Bryan Cole / Collegian File Photo

From freshman to leaders, Brianna Clarke and Baylee Platt are back for round two after leading the volleyball team last season in kills and points.

In 2008, for the first time in Fresno State history, two freshmen, Platt and Clarke, made the WAC All-Freshman Team honors in the same season.

In 2008, Platt, an outside hitter, led the Bulldogs in scoring with 318 kills, 3.46 kills per set and 339.5 overall points. Rightside hitter Clarke came in second with 238 kills, 2.87 kills per set and 278 overall points.

Though the 2008 season was rough for the Bulldogs as a team, the two sophomores consider it a steppingstone to their volleyball careers.

“It was a hard season because everyone was learning while playing,â€Â Platt said. “We did good in finishing games, but stat wise, we weren’t there.â€Â

Coming into the team as freshmen, Clarke and Platt started training during the fall semester, where they learned the basics within weeks before the season started.

Bryan Cole / Collegian File Photo

This year, they had more time to prepare and know the system, but the biggest change made to their training was getting individual attention from the coaches during spring.

“Last fall we went through the basics of the program then went straight to the court,â€Â Platt said. “This year, we had more one-on-one with our coaches, and that really helped me out a lot.

“We went back to the basics and fundamentals of volleyball. You think you know it all but in reality, it’s a whole new level of gaining knowledge about the game.â€Â

Having been friends and teammates since 6th grade, Clarke and Platt know each other̢۪s potential. They have a close enough relationship where they can criticize each other to help improve their games.

“I wanted to play in the same college team with Baylee since we know how each other plays,â€Â Clarke said. “We know each other’s tendencies, strengths and what we’re capable of.â€Â

Now that they are in their second year, they have stepped into leadership roles. Clarke and Platt said when they first became Bulldogs, the veteran players were welcoming. This year, they want to do the same for the four newcomers. They now hold the responsibilities of being role models.

Bryan Cole / Collegian File Photo

“There’s pressure in everyone to be good examples for the newcomers, but so far we’ve all been doing good, and it’s great now that we’re the ones watching them learn all the techniques,â€Â Clarke said.

Sewell said that the two have grown into better and more mature players over the course of their spring and summer training.

“Baylee has come a long way. She made a lot of changes, lesson after lesson. She’s really grown and developed into a bright strong woman,â€Â Sewell said. “With Brianna, she’s full of potential and it’s fun to have her athleticism on the team.â€Â

Clarke and Platt share the same goal of the team – to be able to play in the WAC Tournament.

“I’m excited to see how the season unfolds and how we’re all going to play,â€Â Clarke said. “We need to build more confidence in ourselves, have more determination to finish the game and put more W’s on the board.

Watch a Dog Bytes update on Brianna Clarke & Baylee Platt.