PROVO, Utah— McNeese volleyball didn't back down on No. 9 BYU Thursday and at times went toe to toe with the Cougars but in the end, BYU outlasted the Cowgirls in straight sets (25-14, 25-18, 25-18) to remain undefeated on the season. at 5-0  The loss drops McNeese to 0-5 on the season.
 
For the second straight match, McNeese played a ranked opponent and for the second straight match the Cowgirls were out blocked.  BYU ended the match with 15 blocks and the Cowgirls had eight.
 
The Cowgirls' defense was credited with 45 digs including several point saving digs that kept the rally going.  Kendall Osgood picked up a season high 11 digs to lead the Cowgirls on the night.  Carissa Chainey led McNeese with six kills and Megan Grose ended with 12 assists.  McKenzie Moore picked up four of the Cowgirls' eight blocks.
 
BYU was led in kills by Whitney McEwan-Llarenas' nine kills and five blocks.
 
McNeese will play UC Davis at 8 p.m. (CT) Friday before returning home to host Southern next Tuesday in its home opener.
 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1
*BYU took an early 6-3 lead
• McNeese went on a 6-2 run to take a 9-8 lead
• BYU then outscored McNeese 11-1 to lead 19-10
 
Set 2
• BYU began the set by scoring the first five points before the Cowgirls scored their first point of the set
• The Cougars extended their lead to 17-8 but the Cowgirls didn't back down
• Trailing 21-12, McNeese scored three straight points to trail 21-15
• The Cougars scored four of the next seven points   
 
Set 3
• After an early 2-2 tie, BYU went on a11-4 run to lead 13-6 lead then extended the set to 10 points (22-12)
• Trailing 22-11, McNeese outscored BYU 7-3 the rest of the way but the deficit was too much to overcome
 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
• BYU was the second highest ranked opponent McNeese has played in program history
• BYU was the second straight ranked opponent McNeese has played this week
• Kendall Osgood picked up a season high 11 digs
• McKenzie Moore was credited with four of the Cowgirl eight blocks
• Carissa Chainey led McNeese with six kills
• Megan Grose dished out 12 assists