By: Diego Macaraeg (@DiegoMac_sports) – Spear Reporter | The Spartans celebrate in their 3-1 win against New Mexico on Oct. 25, 2025. (Photo by Shahd Suliman – Spear Photographer)
After a three game stretch of inconsistent play, San Jose State volleyball (11-14, 6-8 MW) clicked as a unit in a 3-1 victory over Nevada (8-16, 4-10 MW) at the Virginia Street Gym on Saturday.
The defining moment came in the fourth set, when the Spartans made a commanding 13-point run and never looked back.
However, it was the cohesion across the lineup that caught SJSU head coach Todd Kress’ eye.
“We needed to come out and play with some confidence and challenge each other,” Kress said. “Playing as one team and one singular voice.”
Junior middle blocker Ava Hewitt-Smith continued her breakout season with nine kills and a .412 hitting percentage, adding four solo blocks and one block assist.
Her four solo blocks moved her into seventh all-time on the SJSU single-season solo block list, and one way from sixth place.
Junior outside hitter Naima Foster led the Spartans on offense with 13 kills, and fellow junior outside hitter Morgan Castaneda posted a season-best 12 kills while hitting an efficient .526 in the match.
Once again with solid contributions, redshirt junior right-side hitter Lolo Fonua had her say in eight kills and freshman libero Talita Gonçalves anchored the back-row with 23 digs, her fourth match this season with 20 or more digs.
Freshman defensive specialist Nazare Judd and senior libero Randilyn Reeves were on the same wavelength as they both recorded two service aces for SJSU.
“A much needed win and a win that we absolutely earned,” Kress said.
The win offers a morale booster as SJSU enters its final home stretch, with the Spartans set to host Boise State at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8 in the Spartan Gym.
