Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
SMU
Volleyball Sweeps SMU in Commanding Performance
10/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 23, 2004
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State volleyball team made it a clean sweep at home this week when the Bulldogs wrapped up a two-match home stand with their second straight three-game Western Athletic Conference victory at the North Gym.
Fresno State pinned a 30-28, 30-18 and 30-18 loss on the Mustangs and did so in commanding fashion as the 'Dogs hit better than .300 to improve to 11-10 overall and 4-5 in the WAC.
While the Bulldogs' freshmen led the way, it was junior setter Robyn Keune who steals the show. After recording two kills, three service aces, eight digs and a block, it was her 36 assists that vaulted her into an elite group.
Keune became the eighth Bulldog to post 2,000 or more assists. She also moved into the No. 7 spot all-time at Fresno State with 2,030 assists. Directing the 'Dogs to a pair of home sweeps, Keune totaled 82 assists for a 13.67 assist per game average against Louisiana Tech and SMU.
Freshmen outside hitters Christianna Reneau and Mounia Nihipali displayed their talents tonight. Reneau collected a team-high 17 kills while hitting a match-best .438 (17-3-32). Nihipali, who contributed five kills, threw herself around the court without any regard for bodily harm as she posted a match-high 17 digs.
Also adding to the Bulldogs' offense was sophomore outside hitter Tuli Peters and senior middle blocker Tiffany Bishop. Both recorded nine kills and both hit .333. Bishop netted four blocks while Peters notched seven digs for Fresno State's defense.
Fresno State hit .311 and held SMU below .200 (.194) to improve to 6-3 at home. While the Mustangs mustered one more kill than the Bulldogs (45-44), it was the 'Dogs who controlled all the other statistical categories.
SMU was led offensively by Beth Karasek, who posted a match-high 22 kills while hitting .367 (22-4-49). However, the Mustangs' offense would only get 23 kills from five other players combined as SMU fell to 9-10 overall and 3-6 in the WAC.
"I've always believed and kept stating that we would get better," head coach Lindy Vivas said. "We are seeing more players helping us offensively and making needed adjustments. The experience and play calling by Robyn (Keune) was good. Overall, we're coming along."
Game-by-Game Recaps
Game 1 -- While both teams hit better than .300, Fresno State posted a .349 hitting efficiency while SMU hit .333. With digs (17-17) and blocks (2-2) even, the Bulldogs committed two few errors as they closed out the match with a 3-0 run for a 30-28 victory. Peters led the way with six kills while Bishop and Reneau had five; Nihipali had five digs. SMU was led by Karasek, who had 12 of her 22 kills in the opener.
Game 2 -- Hitting .241, Fresno State held SMU below .100 as the Mustangs hit .024. Reneau recorded five kills and Nihipali had five digs. Bishop was strong at the net with four blocks. Karasek added six more kills for SMU.
Game 3 -- Fresno State hit nearly .300 (.294) while SMU it .211. Reneau tallied seven kills while Nihipali collected seven digs. Karasek was limited to four kills for the Mustangs.
Fresno State will be back in action next weekend for a one-match road swing. The Bulldogs travel to Nevada for a contest on Sat., Oct. 30, 5:00 p.m., at Virginia Street Gym.
