Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
UTEP
Volleyball Can't Hold Off UTEP in Home Finale
11/11/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 11, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State (12-15, 5-8 WAC) tried to give its three seniors a memorable good bye but it was spoiled by the UTEP Miners who upset the Bulldogs in five games (15-6, 16-14, 14-16, 8-15, 11-15).
UTEP, which collected its first ever win over the Bulldogs and is now 14-1 against Fresno State in the all-time series, trailed two games to none before storming back to win the final three.
In the loss, Fresno State had the advantage in every statistical category but one -- digs (105-106). Otherwise, the Bulldogs tallied more kills (85-73), had a higher hitting efficiency (.202-.183), more aces (7-4) and more total blocks (13-9). What befell the Bulldogs was critical errors at crucial times during the match.
As a team the 'Dogs had three players with at least 17 kills and posted a season-high six players in double-figure digs.
For Fresno State, the Bulldogs were led by sophomore Christy Burnett who notched her first career 20/20 with a career-best 23 kills and 21 digs. She also added two blocks.
Junior middle blocker Shauna McQuaid added 19 kills and seven blocks while hitting .485 (19-3-33). Freshman outside hitter Kara Verwey chipped in 17 kills and added 11 digs.
For UTEP, the Miners were led by Jacqui Nosan who had a match-high 24 kills and added four blocks while hitting .426 (24-4-47). Stacy Zimmeran (14 kills, 22 digs) and Nicki Mosher (12 kills, 3 blocks) were the other Miners who notched double-digit kills. In addition, UTEP also had six players with 10 or more kills.
Fresno State took command of game one and rallied back from an 11-1 deficit in game two to take a 2-0 lead into the break. However, UTEP utilized its hitting and blocking in the final three games to continue the 'Dogs five-match losing streak.
If Fresno State is to guarantee at least a .500 season, the Bulldogs must win their final three matches. That will be a challenge as the final three matches are on the road: Tulsa (Nov. 17), SMU (Nov. 20) and TCU (Nov. 21).
Fresno State will host its annual awards banquet on Sunday, Dec. 3, 12:00 p.m. at TorNino's. Tickets ($18) can be purchased by calling (559) 278-6833.
