By Zack Siedel – Spear Reporter | Photo by Nick Orozco – Co-Executive Editor of The Spear | Sophomore Nayeli Ti’a celebrates the game-winning point against Saint Mary’s.
Sophomore outside hitter Nayeli Ti’a and senior setter Brooke Slusser’s dominating performances catapulted San Jose State to a three-set victory against Saint Mary’s.
The Spartans remain undefeated and have potential to be one of the best teams in the nation as they start the season with an 8-0 record.
“They buy into each other. They truly do love one another and we’re very talented,” head coach Todd Kress said. “So that’s going to lead to a lot of positive outcomes when we stay healthy.”
The team chemistry was on full display during the matchup with 46 assists and a near 44% success rate on sets.
One of the key players in the win was Ti’a.
Ti’a led the way once again for the Spartans having 17 kills on the night.
“I’m glad that I could help out the team by doing my job and being able to execute offensively,” Ti’a said. “I’m good with my performance today but I feel like I could do a lot better.”
The improvement later described by Ti’a is wanting to have more range with her shots.
Although she had a high amount of kills, she was not happy with her success rate being only 18% successful on 45 attempts and wants to improve.
Ti’a also mentioned how Slusser has been a huge part of her and the team’s success.
Slusser in the contest had 30 assists and a near 42% success rate on 72 set attempts.
The senior setter’s fantastic night helped Ti’a and multiple teammates get the job done on offense, and even added seven kills of her own.
“We’ve come in every single day in practice and worked so hard and so intentionally in every aspect of the game,” Slusser said. “I think it’s just showing in the way that we’ve started our season so far. We’re coming out here and doing our thing and I think that’s what’s amazing,”
They are the only team in the Mountain West to remain undefeated.
SJSU will next play its first conference match by traveling to Fresno State and are scheduled to play at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in the Save Mart Center.
