The Fresno State women’s volleyball team defeated the San Jose State Spartans on the road in five sets on Tuesday, Nov. 19. With the team’s third straight win, the Bulldogs (16-12, 12-5) have moved into second place in the Mountain West Conference (MWC).
Junior outside hitter Addison Haluska led the way with a team-high 20 kills, surpassing 1,000 career kills for her career. Sophomore libero/defensive specialist Dionii Fraga had eight digs, to reach 1,000 for her career.
Senior outside hitter Ella Rud made her mark on both sides of the ball, with 15 kills and a team-high 12 digs. Senior setter Brooke Cowie had a game-high 48 assists.
What happened
Despite a 5-1 lead early on, Fresno State dropped the first set. San Jose State used a 10-2 run to establish control and win the set 25-19 led by Blaire Fleming who had nine kills during the set.
A seven-point run during the second set gave the ‘Dogs a 16-7 lead. Despite a competitive effort from San Jose State, the Bulldogs won the set 25-19 to tie the game at 1-1.
Senior middle blocker Kasey Purry was hot out of the gate, giving the ‘Dogs three quick kills in the third set. She finished with seven on the night in addition to a trio of blocks. Fresno State would go on to win the third set 25-21, sealed by a kill from Haluska to give the ‘Dogs a 2-1 lead.
The Bulldogs struggled a bit in the fourth set. Five service errors negated a competitive set that Fresno State was trailing 16-14 at one point. The Spartans would go on to win it 25-20, forcing a final set.
In the fifth and final set, the ‘Dogs jumped out to an 8-4 lead thanks to a pair of kills from Haluska and the blocking prowess of Purry.
The Spartans would rip off three consecutive points before the two sides traded points one after another. A block from Jade Epps brought the game within one.
Fresno State won three of the final points in the set to seal the victory; however, including a stellar kill from Rud.
What’s next
Fresno State will finish the regular season this weekend in Idaho to take on Boise State on Saturday, Nov. 23. The game is set for 11 a.m.
The ‘Dogs quest to repeat as MWC tournament champions will take place the following week, beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 27, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A win against the Broncos this Saturday would clinch a top two seed in the conference and give the Bulldogs a first round bye, meaning they would not have to play until Friday, Nov. 29.