By Sebastian Ramos – Spear Reporter | Senior setter Brooke Slusser in midst of assisting the ball (Photo by Nick Orozco – Co-Executive Editor of The Spear)
In a hard-fought battle at the Spartan Gym, San Jose State women’s volleyball (9-2, 4-2 MW) fell to San Diego State (11-4, 3-2 MW) three sets to none on Thursday night.
Coming into the match following a disappointing conference play at Colorado State, the Spartans would not be able to regain their stride against the Aztecs falling to 3-3 in conference play.
The Spartans made a strong push in the third set after struggling the first two sets defensively however the Aztecs proved to be too strong and took command of the Spartans’ errors.
The comeback attempt would not come easy for the Spartans as the Aztecs came in having a much taller and larger squad such as 6-foot-4 opposite hitter Natalie Hughes and 6-foot-5 middle back Shea Rubright.
“[San Diego State is] big, they’re athletic, and one of the bigger teams we probably faced this year,” SJSU head coach Todd Kress said.
Throughout the match when the set appeared to be dominated by the Aztecs, the Spartans were able to battle back and rally to help spark a comeback between each set.
These comebacks came to be led by not only senior captains Blaire Fleming and Brooke Slusser who led the entire match with a combined 18 kills, but also junior outside hitter Eda Koker who brought some life into the Spartans coming into the third set.
“I just smiled, like my whole heart warmed when I saw that happen because she’s been working so hard to get her footing under her so to speak,” Kress said. “I love the passion that she brought off of the bench, she just did some great things and then just brought that energy.”
Koker went on to finish with four total kills after coming into the third set.
The Spartans struggled with receiving serves coming from the Aztecs throughout the course of the game.
As a result, SDSU was able to take advantage of SJSU’s weakness and begin each set with a large lead.
“We got to pass the ball and we’re much better than that, I think it was just mental,” Kress said. “I think we’re playing not to lose instead of playing to win.”
SJSU played against UNLV Saturday hoping to bounce back but lost 3-1, extending its losing streak to three.
