Vandals sack 'Dogs

Bulldog's hard-nosed defense still can't keep up with WAC newcomer Idaho's offensive firepower in conference opener

By Noe Sacoco
The Collegian

The Fresno State women’s volleyball team lost a four-game (30-16, 26-30, 30-24 and 31 29) thriller to the Idaho Vandals (8-5) Saturday night at the North Gym.

After a slow start, Coach Ruben Nieves believes execution is key to close games.

“We need to attack better and put balls away,” Nieves said.

Fresno State (2-9) opened game one with a kill, but found itself in a drought when the Vandals scored five points in a row on their way to a 6-1 lead. The Vandals were efficient at the net with a total of four block assists to the Bulldogs’ zero. The Bulldogs failed to get in an offensive flow and the Vandals capitalized, leading game one with a hitting percentage of .467 to .026.

Unlike game one, where the Bulldogs failed to execute, the Bulldogs came out hungry and played scrappy defense in game two. The Bulldogs had 21 digs to Idaho’s 15. Briana Rempel led all Bulldogs with 13 kills.

“We came out hesitant,” sophomore middle blocker Alisha McKee said. “But during crunch time, our intensity picked up.”

The Bulldogs opened game two by scoring the first three points. Of the team’s 21 digs in game three, junior Cheryl Selenak led the Bulldog defense with seven digs. The trio of Alisha McKee, Kasie Spencer and Angela Wiggins spearheaded the Bulldog offense with a combined 13 kills. The Bulldogs led in hitting percentage with .419 to .360.

In game three, the Vandals had momentum on their side. Outside hitter Meghan Brown led the Vandals with seven kills in game three. As the game progressed, the Bulldogs were a force at the net. Robyn Kuene and Kasie Spencer combined for two block solos and four block assists. The Vandals led game three by as much as six points. However, the Bulldogs stayed close and executed on key rallies. The Bulldogs managed to hold off two match points, but were unable to finish off the Vandals.

“We need to work on putting free balls away,” freshman middle blocker Kasie Spencer said.

Game four was an intense game with each team exchanging points. The game featured nine lead changes and six ties. Junior defensive specialist Allison Pitton was an offensive force and led game four with five kills. The Bulldogs hung close and held off three match points, but again failed to finish off the Vandals.

The Bulldogs will continue WAC play next Thursday on the road against New Mexico.

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