Fresno State’s volleyball team suffered its 10th consecutive loss after falling in three sets to the University of New Mexico.
The Bulldogs are now 6-16 this season with an 0-10 Mountain West record.
“Finishing is certainly a problem. We need to get better at it and reward ourselves for our work during the game. It’s frustrating for sure because we’re right in it, but it comes down to making big plays in crunch time,” said Fresno State Head Coach Abbie Wright.
Despite having lost 10 consecutive matches, the team showed glimpses of potential, having led in two sets towards the end of the match but giving up the lead.
New Mexico took the first set 27-25 with the Lobos dominating from the opening serve, jumping out to an early 11-4 lead over the ‘Dogs.
However, Fresno State, led by sophomore outside hitter Ella Rud’s five kills, caught traction later in the set by going on a 10-1 run to take a late set lead 19-17.
The two teams continued to battle back-and-forth before being tied at 25. However, after a faulty serve and a quick kill, New Mexico pulled away for the set victory.
The second was almost identical to the first, with the Lobos taking an early 9-4 lead to begin play. Fresno State then closed the gap as the set progressed, pulling it to a tight 15-14 deficit.
Fresno State then took control with six consecutive points to take a 22-18 lead. However, the ‘Dogs lost momentum down the stretch and dropped the set 26-24.
Fresno State switched up the tempo in the third set, battling New Mexico from the beginning with an early 5-5 score.
Despite the early push from the ‘Dogs, New Mexico took control down the stretch, extending the lead and not allowing Fresno State to come within three points for the remainder of the set.
“We’re learning how to mature and get better,” Wright said. “We’ve been playing with young kids this whole time, so we’re learning as we go.”
The ‘Dogs’ next match will be on the road as they head to the University of Wyoming for a Thursday night match on Oct. 27.
