The football season is done and basketball nearing a close and the BYU Cougars have left a lot on the table. But there is still one major chance for BYU to claim a title or at least make a run at a championship.
Enter the BYU Men’s Volleyball team.
This past week, the BYU volleyball team made the news as they swiped two matches from the No. 2 team in the nation, the UCLA Bruins at the Smith Fieldhouse. This, along with a sweep of USC, has launched the Cougars into the No. 3 spot in the nation. Their 10-2 record matches that of Long Beach State (who sits at No. 2 now) and is only out done by the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes.
BYU Men’s Volleyball Players to Watch
As the team enters into the last half of their season, there are a few names that you should know if you really want to impress the Cougar crowds.
First is Ben Patch. Patch was performing at All-Star status against UCLA as he tallied 28 kills in the match. He also contributed in the digs category with 11. These numbers were more than any other player on the floor. He performance led him to be named Player of the Week. His dominance does not stop at just that match. He is leading the Cougars with 174 kills and has 48 digs which ranks second among Cougars.
The second star to watch out for is on the defensive side of the ball.
Price Jarman is the key blocker for the team. But really, standing at 6-feet 9-inches kinda helps with that. His 38 blocks leads the team and his additional 16 digs adds to his defensive dominance.
Why Should We Care About Volleyball
I know, I know. This isn’t a post about football or basketball. Yes, those are the two sports that get the most attention no matter what college you look into. Let me ask you this: When was the last time the BYU Cougars won a national championship in any sport?
Do you give up?
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The answer is 2004. The team? Men’s volleyball. In fact, between 1999 and 2004, the men’s volleyball team won three national titles.
Volleyball isn’t the most glamorous sport and may never get the type of attention that football or basketball gets. But it needs to be noted that Cougars are perennially relevant and almost always in the hunt for a national title. Even if it’s not a prime-time TV destination.
The BYU men’s volleyball team hosts UC San Diego this Friday and Saturday.