BYU Volleyball gets their 4th Sweep in a Row with Victory Over Stanford

BYU Volleyball brought the brooms out once again with a strong performance over Stanford, winning the match 25-12, 25-21, 25-22. The Cougars were led offensively by Gabi Garcia Fernandez and Zach Eschenberg. Miki Jauhiainen once again was the anchor on defense. 5,187 fans were there to cheer on the Cougars, the most in the Smith Fieldhouse since 2005.

A great sign at the game was that Felipe de Brito Ferreira was dressed out on the bench. After missing last week’s matches, it was good to see him ready if called upon. He wasn’t needed tonight, but he will be crucial in the match-up next week against Hawaii.

BYU came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, forcing Stanford into their second timeout of the set at 13-4. BYU hit .444 for the whole set with 15 kills. Their defense was a brick wall, creating 6.5 blocks and holding Stanford to only .043 hitting.

Jauhiainen, who was named MPSF Defensive Player of the Week last week, followed it up with another stellar performance, leading both teams with 7 blocks. Stanford was unable to get any type of rhythm attacking down the middle through the first set.

BYU was led at the service line by Gabi Garcia Fernandez. He tallied 3 aces, giving him 46 on the season. He was joined in the ace column by Eschenberg, Wil Stanley, Jon Stanley, and Branden Oberender.

BYU finished the 3rd set with a beautiful ace from Branden Oberender that floated peacefully into the back corner. The victory set’s up an all-timer next week as the Cougars travel to the islands to face #1 ranked Hawaii. These 2 teams have clearly been the top 2 teams in the country, so it’s not hyperbole to say this could be a preview of the National Championship game. They play Thursday and Friday night.