Aikman Fang (@AikmanFang) – Spear Reporter
San Jose State volleyball (20-8, 14-4 MW) fell to San Diego State (10-19, 8-10) in four sets on Senior Day Saturday night.
Prior to the match starting, SJSU volleyball honored four players who competed in their final time at SJSU.
The Spartans started the first frame with an early 12-8 lead over the Aztecs. However, SDSU tied the set 20-20 after a kill by junior outside hitter Heipua Tautua’a.
The Aztecs won the first set 25-23 after going on a 3-0 run.
Junior outside hitter Blaire Fleming led the Spartans with five kills at the end of the first frame.
A kill from Fleming propelled the Spartans to a 13-10 lead in the second set. She finished with 13 kills in the match.
The Aztecs pushed to tie again 16-16 and took the momentum for the rest of the set. Then, a kill from Tautua’a gave SDSU the second set, 25-20.
The Aztecs took an early 7-4 lead in the third set and looked like they were going to make quick work of the Spartans.
However, fifth-year libero Sarah Smevog had other plans as she gave SJSU a 21-20 lead after a service ace. Smevog had a team-high three service aces and had her best defensive match this season with 27 digs.
The Spartans prevailed in the third set with a 25-22 win.
Fifth-year outside hitter Haylee Nelson led SJSU with six kills in the third frame. She recorded her seventh double-double of the season with a team-high 15 kills and 14 digs.
The Aztecs started with an 8-2 lead in the fourth set, then the Spartans came back with a 14-13 lead after a block from junior middle blocker Jiana Lawson. She led the Spartans with seven total blocks.
Ultimately, the Spartans made some critical errors that gave the Aztecs a 26-24 win in the fourth and last set.
“Any team that we’re playing is going to be good, and we’re going to be ready for them,” said head coach Trent Kersten.
Despite the loss, the Spartans have already clinched the second seed in the Mountain West tournament and automatically advance to the semifinals.
SJSU volleyball will play the winner between San Diego State and Colorado State on Thanksgiving Day at 3 p.m.
