Utah Tech salvaged its final match at the season opening Weber State Wildcat Invitational with a 3-0 sweep of Manhattan College on Saturday afternoon at Swenson Gym. The Trailblazers (1-2/0-0 WAC) posted a pair of 25-16 set wins that bookended a 25-19 triumph in set two on their way to their first victory of the season. 

Hannah Howard tied a season-high with 15 kills, seven of which came in the second set, and posted a season-best .522 attack percentage. The senior also recorded a game-high four total blocks, including a pair of solo stops. 
 
Kennedi Knudsen continued her solid play on the weekend as she racked up 11 kills to go along with four digs and one block assist. Taela Laufiso chipped in five kills to go with 32 assists and six digs.
 
Utah Tech hit a season-best .363, highlighted a by season-high .407 clip in the third set, which came after the Trailblazers hit .406 to open the match.
 
Meanwhile the Trailblazer defense held the Jaspers (0-3) to opponent season lows of 24 kills and an .058 attack percentage, thanks in part to 36 digs and 8.0 total team blocks. 

Utah Tech also placed two players on the all-tournament team, which was announced at the end of play on Saturday. Laufiso earned all-tourney recognition after tallied 105 total assists (8.75 a/s) along with 15 kills, 29 digs and two total blocks. In addition, senior Emma Ricks made the list after she collected 46 digs (3.83 d/s) and 11 assists. 

The Trailblazers continue their non-conference slate with an appearance the New Mexico Lobo Invitational next weekend in Albuquerque. Utah Tech will play neutral court matches vs. St. John's and CSU Bakersfield on Friday, Sept. 1, before taking on the host Lobos to close tourney play on Saturday, Sept. 2.