After splitting its last week’s games with a loss to San Diego State and a win over UNLV, the Fresno State women’s volleyball team will try to extend its winning streak this weekend.
The Bulldogs will host two Mountain West Conference (MWC) rivals in the Nevada Wolf Pack and San Jose State Spartans.
The team’s recent good fortune is attributed to coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell’s decision to implement a different style of play late in its matchup against San Diego State.
“At San Diego State, we were struggling and so we switched to a 6-2,” Netherby-Sewell said. “It started working of us, and we started playing better, but it was a little too late.”
The 6-2 offense, which places two setters at front instead of one, has helped the Bulldogs achieve balance in their game.
“They’re tough to play at [the Aztecs’] home,” Netherby-Sewell said. “To start a new offense there in that loud gym, we couldn’t hear each other. We had a hard time working together.”
Fresno State lost the match in four sets then went on to beat UNLV last Saturday. Junior middle blocker Maci Murdock led the team in hitting percentage (.636) and had four blocks in the contest.
“I felt we were a lot more relaxed in the game. If we continue to play relaxed from now on, we’ll always be on our A-game,” Murdock said.
The Spartans will come to Bulldog Stadium tonight at 7 p.m. The Bulldogs are 29-46 all time against San Jose State, dating back to 1973.
“San Jose statistically is a decent team, but I think their ball control gets them in trouble sometimes,” Netherby-Sewell said. “They’re definitely one of those teams you have to watch out for.”
The Spartans (3-11, 0-4 MWC) are seeking their first conference win of the season. They are led by seventh-year head coach Oscar Crespo. The team boasts two players who made the all-tournament team this year: senior outside hitter Hanah Blume and junior middle blocker Mary Alice O’Reilly. Blume recorded a 20/20 double-double against Winthrop University (21 kills, 20 digs).
At 7 p.m. on Saturday, the Bulldogs will host the Wolf Pack (2-14, 0-4 MWC). The team is also seeking its first 2013 MWC victory and is trying to snap a seven-game losing skid. Ruth Lawanson, a former Fresno State All-American, is in her third year as head coach.