By Annabelle Del Bosque — Reporter
San Jose State volleyball (1-3) defeated Air Force (2-3) 3-2 on Saturday for its first win under head coach Trent Kersten.
The Spartans cruised out to an 11-6 lead in the first set as the Falcons gave up several points due to errors.
Redshirt senior outside hitter Latahevai Lousi made herself known early on in the match with two kills on her two attempts in set number one.
Sophomore middle blocker Yazmin Pitpit didn’t take long to make an impact in her season debut floating one over the net for her first point of 2021.
The Spartans clinched the opening set by blocking the hit from the Falcons’ freshman defensive specialist Gabby Wilson, ending the set 25-19.
The Falcons stormed off to a 13-3 lead in set number two, and went on to win the set 25-10 despite timely kills by SJSU freshman middle blocker Allyson Alden.
Sets three and four were fierce back and forth battles.
San Jose State tried to regain their momentum in third set but but came up short for a 25-20 loss.
With their backs against the wall the Spartans won the following set 25-23 behind five kills from Lousi to force set five.
SJSU took an early 2-1 lead in the final set, which ends at 15 points.
The Spartans continued to fight and keep the set close as they then trailed 9-7.
A net violation from SJSU gave Air Force a 14-11 lead and brought them to the brink of victory. But the Spartans persistence turned the game around to reach a 15-14 match point of their own.
Junior middle blocker Haylee Nelson hit the game point for a 16-14 set win and SJSU’s first victory of the season.
The Spartans will head to Fresno State (1-1) on Thursday at 1 p.m PT, as they look to build on their first win.
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