PROVO, Utah – After a perfect sweep of Weber State in the home opener, BYU travels to California this week to take on UC Irvine, Long Beach State and San Diego State for its first road matches of the season.
The Cougars (1-0) did not compete this past week and hope to take advantage of the extra practice time and rest as they prepare for back-to-back matches on the road. They will face UC Irvine on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 1:30 p.m. PST. The following day, BYU will then travel to Long Beach to take on Long Beach State on Friday, Feb. 9, at 2:00 p.m. PST. The Cougars will end the road trip against San Diego State on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 12:00 p.m. PST.
Following last year’s season ending injuries, senior Mayci Jones and sophomore Polina Malykh each returned to regular season play in the Cougars 7-0 victory over the Wildcats. In their return, neither dropped a single set against Weber State.
Jones earned her first victory of the season in No.2 doubles with teammate sophomore Kate Cusick and followed it up with a win at No. 1 singles. In No. 3 doubles, Malykh and sophomore Samantha Smith delivered a strong win and Malykh closed out the sweep in a victory at No. 6 singles.
This past weekend UC Irivine competed in a doubleheader at home against Hope International and Point Loma. The ‘Eaters swept Hope International 7-0, but later fell to Point Loma 4-3. UC Irvine enters Thursday’s match against BYU with a 1-3 record.
Long Beach State played against WCC foe, Saint Mary’s this past Saturday in Long Beach. The 49ers lost to the Gaels in a 5-1 decision to fall to 1-1 on the season.
San Diego Stae hosted Point Loma Nazarene Monday and completed the home sweep, winning 7-0. The Aztecs now sit at 5-1 on the season.
No live stats or live video will be available for the three road matches.