By Carlos Jimenez (@carlosjimmenezz):
San Jose State’s volleyball team won both of its matches last week against Nevada (3-0) and Air Force (3-1) to improve to 14-7 (6-4 MW) this season.
Its success can fairly be credited to an advantage in kills in both matches, as SJSU had a 41-27 kills mark against Nevada and a 55-44 edge against Air Force.
Versus Nevada, the Spartans completely dominated the game and their largest deficit came in the second set when they trailed by five points en route to a three-set sweep.
The return of sophomore outside hitter Fernanda Vido, who was out because of an injury, also contributed to the team’s success.
Vido led all players with 20 kills against Air Force which was crucial because Spartan junior outside hitter Giulia Gavio left the game in the second set with an injury.
Gavio’s exit from the game motivated the Spartans as they went on to dominate the second set, 25-10.
The Spartans held a 10-11 record through 21 games last season compared to their improved 14-7 record this season.
In 2016, the Spartans hit a midseason slump where they lost seven of their nine games in October. This narrative had started to repeat itself as the Spartans dropped three of their last four games prior to last week’s wins.
Last week was the first of a two week home stretch for SJSU which will host Fresno State on Oct. 26th and San Diego State on Oct. 28th.