Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
*San Jose State
Volleyball Defeats San Jose State in Four
11/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 6, 2003
FRESNO, Calif. - The blocking was abundant and consistency in its offense allowed Fresno State to post a 30-25, 26-30, 30-18 and 30-26 Western Athletic Conference victory over San Jose State this evening in the North Gym.
Assuring themselves of at least the No. 3 seed in the WAC Volleyball Tournament at the end of the month, the Bulldogs utilized four players in double-figure kills and every starter posted at least one block as they collected a season-best 22 blocks.
Tying the school record it set a year ago for consecutive conference home victories (6), Fresno State improved to 8-1 at home and has won its last seven straight at the North Gym.
Freshman outside hitter Tuli Peters was the only Bulldog to tally a double-double after recording 11 kills and 13 digs while contributing four blocks.
Senior middle blocker Carrie Hartt led the 'Dogs with 17 kills as she added nine blocks. Junior outside hitter Kristen Fenton totaled 16 kills to go along with seven digs and five blocks. Junior middle blocker Tiffany Bishop chipped in with 10 kills and shared match-high honors in blocks (9) with Hartt.
Junior libero Tina Brennan notched a match-high 18 digs while sophomore setter Robyn Keune dished out 51 assists with a career-high seven kills to go along with nine digs and a block.
San Jose State had three players with 10 or more kills as Carrie Nash (19 kills, 12 digs), Kimberly Noble (18 kills, 12 digs) and Jessica Wlodarczyk (13 kills) led the attack. In addition, four Spartans also had double-digit digs as Jessie Shull and Allison Dillon each posted 14 digs a piece.
In game one, both sides came out strong offensively and defensively. Fresno State hit .432 (22-3-44) and SJSU hit .356 (20-4-45). The Bulldogs distributed the ball pretty evenly as Hartt hit .636 (7-0-11) and Fenton hit .385 (6-1-13) while Taelman collected eight digs. The Spartans were sparked by Noble, who hit .238 (9-4-21).
The pace slowed down in game two and the statistics atoned for that. Fresno State hit .154 to the Spartans' .167. Nash sparked the SJSU offense with six kills as she hit .455 (6-1-11). Fenton had five kills and hit .364 (5-1-11). Fresno State outblocked SJSU, 10-3, as Taelman and Bishop each had four blocks. San Jose State outdug the Bulldogs, 18-11.
In game three, the Bulldogs hit nearly .300 as they kept the Spartans at bay with a .000 hitting percentage. Hartt tallied six kills and four blocks in the third stanza while Brennan led the way with seven digs. Noble and Nash were each held to one kill.
In the final frame, Fresno State outblocked SJSU, 6-2. Peters collected five kills and had three blocks while Bishop chipped in three kills and also had three blocks. Nash led the way for San Jose State with eight kills.
"We had a nice blocking match," Fresno State volleyball coach Lindy Vivas said. "Carrie (Hartt) seemed to be really in tune with the game at the net. Tiffany (Bishop) held us out too. It was nice to watch everyone get involved with the blocking.
"In game two we let too many easy plays get away from us, which allowed San Jose State to get back into the match. They were hitting around the block and the ball was landing in tough areas to dig. She (Kimberly Noble) is better than her .103 hitting performance tonight. But we had to stop her and that's what we had to do to win.
"In regards to meeting Hawai'i at the Save Mart Center on Sunday, we're looking forward to people sitting in comfortable seats. In the future, I think every match should be played there. It's a beautiful showcase for any of our athletic events.
"On a more serious note, we are a better team since we played them in Hawaii. I believe everyone will be better because they have a sense of what they bring to the table. The team is looking forward to playing the Rainbow Wahine."
Fresno State (19-5, 9-2 WAC) is in the middle of a four-match homestand. The Bulldogs close out the weekend on Sun., Nov. 9, with a 12:00 p.m. match against 2002 National Semifinalist and second-ranked Hawai'i at the Save Mart Center.
As the first true athletic competition being held at the Save Mart Center, fans can buy tickets for $5 and $3 at any Ticketmaster outlet or Ticketmaster on-line as well as through the Save Mart Box Office, the Bulldog Ticket Office, the River Park Ticket Booth or on-line at www.gobulldogs.com.
Looking to set a new attendance record, the first 500 fans will receive a commemorative mini ball with the Bulldog logo as well as the first competition date emblazoned on the volleyball.
In addition, it will be appreciation day for those who are alumni, faculty/staff and students.
Alumni can buy one ticket and get one free, faculty/staff may purchase tickets at $3.00 (up to four tickets with proper ID) and students can bring a friend for free (present ID at student pass gate).
Fans in attendance will be able to park in the North Lot of the Save Mart Center, which can be accessed off Shaw and Woodrow or Shaw and Chestnut. A $3.00 parking charge will be enforced.
