The game starts at 6 PM tonight. Yes, a rare Thursday night game. But it's out in Utah, so when you factor in time zones and whatnot, it's actually starting Friday night in Salt Lake City. More on the matchup:
Cal vs. Utah - Take One
The Bears were victorious over the Utes in the first meeting of the year - a 3-0 win at Haas Pavilion on Sept. 17. In set one, California dominated Utah, out hitting the Utes .536 to .000 to take the set, 25-9. In this set, Tarah Murrey had a set-high eight kills, Elly Barrett had 14 assists and Kat Brown added three blocks. Set two was a much closer game, as Utah opened with a slight lead; however, Cal battled back and regained the lead early on. Even so, the Utes would not back off, never letting the gap exceed four points, until the set point, when the Bears won 25-20. Christina Higgins had the final two kills to give the Bears the second set. The third and final set was the closest of the three. While the set remained close throughout, after the initial opening point, the Bears were able to keep hold of the lead until a kill by the Utes tied the score at 23-23. Utah pulled ahead with a double stuff on a Murrey swing, but Johnson and Brown answered back with a double block of their own on the very next play. This would give Cal the momentum it needed to power through and take the final set, 26-24. Overall, the Utes out blocked the Bears 9-6, but California's hitting was no match for Utah, which ultimately led to Cal's victory.
So, how can you follow along with this big matchup? There are a few ways:
1. Gametracker.
2. Twitter
3. Online streaming video via Utah Athletics Website
Thanks to the Utah Athletics Website for streaming the game. As it is an away game, Cal does not stream it. So, this should be a big matchup between two tough teams. Follow along and put your thoughts in the comments. GO BEARS!!!
Note: No open thread tonight for the women's basketball exhibition game because there isn't a stream available