Box Score EPHRAIM, Utah (Sept. 22, 2016) — Trailing 15-16 in the fourth set, Snow College sophomore
Brin Stewart served for 10 straight points to help lead the Badgers to an upset victory over eighth-ranked Salt Lake Community College in Scenic West Athletic Conference play. The Badgers claimed the four-set victory over the Bruins in the conference-opener, 25-21, 24-26, 25-23, 25-16. The win marked the third victory for the Badgers over a nationally ranked opponent this season.
"Tonight's win was fantastic," first-year head coach Jeff Reynolds said. "To beat a solid team like Salt Lake is a quality win for our program. The Bruins are a very good team and had us on our toes all night. They have really good players and are extremely well coached. I have a lot of respect for their program. It was important for us to play our game and try to keep the ball away from their big hitters. They got their licks in for sure, but I was impressed with how we kept fighting. I'm so proud of these kids. They continue to show such grit and determination."
In addition to a team-leading three aces in the final set, Stewart led the Badgers with a total of 14 kills on the night. Defensively, the Tooele, Utah, native was also credited with 16 digs and four blocks. Sophomores Ally Packard and
Rylee Cate were each credited with 11 kills, while freshman middle blocker
Kelsie Evans added 11 kills of her own. Redshirt freshman
Rebecca Bigler, who suffered a hand injury in the second set, re-entered the match in the third set and posted a total of eight blocks on the night, including seven block-assists.
Sydnie Martindale chalked up a match-leading 20 digs, while sophomore setter
Alisi Tauteoli was credited with a match-best 35 assists.
With the victory, the Badgers improve to 14-4 on the season and will take on fourth-ranked Southern Idaho on Saturday in Ephraim. Match time is set for 1 p.m. (MT).