By Lucas Quick – Spear Reporter | SJSU sophomore outside hitter Nayeli Ti’a gets ready to serve the ball in the Spartans’ win over San Francisco Thursday night at home. (photo by Nick Orozco – Co-Executive Editor of The Spear)
San Jose State Volleyball (7-0) handled business with ease in the Spartans’ seventh-consecutive win in a 3-0 sweep over San Francisco (5-5) Thursday night at Spartan Gym.
The Spartans took command for the majority of the game, winning two of the three sets by nine or more points.
SJSU senior right-side hitter Brooke Bryant had a strong start, contributing to four kills early in the first set. Alongside sophomore outside hitter Nayeli Ti’a, who had seven kills in the first set resulted in a 25-16 first set victory.
Bryant had a hitting percentage of 0.923, tying the record with alumni Cristin Rossman, who had the same in 1994.
She also ended the game with twelve kills.
“If we’re ever in need of a big play, we can always count on Bryant,” Ti’a said “She’s so dependable, consistent and such a powerhouse.”
Once again, Ti’a headlined the Spartans statsheet, leading the team in kills (18) and had ten digs as well.
San Francisco was right on par with SJSU in the second set, but a kill and a block in back-to-back sequences by senior outside and right-side hitter Blaire Flemming gave a spark of momentum for the Spartans.
An attack error by San Francisco’s outside hitter Michalina Rola eventually gave the split edge to San Jose State, winning a tight 26-24 match.
Momentum ran away with the Spartans, and closed out the third set with ease in a 25-14 win, sealing another win to their undefeated resume.
Although the attacking side was too much for San Francisco, out-killing them 48-31, the defense played equally as large of a role.
The Spartans out dug the Dons 39-21 and out-blocked them 9-5.
“I always want to be the best defensive team on the court.” SJSU head coach Todd Kress said. “We’re physical on the block right now, and we’re doing a nice job of making some nice reads.”
Spartans’ senior setter Brooke Slusser also had another balanced performance ending her night with 37 assists.
“Slusser always does a nice job of getting everyone involved,” Kress said. “When we’re balanced, we’re pretty to be defended.”
SJSU will look to win its eighth-consecutive game against Saint Mary’s 5 p.m. Saturday at Spartan Gym.
