By: Marilyn Anye (@_marilynbride) – Spear Reporter – SJSU seniors are honored during a Senior Day ceremony following San Jose State’s final home match of the season Saturday at Spartan Beach in San Jose, Calif. (Photo by Marilyn Anye – Spear photographer)
San Jose State beach volleyball (7-8, 0-0 MW) returned to Spartan Beach for Senior Day on Saturday, falling 5-0 to Santa Clara (10-7, 0-0 WCC) in its final home match of the season.
The Spartans competed in multiple close matches throughout the afternoon, including one of the day’s most competitive battles on Court 3.
The Broncos took all five courts, but many of those matches were locked in by just a few points. Several of the Spartans’ pairs pushed their opponents deep into sets, with some going past 21 points.
On Court 3, sophomore Sabrina Moore and senior Anna Salmon battled through three tight sets, falling 20-22, 21-19 and 12-15. Moore and Salmon dropped the opening set 20-22 before fighting back with a 21-19 win in the second, which forced a decisive third set.
Salmon also made key plays late in the match with back-to-back blocks that helped secure a win in the second set.
The match featured multiple late-set ties, with both teams trading points down the stretch as they fought to gain control. Despite the loss, Moore and Salmon maintained their energy throughout the match, continuing to execute in crucial moments.
SJSU head coach Gary Hodge said the team’s effort stood out despite the final score, and it was evident in the close matches.
“The grit and determination, the way that they pushed back,” Hodge said. “We had two pairs in a third set just battling it out, and three of those players were seniors on Senior Day, continuing to fight for us.”
Salmon mentioned that competing in her final home match held a special meaning on Senior Day.
“I’ve been here all four years, and this place has truly become a home for me,” Salmon said. “Playing my last home game was bittersweet.”
Hodge also highlighted the fact that the senior class has played a significant role in shaping the program’s culture.
“They have meant everything to this team and its culture,” Hodge said. “They’ve helped create something really special, and I’m so proud of them.”
The Spartans will face UC Davis at 9 a.m. on Thursday in Berkeley, Calif.
