SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Cats were defeated by the Utes in three sets on Sunday. Sofia Maldonado Diaz knocked down 12 kills for Arizona, but the Cats couldn't slow down Utah's offense which hit .371.
 
Set 1 | Arizona - 19, Utah - 25
Utah won the first set 25-19. Maldonado Diaz had three kills and three other Wildcats had two kills each. Arizona's defense had two blocks to try to slow the Utes, but Utah stitched together a few runs in the second half of the set to hold on to the lead.
 
Set 2 | Arizona - 18, Utah - 25
In the second set, Arizona scored back and forth points with Utah until the Utes took the 13-12 lead and kept it to win the set 25-18. Maldonado Diaz recorded five kills, which led the attack for both teams, followed by Merle Weidt with four kills. Jaelyn Hodge and Alayna Johnson combined for a block assist to break up a late run by the Utes, but it wasn't enough to keep their attack at bay.
 
Set 3 | Arizona - 21, Utah - 25
The Cats dropped a close final set with Utah. Maldonado Diaz led Arizona's offense again with four kills. Emery Herman and Hodge each had three kills in the third set. Despite Puk Stubbe recording her first career block solo, Utah had three blocks to hold off the Cats and win the final set, 25-21.
 
Match Leaders
Kills: Sofia Maldonado Diaz - 12
Assists: Emery Herman – 24
Digs: Kamaile Hiapo - 12
Blocks: Zyonna Fellows & Puk Stubbe - 2
 
The Wildcats return home next weekend to host Stanford on Friday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. MST and California on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 12 p.m. MST as the second half of conference play begins.