Southern Utah hosts in-state rival Utah Tech on Tuesday, looking to even the season series after a 3-1 loss in September. The Thunderbirds enter the rematch with stronger recent offense, while Utah Tech arrives atop the Big Sky standings.

By the Numbers
  • Southern Utah is averaging 12.3 kills per set over its last 3 matches.
  • Utah Tech is 20-4 overall and 13-1 in conference play.
  • Utah Tech averages 2.6 blocks and 13.5 kills per set, with a .237 hitting percentage.
  • The Trailblazers won the teams’ Sept. 29 meeting, 3-1; Southern Utah recorded 9 blocks.
Yes, But

Southern Utah’s recent offensive improvement is encouraging, but Utah Tech brings a strong defense that holds opponents to a .157 hitting percentage. The Thunderbirds did limit the Trailblazers to a .187 mark in their first meeting, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a loss.

State of Play
  • Southern Utah has also averaged 14.5 digs and 5 blocks per set over its last 3 matches.
  • Utah Tech’s lone Big Sky loss came against Idaho State on Thursday.
  • Emilia Zug and Ryen Smith each have back-to-back double-digit-kill performances for the Thunderbirds.
What’s Next

The teams meet Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in Cedar City, where Southern Utah will try to turn its recent momentum and home-court advantage into a rivalry win.

Bottom Line

Southern Utah has a chance to even the series, but it will need to sustain its improved attack while containing one of the Big Sky’s most effective teams.