale Center on Saturday night.

BOX SCORE

In their fifth consecutive sweep, the Cougars (15-1, 7-0 Big 12) saw both of their pins post double-doubles in the contest, with Mortensen tying career highs in both kills (19) and digs (14). Little Chambers added 11 kills and 10 digs of her own.

Setters Alex Bower and Kaylie Kofe tallied 25 and 19 assists, respectively, while libero Lulu Po’uha finished with a match-high 17 digs.

Middle blocker Kelli Jo Burgess added a team-high two blocks on the night, including the 50th solo block of her career.

Set 1
A pair of 3-0 runs paced BYU to a 15-13 lead at the technical timeout. After surrendering a 3-0 run to Arizona, the Cougars called timeout trailing 21-19. A Mortensen kill sparked a 3-0 run that put BYU back in front 22-21, forcing an Arizona timeout.

The Cougars fought off one Wildcat set point, turning the tables to force Arizona’s second timeout with set point of its own. Little Chambers closed the set on a 3-0 run of kills as BYU picked up the 26-24 opening set win.

Set 2
The Cougars raced out to a 6-2 lead with a 4-0 run to start the second, backed by Burgess’ 50th career solo block. After the Wildcats answered, tying the set at seven, Mortensen helped BYU respond with an ace and kill.

Arizona took the lead after scoring three straight, but the Cougars took a 15-14 lead into the technical timeout after a Mortensen tip kill. Trading points out of the break, the two teams remained even through 18.

BYU would score the final five points of the frame, including seven of the last eight, with a Bower ace and kills from Little Chambers, Burgess and Mortensen fueling the run, 25-19.

Set 3
After trailing early, runs of four and three straight had the Cougars leading 12-7, forcing an Arizona timeout. Weathering a 3-0 Wildcat run, BYU took a 15-11 advantage into the technical timeout.

Going back-and-forth from there, kills by Brooke Hardy and Little Chambers paced the Cougars to a 20-14 lead, forcing Arizona’s second timeout.

Kate Prior scored twice on the right side before Sophia Callahan did the same, setting up match point, which Mortensen finished off a play later on her 19th kill, 25-18.

Up Next
BYU will return home next week to face a pair of Top 25 opponents in No. 25 Colorado and No. 8 Arizona State.