By: Marilyn Anye (@AnyeMarilyn) – Spear Reporter – The team celebrating after scoring a point against the Bulldogs. (Photo by Gabriella Kelly – Spear photographer)
San Jose State women’s volleyball (9-10, 3-4 MW) showed clear growth in their rematch with Fresno State (5-13, 1-6 MW), sweeping them 3–0 Saturday afternoon after losing to them earlier in the season.
The Spartans had control of the match from the start, fueled by consistent passing and balanced distribution across their offense. Middle blocker Learden Lee built SJSU’s front line with several key blocks and kills, while outside hitter Morgan Graves added a steady balance on the wing.
Even though there were moments of uncertainty in the beginning, once the Spartans found their rhythm, they never looked back. SJSU’s chemistry and communication had clear improvements compared to its last match with Fresno State, where consistency was an issue.
This time, the Spartans were able to stay composed throughout this match and closed each set with determination. Strong serving and clean passes by the Spartans forced multiple setting errors from the Bulldogs, giving the Spartans more momentum throughout the match.
SJSU head coach Todd Kress said that the Spartans’ serve-receive game made a positive impact on the sweep.
“We passed very well, there were no reception errors for the first time this year,” Kress said. “That’s something we’ve been working on, and it was nice to see that turn around.”
Kress also praised the team’s offensive balance for keeping the Bulldogs off rhythm, highlighting the fact that multiple attackers contributed to the game.
“We had six attackers with more than 10 attempts,” Kress said. “Distributing the ball makes us a tough team to defend.”
After taking the first two sets in a tight score, SJSU carried its confident energy into the third, locking in defensively and keeping Fresno State off balance. The Spartans’ front line controlled the net, turning hesitant moments into momentum-shifting points that pushed them ahead.
Kress had also mentioned that the team’s intensity in the final set reflected the identity they’ve been trying to build all season.
“I told them I wanted to see what it looks like when we fight for every ball,” Kress said. “There was so much connectivity, people uplifting each other and playing for each other.”
The Bulldogs pushed back at times, but the Spartans remained in control, trusting the system they’ve built. They also found productivity from their bench as several players were stepping in and contributing to the service line and on defense.
The combination of pressure, depth and composure helped the Spartans maintain control until they reached the final point.
Kress emphasized the importance of a complete team performance, which is what they’ve been striving for all season.
“This is who we can be when we play together,” Kress said. “Now it’s about bringing that same focus every match.”
The sweep highlighted the Spartans’ progress in consistency and confidence, solidifying their identity as a connected, resilient team.
SJSU will be back in action against Grand Canyon at 6 p.m. this Thursday at the Spartan Gym in San Jose, Calif.
