By Anfisa Pitchkhadze – Spear Reporter | Sophomore outside hitter Nayeli Ti’a in spikes the ball during a home match on Sept. 21. (Photo by Nick Orozco – Co-Executive Editor of The Spear)
San Jose State volleyball (13-3, 10-3 MW) took down New Mexico (9-13, 2-10 MW) in a 3-1 victory at home.
Despite winning the match in four sets, the Spartans faced a tough battle.
“We did some great things in between there, but I thought that set four was really solid,” SJSU head coach Todd Kress said on X.
During the first two sets, there were a total of 13 tied scores and seven lead changes.
New Mexico served up competition for SJSU, but the Spartans were able to win both sets 25-21.
The Spartans lost momentum in the third set when the Lobos pulled off a 25-22 win.
SJSU struggled to contain New Mexico.
The Spartans nearly mounted a comeback after going on a 7-0 run only to be behind 23-22, but the Lobos responded with the last two points to avoid a sweep.
However, the Spartans eventually sealed their victory after a dominant 25-13 win in the fourth set from a service ace by sophomore outside hitter Nayeli Ti’a to end the game.
Ti’a put on a performance as she led the Spartans with 16 kills and added 10 digs.
She recorded her eighth double-double of the season while senior setter Brooke Slusser also put up a double-double with 19 assists and 13 digs.
Senior right-side hitters Blaire Fleming and Brooke Bryant also recorded 10 digs for the team.
Senior defensive specialist Alessia Buffagni contributed to the Spartans defense by putting up 18 digs.
Buffagni would go on to lead the team with digs while also recording eight assists.
Freshman setter Ava Martin was also key to the SJSU offense as she added a season high 27 assists and recorded three service aces.
The Spartans played well on both sides of the floor and hope to continue to display dominant performances.
“I think this is a testament to this team and to this program and what we are all about,” Kress said.
The Spartans will head on the road for their next match against UNLV scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at Cox Pavilion.
