Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Utah State
`Dogs and Aggies Battle In Five-Set Thriller
10/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 18, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State Bulldogs and Utah State Aggies once again provided a thrilling five-set Western Athletic Conference match for the fans on Saturday night at the Save Mart Center, this time with the Aggies prevailing by set scores of 25-14, 18-25, 25-21, 22-25 and 15-13. Fresno State is now 5-13 overall and 2-7 in WAC play.
Utah State looked sharp in set one, taking control early and leading by as many as 13 for the easy in.
The Bulldogs however, fought back to win set two easily and acted like set one didn't happen. Fresno State hit a match-high for both teams .364 in set two and won the set on a kill by Lacey Gera, one of seven on the night for her.
"Besides set one I think we played very well," said head coach Netherby-Sewell. "We are going to be a pretty good team and people can see that and we keep getting better."
After the break, Fresno State looked to have the momentum with an early five-point lead before Utah State tied the set at 14. Points would rally before Utah State would take a 17-16 lead and push through for the four-point set victory and take the 2-1 lead in the match.
As they have done all season, the Bulldogs proved they could fight back late in matches and that is what they did in set four to win and push the match to the fifth and deciding set. In set four, the Bulldogs were up by as many as eight at 18-10 when Utah State made a huge run to actually tie the set at 21. Two kills by freshman Brianna Clarke would seal the win though for the `Dogs.
Set five looked like it was going to the Bulldogs as they had a 8-3 lead, but Utah State also showed it wasn't giving up in the match as the Aggies fought back to win 15-13.
"In the last few matches we've been putting ourselves in positions to win which gives us a lot of promise," Netherby-Sewell added. "Utah State is fourth in the conference right now so going five with them and beating them once bids us well."
Clarke tied her career-high with 22 kills. Baylee Platt also had a career-high with two total blocks.
Fighting Spirit Award
Brianna Clarke was tonight's `Fighting Spirit Award' winner.
"Bri had a great match," Netherby-Sewell added. "She played very well and what I really liked is that you could see in her eyes how much she wanted a win and was doing whatever it took to get it."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs travel to Hawai'i in WAC play on Sunday, October 26 for a 3 p.m. match. The `Dogs return home on Saturday, November 1 as they welcome Louisiana Tech to the Save Mart Center at 7 p.m. It's Local Business Night and all business members receive $2 admission when presenting their business card at the box office. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center Box Office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
