Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
New Mexico State
`Dogs Lead by Clarke vs. NMSU
9/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 18, 2008
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Fresno State opened Western Athletic Conference play in Las Cruces, N.M. Thursday night against New Mexico State falling 3-0 by set scores of 25-16, 25-15 and 25-20.
The Bulldogs kept pace with the Aggies early in set one, tying it up at 3-3 and 6-6. New Mexico State however, hit .467 in the set and had four kills each from Lindsey Yon and Kelli Goodan. Fresno State hit a respectable .212 in the set , a match high, and was led by freshman Brianna Clarke with three kills.
Fresno State took an early 2-0 lead and NMSU fought back to tie at 4-4. A kill by Kasey Van Grouw gave the `Dogs a 5-4 lead. Points continued to rally with several ties and lead changes until New Mexico State went on to finish with a large run to win set two and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
A 1-0 lead in set three went to the `Dogs and they continued earning points for a 3-1 lead. The Aggies would tie at 5-5 but a kill by Clarke gave the lead back. After a 6-6 tie, NMSU would get its first lead in set three at 7-6.
Tied at 10-10, Fresno State would re-gain the lead after a NMSU error. The match would be tied four more times before NMSU took a 15-14 lead. The Aggies would have the lead until 19-19 which forced NMSU head coach Mike Jordan to call his first timeout of the match.
A NMSU kill and then a block gave the Aggies the 21-19 lead. They continued for a 5-0 run for a set point but the Bulldogs would get one back before NMSU went on to take the set and the match.
Clarke led the `Dogs with eight kills while Allanah Munson had a double-double with 21 assists and 11 digs.
Fresno State is 3-7 overall and 0-1 in WAC while NMSU moves to 6-6 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
Next up for the Bulldogs is a conference match at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La., Saturday at 12 p.m.
Fighting Spirit Award
Junior Lexi Watson won tonight's award. Coach Netherby-Sewell said that Watson has been working hard to train after her injury and has the fighting spirit to get back with the team as soon as possible.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State volleyball team continues WAC play on the road as they battle Louisiana Tech on Saturday, September 20 at 5:00 pm. The next home match is Saturday, September 27 against San Jose State in the WAC home opener. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center Box Office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
