By Sara Biela – Content Editor
In the first of a two-match road trip, San Jose State volleyball earned a critical 3-1 win over Utah State to improve to 5-6 in the Mountain West and 10-10 on the season.
The Spartans outscored the Aggies (4-18, 2-9 MW) 80-61 and had a 62-45 advantage in kills.
SJSU started off strong and took the first set 25-22. Outside hitters Fernanda Vido and Caitlin Bettenay led the team with four kills a piece.
In the second set, the Aggies applied the pressure early and carried their lead to as high as 16-10. The Spartans closed the gap shortly after as the team scored five consecutive points and made it 16-15.
Both teams pushed towards the end, with the Aggies having the edge at 20-17. SJSU started another scoring streak, but this time reaching seven straight points.
The team held on to clinch the second set 25-21. Outside hitter Latahevai Lousi led with eight kills as setter Kaitlynn Zdroik recorded 16 assists, four digs and two aces.
As for the third set, USU had a seven-consecutive point streak of its own that propelled it to a 25-21 win.
The Spartans looked to shut it down in the fourth set. It was a back-and-forth battle early on, but a game-high eight-point scoring streak gave SJSU a comfortable lead at 22-13.
The Aggies looked for a comeback, but the Spartans clinched fourth set and match victory 25-20.
Bettenay and middle blocker Haylee Nelson led the squad with 12 kills each, followed by Vido with 11 and Lousi with 10. Libero Luiza Andrade tallied a team-high 19 digs.
Along with her 29 assists, Zdroik recorded a career-high five service aces. Setter Mamie Garard followed in suit with 20 assists on the night.
The Spartans will continue their road trip with the Boise State Broncos on Saturday at 1 p.m.
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