By Aikman Fang (@aikmanfang) – Spear Reporter
San Jose State volleyball (11-4, 5-0 MW) stayed undefeated in Mountain West conference play after defeating Wyoming (6-11, 2-3 MW) in four sets on Thursday night. This is the first time the Spartans have started 5-0 in the Mountain West since joining in 2013.
SJSU senior outside hitter Amethyst Harper lead the match with 15 kills on a kill rate of .417%. Unfortunately for SJSU volleyball, Harper rolled her ankle after landing awkwardly on Wyoming sophomore setter Kasia Partyka in the third set.
Harper was able to return later and finish the rest of the match.
The Spartans had the early advantage after they started with a 13-7 lead in the first set following a block by junior outside hitter Letizia Cammilucci. The Spartans would win the first set over the Cowgirls 25-22.
Wyoming would respond by starting with an early 7-3 lead in the second set. The Cowgirls would have a lead at various points in every set this match but simply could not close the deal. The Spartans would come back to take the second set 25-20, with Harper leading the set with five kills.
The Cowgirls, however, would not allow themselves to be swept, answering with a 25-21 win in the third set.
It looked like the Spartans were going to run away easily with the 4th set after starting with a 12-4 lead, but the Cowgirls would tie it up at 20-20. SJSU volleyball would end the match with a 26-22 win in the 4th set following a joint block from junior middle back Jiana Lawson and Cammilucci.
Reigning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week, fifth-year libero Sarah Smevog, contributed with 19 digs and four assists. Junior setter Mia Schafer registered her second consecutive double-double of the season with 26 assists and 10 digs.
“Awesome way to pull out a win here in Laramie… This is a really tough place to play against a really good team who’s well coached,” said head coach Trent Kersten after the Spartans’ win.
SJSU volleyball looks to continue its win streak against Mountain West co-leader Colorado State on Saturday. The match starts at 12 p.m. Pacific Standard Time inside Moby Arena in Fort Collins, Colo.