By: Estevan Vargas (@estevan_va) – Spear Reporter | The Spartans are huddled up before tip off ready for battle on Sept. 25th (Photo by Marilyn Bride – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State women’s volleyball (6-8, 1-2 MW) came up just short in a five-set battle at Utah State (6-7, 3-0 MW), falling 3-2 on Wednesday night.
The Spartans entered their seventh five-set match of the season and now hold a 4-3 record in contests that go the distance. Despite the loss, they showed resilience throughout, going back and forth against a tough MountainWest opponent.
Junior outside hitter Naima Foster led the way offensively with a season-high 18 kills, the most by any player in the match.
Junior middle blocker Ava Hewitt-Smith was a force at the net, finishing with 13 blocks, a new career best and just one shy of the SJSU program record.
Senior libero Randilyn Reeves also had a standout performance, collecting her first career double-double with 16 digs and 10 assists.
The Spartans opened strong, winning the first set 25-20 behind six kills from Foster.
Utah State responded in the second, rallying late to steal a 26-24 win after SJSU errors proved costly.
The Spartans bounced back in the third with another tight 26-24 victory, but the Aggies evened the match by claiming the fourth set 25-21.
In the decisive fifth, SJSU battled point-for-point before falling 16-14 after a crucial challenge call went in Utah State’s favor.
Head coach Todd Kress acknowledged the tough finish but stood by his team’s effort.
“Maybe we did pull it out…there were a couple calls that really didn’t go our way in the fifth set,” Kress said. “Proud of the way we played…we pushed the number one team on the road in their home gym.”
SJSU will look to regroup as it closes its two-match road trip at Fresno State on Saturday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. at the Save Mart Center. Aiming to build on their performance against Utah State and come out on top with a win.
