Fresno State Athletics
Netherby-Sewell Reflects on Spring Tournament
4/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 22, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State volleyball team played its first matches under the new Bulldog coaching staff of Lauren Netherby-Sewell and Ed and Alanna Jackson. After just three short weeks of practice together, the team played in the Sacramento State Spring Tournament April 19, finishing at 3-1.
"I wasn't sure how we were going to come out in our first competition after just three weeks of practice," said head coach Netherby-Sewell. "I was impressed with our competitive drive all day."
It was a one day tournament with each match playing only two games and to 25 points. The Bulldogs started the tournament with the host team Sacramento State. The Hornets, a team consistent in winning the Big Sky Tournament and advancing into the NCAA Tournament, took a close game one from Fresno State before the Bulldogs split the match by winning game two.
"Sacramento State is one of the top programs in California," said Netherby-Sewell. "They play quick and have great ball control. Splitting with them was a great test. They beat us in the first game but it was close then we handled them well in game two. Our competitive spirit was very apparent and we looked fearless in that second game."
The Bulldogs then took on conference foe San Jose State, a good test for WAC in the fall. After two close games, the Spartans took the match.
"San Jose State is a good team and it didn't look like they lost a lot of talent from last season," added Netherby-Sewell. "It was a really competitive match and two extremely close games. We learned a lot from playing a conference team."
Fresno State then went on to defeat UC Davis and Sonoma in two games.
"UC Davis beat Nevada last week so for us to beat them is a good sign," said Netherby-Sewell. "Sonoma is a DII school and our team is learning that there are certain teams they should beat and have confidence in beating."
The 2008 team will have five starters returning from the 2007 team and will include no seniors. Returning is the 2006 WAC Freshman of the Year Lacey Gera and a 2007 WAC All-Freshman Team member Tairyn Rasmussen.
"Tairyn and Lacey on the outside are two dominate hitters," added Netherby-Sewell. "They have the potential to be big offensive threats."
This was the only competition in the Spring for the Bulldogs. They will have two more weeks of individual workouts to end the Spring season.
"It was overall and inspiring tournament," said Netherby-Sewell. "The team realized their potential and how competitive and how much more disciplined they are. They also really showed they believed in what we are teaching and the staff and team is proud of what we have done in a few short weeks."
"Join the State - Fresno State" - Get ready for the 2008 Fresno State volleyball season by purchasing your volleyball Family Friends Flex Plan for only $89 on sale now. The plan includes four general admission tickets for each home match next year and all tickets are exchangeable for any home game. Stay tuned to www.gobulldogs.com for all the latest news on Bulldog sports.
