Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Utah State
Clarke Leads `Dogs in Utah
10/15/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 15, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - In Western Athletic Conference volleyball play Thursday night in Logan, Utah, the Bulldogs took set one from Utah State, but the Aggies rallied to win the next three sets and the match 3-1. Set scores were 23-25, 25-20, 25-20 and 25-18. Fresno State falls to 10-8 overall and 3-3 in the WAC, while Utah State is now 11-8 and 3-4.
The `Dogs and Aggies split the season series for the second-straight year.
Set one was back-and-forth early until Utah State took a three-point lead at 10-7. The `Dogs tied the set at 11 with a block by Brianna Clarke and Marissa Brand.
The Aggies went back out to a four-point lead at 15-11 and forced Fresno State to call a timeout. Utah State looked to be heading to an early lead in the match as the Aggies were up 19-13, but the `Dogs provided another famous rally to get back in the set.
The `Dogs got kills by Kelli Parker and Brand and blocks by Clarke and Kelly Leonardo to tie the set at 21. A kill by Lacey Gera gave the `Dogs the lead. On the first set point for the `Dogs, Utah State committed an error as the `Dogs won set one, 25-23.
Utah State took another early lead in set two and never had a lead of less then four late, as they won the set 25-20 to tie the match at 1-1.
The `Dogs took an early 5-1 lead in set three. Utah State tied the set at 10 and took the lead from there for a 25-20 set victory and to take a 2-1 lead in the match.
The `Dogs took the first point in must-win set four, but Utah State rolled from there to win the set 25-18 and the match.
Lisa Gera nearly posted a double-double for the `Dogs with 20 assists and a season-high nine digs. Clarke led the `Dogs in hitting percentage with a .353 clip (9-3-17). She also had a career-high two service aces.
Brand also posted career-highs in digs (two), block assists (two) and total blocks (two). Fellow freshman Taylor Horton earned career-highs in service aces (one), digs (seven) and block solos (one).
Leonardo led the team with 10 kills and a season-high 27 attempts. Parker posted career-highs with nine kills, 30 attempts, one service ace, five digs and 10.5 points.
The `Dogs return home to host a hot Boise State team on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Save Mart Center. The Broncos defeated Idaho 3-1 on Monday.
Fighting Spirit
Sophomore Kelli Parker is tonight's 'Fighting Spirit' winner.
"Kelli just goes for it," said head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell. "She scored the most points of our outside hitters with very little experience. She just rode the wave of her competitive spirit."
"We Are Your Team" - Support your Fresno State Volleyball team on Saturday, October 17, against the Boise State Broncos at 1 p.m. at the Save Mart Center. Tickets can be purchased through the Save Mart Center Box Office, by calling 559-485-TIXS or through ticketmaster.com.
