The Fresno State volleyball team swept the Utah State Aggies after posting a season-high 12 aces on Thursday at the Save Mart Center.
The Bulldogs came into this game short two key starters. Junior outside hitter Desiree Sukhov and freshman middle blocker Grace Doyle were sidelined by injury, so the ‘Dogs had to rely on other offensive weapons to win.
Both the ‘Dogs and the Aggies kept things close throughout the majority of the first set. Fresno State would lead by five points, 17-12, before the Aggies would go on an 8-1 run, taking the lead, 20-18. But a kill by middle blocker Montez Uigaese would spark a 7-3 run by the Bulldogs to help take the first set 25-23.
In the second set, the ‘Dogs were able to use the momentum of the first set win to take an early lead. Fresno State was able to keep its foot on the pedal leading 8-1 to start the second set. Utah State was able to close the gap, getting the Aggies within four points, 9-5.
The Aggies would later cut the lead to three points, 17-14, but wouldn’t be able to take the lead from the ‘Dogs. The Bulldogs went on another huge run, 8-2, closing the set with the last three points, which included a pair of kills by outside hitter Amilya Thompson and a service ace by outside hitter Lauren Sabbatini for a 25-16 win, giving Fresno State a 2-0 set lead.
The third set of the match saw the Bulldogs get another quick lead. Fresno state would start the third set scoring seven straight points, leading the Aggies 7-0. The Aggies would struggle to put points on the board at the beginning of the set and would continue to struggle throughout the entire set.
The Bulldogs would increase their lead by 10 points, 19-9, and would keep that 10-point lead to finish off the third set, 25-15 to complete the 3-0 sweep.
This win against Utah State marked the ninth sweep of the season, improving the ‘Dogs’ record to 12-9.
The ‘Dogs will host Boise State on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Save Mart Center. There will be a Halloween party theme. All kids in costumes will be able to get in for free, and there will be a costume parade during halftime.
There will also be a 1000 Fan Challenge. If the attendance hits 1000 fans, then everyone will receive free admission to the Fresno State football game on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. against Colorado State.
“We’ve got to stay humble and focused. This is one game. We’ve got a bunch more matches, and we have to keep getting better,” said head coach Jonathan Winder. “Boise is going to be a different team compared to Utah State, and we have to keep learning and getting better. We get to practice tomorrow, and we have to be hungry and humble.”