By Hugo Vera — Staff Writer
The San Jose State volleyball team visited the Fresno State Bulldogs on Thursday night in what proved to be one the team’s strongest offensive performances all season.
The Spartans (15-11) looked to boost their standings in the Mountain West Conference by downing the 20-8 Bulldogs, who have already clinched their spot in the conference tournament.
The Spartans wasted no time establishing their presence at the Save Mart Center when offensive hitters Giulia Gavio and Latahevai Lousi secured kills. Further kills from setter Mamie Garard were met with long drives and serves from Bulldog libero Emily Dzubak.
As Lousi achieved a hitting average of 0.333%, the Spartans took the first set 25-22.
SJSU continued its momentum into the second set as the team achieved three blocks, whereas the Bulldogs could only produce one. While Fresno State outnumbered San Jose State’s attack attempts 42-39, the Bulldogs could not prevent Spartan setter Kaitlynn Zdroik’s two kills.
Attack errors as well as unsuccessful blocks from Bulldog middle blockers Kava Durr and Haile Watson ultimately led to a set loss to the Spartans of 25-22 yet again.
Down two sets, the Bulldogs made an early rally in the third set to keep hopes of winning the match alive. A successful drive by Spartan libero Luiza Andrade was responded with longshot serves from Bulldog offensive hitter Taylor Slover and setter Sydney Lostumo.
Bulldog offensive hitter Aubrey Folk used her 6-foot-3 height to block spikes from Garard and Zdroik to outscore SJSU 9-3 before Spartan head coach Jolene Shepardson called for a time out.
The Spartans returned from the time out with a more methodical offense as Andrade’s serves yielded more points.
A deflection from Garard tied the set 20-20 but was met with a kill from Slover. Further kills from her and Bulldog middle blocker Montez Uigaese let to Fresno State’s first set win of the night, 25-23.
The Spartans maintained their composure going to the fourth and final set when offensive hitter Caitlin Bettenay secured her ninth kill of the night. The 5-foot-11’ junior continued to serve and the Spartans responded with more kills by Gavio and Zdroik.
Lousi proved to have one the best individual performances of the season with 19 points and four total blocks.
Bulldog offensive hitter Jessica Gilbert kept the score close near the end of the set with a game total 16 points of her own. Additional blocks from Spartan middle blockers Thaliana Grajeda and Ryann Thomison allowed the Spartan to take the match with fourth set win of 26-24.
The Spartans, now 10-7 in the MW, continue road play on Saturday when they visit San Diego State.
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