Fresno State Athletics
'Dogs Host No. 3 Hawai'i on ESPNU
10/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 26, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. -The Fresno State volleyball team returns home to a place where they have dominated this year with a 5-1 record at the Save Mart Center in what will be a huge match for the 'Dogs for many reasons. The Bulldogs will play on ESPNU for the second time in a week after they were featured at New Mexico State last Thursday. No. 3 Hawai'i will be the opponent for the TV match on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. The 'Dogs also see San Jose State for the first time this season on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the second of two Western Athletic Conference matches on the week.
Scouting No. 3 Hawai'i
Hawai'i is 18-2 and the only team that boasts a perfect record in the WAC at 8-0. The Rainbow Wahine have only dropped non-conference matches to then-ranked No. 2 Texas and No. 10 Cal the first week of September. Since then, they have won 14-straight matches and are 2-0 in road matches this year. The Rainbow Wahine have dominated the WAC since they joined the league in 1996 as they have won all 13 of those WAC regular-season titles and the past nine WAC Tournament titles. While the `Dogs have never defeated Hawai'i, they have made progress against them to four sets in Honolulu in 2007 for the first time in three years, and then won the first set in Hawai'i last year. Hawai'i is led by the returning WAC Freshman of the Year Kanani Danielson with a .305 clip and Dani Mafua with 750 assists.
Scouting San Jose State
The San Jose State Spartans are 1-18 on the year and 1-7 in the WAC with a lone victory at home against Louisiana Tech in five sets on Oct. 17. Last week, San Jose State dropped matches at Louisiana Tech and at New Mexico State. San Jose State leads the overall series vs. the Bulldogs 47-23 and has won the last six matches between the two. Fresno State's last win over the Spartans was a five-set victory in 2005.
'Dogs Earn Big Wins at Home in WAC Play
The Bulldogs continue to roll at home with an impressive 5-1 record on the season at the Save Marter Center and a 3-0 WAC record at home. The 'Dogs are currently in fourth place in the WAC standings with an 11-10 overall record and a 4-5 record in conference play. The 11 wins by Fresno State is the most by a Bulldog team since 2004 and the 4-5 WAC record gives the 'Dogs the best start by the team in the conference since the 2003 season and the most wins in the conference by a Bulldog team since 2004. Fresno State's 3-1 victory over Utah State on Oct. 8 was the first time since 1991 that the 'Dogs had defeated the Aggies in less than five sets. Fresno State's 3-2 win over Idaho on Oct. 10 was the just the second win for the Bulldogs over the Vandals ever and the first since 1987. The 'Dogs 3-2 win over Boise State on Oct. 17 was the first time since 2003 that Fresno State has swept the season series against the Broncos.
'Dogs Amongst the Top in Attendance in the Nation
The Fresno State volleyball team ranks 23rd in the nation in average attendance with 1,567 a match. In six home matches on the year, the Bulldogs have brought 9,401 fans to the Save Mart Center. Last year, the Bulldogs ranked 30th in the country in average attendance. Hawai'i once again leads the nation by averaging 6,363 fans per match.
Promotions
Thursday, Oct. 29 vs. No. 3 Hawai'i - Pack the House Night, All Fresno residents get in for $2 with a valid Fresno ID, all Alumni Association Members get in for $2 and can bring three friends with valid ID, one lucky fan will have the chance to win a 42' flat screen TV, 100 pairs of flip flops will be thrown into the crowd and 20 Me-N-Ed's Pizzeria coupons. ASI will also have a poster contest for all Fresno State students and the winner will receive a prize. A table on the concourse will be set up for students to create their signs at the Save Mart Center.
Saturday, Oct. 31 vs. San Jose State - Fans are encouraged to celebrate Halloween with the Fresno State volleyball team. There will be a costume contest and a prize will be awarded to the best costume. (No masks allowed)
"We Are Your Team" - Fresno State is "packing the house" on October 29 when the Bulldog Volleyball team hosts nationally ranked Hawai'i. All Fresno State students living in the resident halls are encouraged to attend. The hall with the highest attendance will have the chance to win some great prizes! There will also be 100 pairs of Fresno State flip-flops given away. Tickets can be purchased through the Save Mart Center Box Office, by calling 559-485-TIXS or through ticketmaster.com.
