By Ricardo Garcia — Reporter
The San Jose State women’s volleyball team (16-7, 10-3 MW) extended its winning streak to seven after narrowly defeating the Wyoming Cowgirls in a five set nail biter by a score of 3-2 at the Uniwyo Sports Complex in Laramie Wyoming.
SJSU found themselves down 2-1 in need of a win to send the game to a fifth and final set. The Spartans went on to win two sets in a row which saw a fifth set that went down to the wire.
In the first set of the match the SJSU wasted no time getting off to a hot start on offense with multiple scoring runs including a 5-0 run that helped extend their lead.
Wyoming struggled to contain the potent Spartan offense and failed to get anything going on offense themselves which resulted in SJSU securing the first set 25-14.
The second set saw a spark in the Cowgirl offense that pushed the SJSU defence to its limits in a back and forth duel that gave us a glimpse of what was yet to come.
Wyoming maintained their foot on the gas for the remainder of the set and pulled out a 25-23 victory in the second set..
WIth the momentum shifted in the Cowgirl’s favor, they had their sights set on winning a pivotal third set to set up match point.
Wyoming continued to roll on the offensive side of the ball while also containing the Spartan attack by playing tight defense.
The Cowgirls also took advantage of some sloppy Spartan play including seven attack errors and two service errors in the third set.
Wyoming mirrored their approach from the previous set and were able to secure the win 25-19. All that was left to do for the Cowgirls was win one more set to win the match.
The Spartans entered the fourth set with their backs against the wall on the verge of having their win streak snapped.
After two quiet offensive sets, SJSU regained their offensive footing and got back into a groove to begin to pull away with the fourth set.
The Spartans were not ready to leave Wyoming yet and took the fourth set 25-17 to force a final set between these two teams.
Both squads came into the final set looking to get out to an early lead. The set remained tied with either team not willing to give a single opening.
After a 16-16 deadlock, The Spartans found an opening and took a one point lead and the chance to seal the deal.
SJSU took full advantage of the one point lead and secured the win thanks to grad student middle blocker Ryann Thomison who delivered the game clinching kill.
Senior outside hitter Haylee Nelson had a big night with a team high 19 kills and 16 digs. Thomison finished with 12 kills and five blocks.
The Spartans will continue on the road as they are set to take on the first place Colorado State Rams in Fort Collins Colo. The game is set to begin at 12 p.m PT/1 p.m MT on the Mountain West Network.
Follow Ricardo on Twitter @SJSURicardoG
