Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Louisiana Tech
`Dogs Earn Huge Win Over LA Tech
11/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 12, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State volleyball team picked up a huge win over Louisiana Tech on Thursday night at the Save Mart Center. The Bulldogs' 3-1 victory (23-25, 25-20, 25-20 and 25-23) put them one step closer to the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. Fresno State is back at .500 on the year at 13-13 and improves to 6-8 in the league.
The WAC race to be in the top six for the tournament was too close to call entering the night with the top three spots locked (Hawai'i, New Mexico State and Idaho) and the next five all vying to be in the top six. Fresno State isn't a lock yet, but is now in great shape for making the tournament and one more win will secure that spot.
"We started feeling pressure that these players haven't felt in a number of years if ever, to get closer to securing a spot in the WAC Tournament," said head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell. "I think it was important that we kept our focus on the right things which led us to an important win. I think this win will help us be a little more relaxed for the next two matches."
Set one saw 10 ties and six lead changes. LA Tech took an early 3-0 lead before the `Dogs got back in the set at 5-4. The Lady Techsters had the lead most of the way, but at 18-15 in favor of LA Tech, the Bulldogs went on a 7-0 run to take a 22-18 lead. LA Tech tied the set at 23 and got two-straight points from there for the set one victory.
Sophomore Brianna Clarke (Fresno, Calif.) led the `Dogs with six kills and just one error on seven attempts (.714) in set one. Freshman Marissa Brand (Cypress, Calif.) added six kills on 12 attempts with one error (.417).
Fresno State had the lead for the entirety of set two as the Bulldogs got out to an 8-0 lead behind the serving of senior Allanah Munson (Medford, Ore.). The `Dogs had the lead up to as many as eight (19-11) before LA Tech cut the lead to four at 24-20, but a service error by the Lady Techsters gave the `Dogs the set to tie the match at 1-1.
Clarke added six kills on seven attempts (.857) in set three as the `Dogs held the lead for the majority of the set. Fresno State was up by as many as five (17-12) and a kill by Clarke gave the `Dogs the 2-1 lead in the match.
The `Dogs hit a match-high .279 in the third set.
Fresno State took a 10-6 lead in set four but LA Tech rallied to get within one at 20-19. With the set tied at 21, Fresno State called a timeout. The `Dogs then went on a 4-2 run to take the set and match.
Clarke finished with a team-high 15 kills on 24 attempts with just one error (.583) and seven blocks. Sophomore Kelli Parker (Lemoore, Calif.) added 12 kills and a career-high 20 digs.
"Bri had a great night," Netherby-Sewell added. "She did what she is capable of which is nice to see and Kelli Parker, though she struggled a little offensive gave us 20 digs in a match which is quite an effort from her."
Brand finished with 12 kills and nine digs, both career-highs. Munson also posted a double-double with 36 assists and 11 digs. Senior Lacey Gera (San Jose, Calif.) added to the offensive attack with 11 kills of her own off the bench.
Fresno State had 68 kills and hit .202 to just 43 kills at a .149 clip for the Lady Techsters.
Fighting Spirit
Tonight's `Fighting Spirit' went to the team.
"The entire group stayed focus on our small goals and made efforts to do the little things right tonight," added Netherby-Sewell. "I thought that our fight was apparent and stayed consistent throughout the four sets."
The `Dogs host New Mexico State on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Save Mart Center on Senior Night.
"We Are Your Team" - It's "Fan Appreciation Night" on Saturday, November 14, at 7 p.m. when your Bulldog Volleyball team hosts WAC rival the New Mexico State Aggies. There will also be a post-game autograph session. Tickets can be purchased through the Save Mart Center Box Office, by calling 559-485-TIXS or through ticketmaster.com.
