The Fresno State women’s volleyball team defeated the University of Las Vegas, Nevada (UNLV) in four sets on Thursday evening at the Save Mart Center.
With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 7-9 on the season, with a record of 3-2 in the Mountain West Conference (MWC).
The Bulldogs got it done with the power of friendship.
“When we find our grit and like how we play together, we do a really good job of pulling it out. I think that it’s like the energy on the court and like the support for each other,” says junior opposite-hitter Addison Haluska. “We all hang out 24/7, we’re best friends.”
How’d it happen?
Fresno State took set one thanks to a strong finish. After a back-and-forth affair, UNLV was leading 17-16.
But the Bulldogs ripped off a 9-4 run capped off by a kill from sophomore Mya Sellers to win the set 25-21.
The second set saw 13 ties and four lead changes. The Rebels used a 7-1 run to take an 18-13 advantage. With their backs against the wall, Fresno State tied the game at 25 points apiece on a kill from sophomore outside-hitter Jenna Legault.
The Rebels prevailed though, tying the game with a 28-26 set two victory.
Set three was an even more intense battle with 15 ties and leads changing six times.
UNLV held an early lead, thanks to a bevy of attack errors from the Bulldogs. Fresno State climbed back to make it 13-13 but a crucial six-point run, gave the Rebels a 19-13 lead. The ‘Dogs showed resilience though, eventually tying the score at 24-24.
The conference foes went back-and-forth several times before a pair of clutch kills from Halluska sealed the comeback, giving the Bulldogs a 32-30 set win.
“Winning that third set was a huge momentum shift, and just gave us the energy and confidence,” Halluska said.
Halluska finished the evening with a career-high 25 kills, the second-best of any Bulldog this season (Ella Rud, 29 vs Santa Clara). The junior also had 14 digs, tied for the second most on the team on Thursday.
After the game, Head Coach Leisa Rosen said Halluska has become a ‘major, go-to player’ for them.
“The role that she’s taking is getting bigger and bigger, and I’m really proud of all the work she’s doing,” Rosen said.
Senior setter Brooke Cowie led the team with 42 assists.
The Bulldogs handled the Rebels handily in the fourth and final set, building a commanding 15-9 lead after a series of service aces by sophomore libero Dionii Fraga. Haluska’s final kill of the night sealed the match at 25-18, securing a 3-1 victory for the Bulldogs.
Despite the victory, Rosen stressed the importance of showing patience and limiting errors.
“We have to learn how to trust what we do and not get rushed or panicked,” Rosen said.
Up Next
The Bulldogs are back at home this Saturday against San Diego State for Alumnae Day. The Bulldogs will be celebrating the historic 1984 Fresno State volleyball team that made a run to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Championship tournament.
In their honor, the ‘Dogs will be wearing a special, one-time uniform which includes a white sleeveless top with “Fresno” written across the front in white block lettering over a red stripe and navy shorts.
The back of the jersey will feature the last names of letterwinners in the program surrounding each athlete’s number with the MWC logo on the left and the Green V logo on the right.
The uniforms will be available in an auction for fans to purchase with proceeds going to support the team.
The match will begin at 11 a.m. Fans who show their ticket for the Fresno State football game against Washington State will get into the match for free.
