By Sara Biela – Content Editor
The start of conference play did not go as planned as San Jose State volleyball dropped its home opener 3-0 to the University of Wyoming and took a 3-0 loss at Colorado State.
The Spartans (5-6) were swept in sets against both the Cowgirls (10-4) and Rams (10-4).
In Thursday’s home opener, SJSU held early leads in the first and second sets, but UW fought back and won 25-19, 25-16 and 25-17.
“We started off the match really well,” head coach Jolene Shepardson told SJSU Athletics. “I’m not happy with the overall results … but we can do some good things.”
Senior Luiza Andrade tallied a team-high 11 digs, followed by redshirt junior Fernanda Vido with 10.
Freshman Whitney Barnes made her Spartan debut and led the team with nine kills. The outside hitter also recorded two digs.
“She stepped up to the plate,” Shepardson told SJSU Athletics. “She scored a lot of balls … she’s very successful in that, so I’m really proud of her.”
The Spartans looked to even conference play in their matchup against the Rams on Saturday.
The squad could not overcome early deficits in the first two sets and fell 25-15 and 25-16.
In the final set, SJSU put up a well-fought battle, but dropped its sixth consecutive set 26-24.
Vida led the Spartans with nine kills and nine digs. Juniors Thaliana Grajeda and Caitlin Bettenay both registered six kills.
SJSU will seek its first conference win at home against the Utah State Aggies (2-11) on Thursday.
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