By: Otis White – Spear Reporter | Middle blocker Learden Lee making a hit. (Photo by Marilyn Bride – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State volleyball (6-7, 1-1 MW) fell to the San Diego State Aztecs (7-6, 2-0 MW) 3-2 in a back and forth match.
The Spartans came into this game fresh off a victory against UNLV, a match that also went to five sets.
Sophomore right-side Mariana Buchanan contributed 11 kills, giving the Spartans a spark throughout the match.
Aztecs, led by senior outside hitter Taylor Underwood, took the first set 25-23, showcasing a heavy offensive game.
The Spartans were able to bounce back in the second set, intensifying their defense and winning the set 26-24 backed by junior middle blocker Ava Hewitt with five blocks
In the third set, the Aztecs came out firing on all cylinders, winning the set 25-17.
The Spartans rallied back in the fourth with sophomore middle blocker Learden Lee and junior right side Lolo Fanua providing energy on the offensive end, winning the set 25-15 and forcing a fifth set.
SJSU was unable to match SDSU’s defensive intensity in the fifth set, losing the final set of the game 15-10. Service errors were the key contributor to the Spartans’ short coming in the last set.
When discussing the loss head coach Todd Kress acknowledged the competitiveness of the Mountain West.
“From top to bottom, this is the most parody we’ve had in this conference and anyone can beat anyone,” Kress said.
On Wednesday, Oct. 1st, the Spartans will travel to play Utah State at 6 p.m. in the Wayne Estes Center.
