Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Liberty (NAU Invite)
Volleyball Captures Third Tournament Title of the Year
9/20/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 20, 2003
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Fresno State volleyball team wrapped up tournament play at the La Quinta/Northern Arizona Invitational with a sweep over Liberty and captured its third tournament title of the season.
The Bulldogs pinned a 30-18, 30-27 and 30-19 shutout on the Lady Flames as three 'Dogs were named to the all-tournament team, including MVP Kristen Fenton.
Selected MVP for the second time this season in tournament play, the junior outside hitter led all players with 14 kills while being perfect from the floor with a .667 hitting percentage (14-0-21) in the tourney finale.
Senior middle blocker Carrie Hartt, who had 10 kills and five blocks, and junior middle blocker Tiffany Bishop, who had four blocks, also joined Fenton on the all-tournament team.
Freshman outside hitter Tuli Peters collected a match-high 10 digs while Fresno State picked up a season-high six block solos and had 14 total blocks overall.
The Bulldogs used all 12 players in the match against Liberty as they improved to 10-3 overall.
"I was pleased with our balance attack again, today," head coach Lindy Vivas said. "We had several players contributing to our offensive success, especially our middle hitters; they have worked very hard this week to step up their game.
"We have had a number of players battling the flu who did an outstanding job of keeping their focus and playing hard; most notably, Robyn (Keune) and Tina (Brennan).
"Robyn (Keune) set a great tournament and really kept her focus when she felt physically drained. She really hung in there all weekend and was a real warrior for us. Tina (Brennan) provided a spark despite dealing with an upset stomach several times. Her vocal leadership really helps us on the court and for her to continue to fight through the flu today took a lot of courage.
"Kristen (Fenton) played her usual solid all-around game for us. She gives a lot of kills and digs and her overall stability on the court is a real plus for us. While feeling the flu bug as well, Kristen stayed steady and made critical plays.
"Overall in the tournament, we hung in there while dealing with some adversity. This was a good last tournament to prepare us for the WAC season. I was pleased with how we did in the preseason and I feel that we are prepared to start conference play next week.
"Only playing with one or two starters from last year's squad, this team has done a good job of learning, growing and figuring things out. We're playing well as a team and everybody has contributed to that success."
Fresno State (10-3) comes back home next week for Western Athletic Conference action. After being on the road the last three weeks, the Bulldogs open league play against Rice on Thur., Sept. 25 (7:00 p.m.), and Tulsa on Sat., Sept. 27 (4:00 p.m.).
Home promotions for next week include a Youth Night and a Bargain Night/Player's Clinic. Against Rice, all youth 13-under will receive a general admission ticket for $2 and receive a Bulldog mark.
When the Bulldogs host Tulsa, the Fresno State coaching staff will conduct a Player's Clinic for boys and girls 13 of age or younger. The clinic runs from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. and will be held in the South Gym. For $5, the youth will receive instruction, pizza and admission to the Fresno State-Tulsa match.
In addition, those who attend the matinee match-up and bring their Fresno State versus Portland State football ticket will get $2 off general admission for adults and $1 off for youth/senior general admission.
