After being down 2-1, the Fresno State women’s volleyball team mounted a comeback and beat Wyoming in five sets at the Save Mart Center on Saturday, Nov. 16.
The Bulldogs also celebrated its seven seniors in front of the Red Wave: outside hitter Ella Rud, middle blocker Kasey Purry, setter Brooke Cowie, opposite hitter Preslee Lillard, outside hitter Olivia Keller, libero Sydney Gazzaniga and outside hitter Maja Malczewska.
Rud made her final home game count, with a game-high 18 kills. Purry, who controlled the net all game, had five solo blocks and five block assists.
Following the game, friends and family members came down to the court to honor the team. Each senior received their own encased jersey and flowers from loved ones.
“You definitely feel the support of the red wave, they come out,” Rud said. “We’re just so blessed to have them support us and they really so keep us going and keep us fired up.”
Purry echoed that statement.
“I’m just happy to play for such a beautiful community,” Purry said.
What happened
The whole match was back and forth with the Bulldogs winning the first set.
There were seven lead changes during the set and both teams struggled to build a lead. The Bulldogs pulled ahead late though, winning 25-21.
Wyoming came back strong, however, the ‘Dogs had seemingly no answer to the offensive onslaught that the Cowgirls led. Down seven points at one point, the team failed to take the lead once during this set, losing 25-18.
Tied at 1-1, both teams looked to make a statement and take the match lead. Wyoming held the lead for the majority of the time. After a pair of challenges that went in favor of the Cowgirls, the Bulldogs lost this set in a hard-fought 25-23 set score.
With their backs against the wall down 2-1, the ‘Dogs needed a sign of life. Rud answered the call with six kills in this set alone.
Similar to the first set, there were seven lead changes in which the Bulldogs came out on top in a close 25-22 set win.
This all led to a suspenseful fifth and final set. The ‘Dogs jumped to an immediate lead. Purry had three solo blocks before the sides switched. She said after the game that preparation played a big role in the team’s comeback performance.
“Just being locked in and you get in the zone,” Purry said. “I was just happy to be playing here for the last time and I think that’s what really motivated me.”
After the side switch, momentum favored Wyoming as they cut the lead down to 9-6. That was until Keller broke up the Cowgirl’s run by getting a kill when the team needed it most.
With momentum back on Fresno State’s side, they cruised to a 15-7 victory in which Rud got the finishing kill with the assist by Cowie, who ended the night with 34 assists.
“I could say so many things just about being here the last four years, it’s been such a blessing,” Rud said. “I couldn’t have it any other way. I’m just so proud to be a Bulldog.”
What’s next
The Bulldogs will finish the season with a pair of road matchups. They will travel up north to face the San Jose State Spartans (14-5) on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and then go up to Idaho to take on Boise State on Nov. 23.
They will begin the post-season tournament for the Mountain West Conference championship the following week on Wednesday, Nov. 27.