Wolverine Invite Features Opportunities, Quality Teams

OREM, Utah — It was a match of opportunities to open the Wolverine Invite on Friday.

For Idaho State, it was a chance to face off against — and push — one of the elite programs in the country.

Across the net, USC was able to meet a smaller, quicker style of opponent while also working on rotations and building some experience in an early-season non-conference match.

And, despite a Bengal team that scraped for points and nearly stole the second set, the Women of Troy picked up the 25-19, 25-23, 25-19 sweep.

With senior Jessica Gysin sitting to open up some on-court time for some of the younger players, USC got a big offensive outburst from Geena Urango.

The junior was the only Trojan to reach double-figures in kills, notching a season-high 17 on .469 hitting.

"Geena has been playing great for us. I'm real happy with that," said coach Mick Haley. "She doesn't usually start for us and she gets 17 kills today, I think that's a pretty good effort."

Urango's effort was especially important for USC as Haley said he was looking for some of the younger players to step up and take more responsibility. Thirteen Trojans saw playing in the match.

"We were out of rhythm the whole time," he said. "I think that's going to happen periodically throughout the year until we get positions stabilized. I kept rotating the middles to get people chances to play."

After USC coasted to the victory in set one, ISU came out battling in the pivotal second set. Not letting the Trojans pull away, Idaho State held the lead at 21-20 and again took the upper hand at 23-22.

But, a kill by Urango and ace by Alli Hillgren were part of a 3-0 run that pushed USC over the top.

"To be in a position where you're against USC 23-22, especially where we haven't been playing well...the girls came in today and they played so much better," said ISU coach Chad Teichert. "I think we can walk off the court with our heads held high."

Pacing the Bengals was outside Emily Waldron, who recording a double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs while hitting .385.

"Emily is really a good athlete," Waldron said. "She hit the ball smart. There were times she couldn't hit and she found a good place to tip to."

It was often times the variety of shots that used that threw USC a little bit off balance, and Haley said he was a little disappointed his team only recorded three blocks.

That was attributed to Idaho State playing a bit quicker offense.

"We could benefit from practicing against some other teams like that," Haley said. "I think we'll get all we want from Utah Valley."

The Trojans will have two chances to face the host Wolverines — Friday night and then again Saturday.

"I think that will be good for us. That'll be a good challenge," Haley said. "We'll have to see if we can make some adjustments. I bet you we'll have some hostile fans tonight."

The tournament wraps up with Idaho State facing Utah Valley on Saturday night.

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