By Austin Turner — Staff Writer
San Jose State volleyball (13-11, 8-7 MWC) managed to go over .500 in conference play for the first time this season as it came out of Reno with a victory over Nevada (8-18,1-14 MWC) in four sets on Tuesday night.
The first two sets were tight. The Spartans couldn’t shake the Wolf Pack for most of the set, as they led 18-16 and couldn’t build a lead of more than three points.
SJSU then went on a 6-2 run for the remainder of the set, pulling away 25-18 to take a 1-0 lead.
Set two was more of the same. Nevada was able to take a 16-13 advantage, but the Spartans refused to let up with their attack.
They managed to even the score at 17 and the two teams traded points until SJSU took a 24-23 lead. The deciding kill was made by outside hitter Giulia Gávio and the Spartans led 2-0 in the best-of-three match.
The Spartans took their foot off the gas in set three. Nevada was able to run away after leading 16-15 and won the set 25-17.
It looked as though the Wolfpack had gained the momentum in the match after jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the fourth set, but the Spartans rebounded quickly to tie it at six.
The teams battled it out once again until SJSU scored the final six points of the match to win the set 25-17, and match 3-1.
Leading the way for San Jose State was middle blocker Haylee Nelson once again, with 14 kills and three blocks on the night. Setters Mamie Garard and Kaitlynn Zdroik fooled defenders effectively with their passes as they racked up 24 and 21 assists, respectively.
The Spartans, who have now won four of their last five matches, will look to continue their hot streak as they take on Air Force at home on Saturday.
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