After falling to Saint Mary’s University three sets to one in the first game of the Fresno State Invitational, the Fresno State Bulldogs volleyball team were looking for redemption and their first win. They bounced back on Friday night with a 3-2 victory against American University at the SaveMart Center.

The match began with the Bulldogs striking first to go up by four points, but the Eagles quickly tied it up at 5. American would go on a six point run before the Bulldogs could answer with a point of their own.

American continued to dominate the Bulldogs and at one point they were up by nine points. The ‘Dogs rallied to gain some lost ground, but it would be too much of a deficit and would lose the first set, 25-18.

The second set started much like the first with the Bulldogs getting the first points, but the Eagles quickly overtook them. Fresno State managed to keep American at bay. The set remained close with the Bulldogs only being a few points down throughout.

For the remainder of the set Fresno State battled to keep up with American until they tied it at 24. The Bulldogs took the last two points of the set and a come from behind win, 26-24.

In the third set the Eagles gained control from the beginning, going up by 6 points, but Fresno State came back and tied it up 11. A back-and-forth battle ensued with both the Eagles and the Bulldogs scoring and keeping the match very competitive.

The Bulldogs seized a decisive two-point lead to make the score 21-19. However, American would come back, scoring six unanswered points and winning the set ,25-22.

The Bulldogs started the fourth set by quickly adding momentum to their side. They would go up by five points within the first few minutes. Fresno State set took a 7 point lead midway through the set.

American tried to rally, but the Bulldogs kept their composure and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the fourth set. Fresno State would dominate the score 25-17, tying the match at two sets apiece.

For the fifth and final set the Bulldogs took the early lead and control, keeping the pressure on American. Fresno State maintained their advantage and won the final points, finishing 15-10.

The Bulldogs top performers of the night were Taylor Slover with 16 kills, seven errors, and 53 total attempts. Jessica Gilbert had 15 kills, four errors, and 37 total attempts. Kava Durr had 15 kills two errors and 27 total attempts.

With a record of 5-1, Fresno State now prepares to face University of San Francisco in the final game.