By Jessica Jimenez — Staff Writer
San Jose State women’s volleyball (3-4) was chased out by Santa Clara University (7-1) on the first day of the South Bay Battle tournament taking a 3-1 loss.
Senior middle blocker Thaliana Grajeda believes working as a unit helps the team come together and fight to win.
“At the end of the day it just didn’t click and we have a lot of season left so we will get there,” said Grajeda.
In the first set of the match there was a short scoring gap between the Spartans and Broncos but SCU came out on top keeping up their scoring momentum and ended the set 25-16.
Going into the second set, SJSU was looking to gain a lead but was unable when they dropped the second consecutive set 25-17.
The Spartans returned with a lead against the Broncos and showed up winning the third set with help from junior outside hitter Latahevai Lousi.
Sophomore libero Sara Smevog made impressive two service aces back-to-back during the set.
Smevog was excited that she was able to give her energy to the team.
“It felt really good to be able to score in the way that I can as a libero because I can’t go up there and hit,” said Smevog. “But my contribution to the team was getting those aces.”
SCU returned on a mission to win the fourth set and they did.
SJSU was never close to their opponents on the scoreboard and fell 25-17 giving the South Bay title to their crosstown rivals.
In team comparison, they both remained close on attacks, digs and set assists.
Head coach Jolene Shepardson feels that the team played with a little bit of inexperience tonight.
“There were some aggressive moments, some things we took care of but not enough consistent good plays,” said Shepardson.
SJSU will return to home turf on Friday to host Northern Colorado University on the second day of the South Bay Battle tournament. First serve is set to begin at 6 p.m.
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