By Don Le — Reporter
San Jose State women’s volleyball was swept 3-0 in its first of two consecutive games against the Fresno State Bulldogs on Thursday.
It was the first indoor volleyball game in the Bulldog’s Save Mart Center arena in 468 days with cardboard cutouts replacing audience members in the seats and the Spartans all wearing masks.
The Spartans got off to a strong start in their first set with an 8-0 run.
Freshman setter Mia Schafer’s excellent serves, even getting an early ace, gave the Spartans a 14-9 lead, which would end up being their largest of the game.
The Spartans and Bulldogs had a big back-and-forth battle up until this point with 15 lead changes and three ties.
The Bulldogs eventually triumphed, winning the first set 25-23.
Junior Spartan middle blocker Haylee Nelson had four early kills at this point in the game and she continued her effectiveness throughout the match.
The Spartans started off the second set on a 9-5 run off two kills by Nelson and service errors by Bulldogs’ sophomore middle blocker Grace Doyle and sophomore outside hitter Amaria Kelley.
Like the first set, the middle of set No. 2 was a tough, gritty battle, but FSU was eventually able to close it out at 25-22 off an attack error by Nelson.
The must-win third set for the Spartans started with another early lead at 10-8 off two kills by freshman outside hitter Cammillucci Letizia.
After getting to 12-11, the final time the Spartans led this game, the Bulldogs kept their lead steady, pulling away by as much as four points at 17-13.
Two final kills by Desiree Sukhov completed the sweep and gave the Bulldogs their first home win since November 2019 with a score of 25-21.
While they couldn’t manage to maintain their leads long enough to win a set, the Spartans can be confident in that every set went down to the wire.
Nelson put up a valiant effort ending the loss with 11 kills, two blocks and 14 digs and junior setter Mamie Keith Garard had a cool 12 assists.
The Spartans don’t have to wait long for a chance at revenge.
The conclusion to this two-game series will be tomorrow in the same building, but at a later time, 6 p.m.
Follow Don on Twitter @SJSUDonLe
