Fresno State Athletics
'Dogs Host Three Matches This Week
11/8/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 8, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. -With just two weeks left in the regular season, the Fresno State Bulldogs hosts their final three matches at the Save Mart Center of the year this week. Fresno State hosts Nevada on Monday at 6 p.m., followed by matches against Louisiana Tech on Thursday and New Mexico State on Saturday, both at 7 p.m.
The 'Dogs are 12-12 on the year moving back to .500 with a loss in their only match last week at No. 3 Hawai'i. The 'Dogs are in fifth place in the WAC standings at 5-7 and are fighting to remain in the top six and earn a spot to the WAC Tournament in Las Vegas Thanksgiving week. The 'Dogs are a half match behind Boise State for fourth place, a team they have already swept the season series from this year. These matches for the Bulldogs are extremely important as all three of this week's opponents defeated the Bulldogs earlier in the year on their home courts. Fresno State is three wins shy of tying the most wins since 2004 (15). The 'Dogs are also just one WAC win away from tying the 2004 teams six wins.
Scouting Nevada
Nevada is tied with the Bulldogs in the WAC standings at 5-7 and have a 9-17 overall record. The Wolf Pack defeated Fresno State in Reno, Nev., 3-1 on Sept. 26 in what was the first conference match of the year for either team. Nevada leads the overall series 18-16 and has won the last eight matches between the two, dating back to 2005. Last week, Nevada swept San Jose State on the road and was swept in a non-conference match by UNLV. Nevada is led by Kylie Harrington with 317 kills and Nicole Link with 366 digs.
Scouting Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech sits at 4-10 in the WAC Standings and 14-16 overall, currently outside of the WAC Tournament field but still in contention. The Lady Techsters went 0-2 last week, getting swept by Idaho and falling to Boise State in five sets, both in Ruston, La. This week, LA Tech hosts Centenary before heading to Fresno. The Lady Techsters defeated the Bulldogs 3-0 back on Oct. 24 in Ruston. It was just the third victory ever for LA Tech over the Bulldogs.
Scouting New Mexico State
New Mexico State, the defending co-WAC Champion, is currently second in the WAC Standings at 11-3 and 16-8 overall. The Aggies swept Boise State and defeated Idaho in five in Las Cruces, N.M. last week. This week they are at Nevada on Thursday before taking on Fresno State on Senior Night on Saturday. New Mexico State defeated the 'Dogs in Las Cruces 3-0 on Oct. 22. The Bulldogs trail the overall series 13-6 and last defeated the Aggies in four sets in 2003.
'Dogs Continue to Play Well at Home
The Bulldogs continue to roll at home with an impressive 6-2 record on the season at the Save Mart Center and a 4-1 WAC record at home. 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. Fresno State took No. 3 Hawai'i to four sets for the third-straight year and held the Rainbow Wahine to a .059 hitting percentage in set two, their lowest in a single-set in the WAC this season and third lowest of the year. On Halloween, the 'Dogs defeated San Jose State for the first time since 2005, and defeated them in less than five sets with a 3-1 victory for the first time since 2004.
Record Watch
All four of this year's seniors are getting ready to break into the Fresno State career top 10 record books in multiple categories. For the rest of the season, track these four student-athletes on their way to becoming some of the best in Fresno State history.
Lacey Gera - total attempts - currently No. 10 with 2,579 needs 2,794 for No. 9.
Lisa Gera - total digs - currently has 893 - needs 933 for top 10.
Lisa Gera - digs per set - currently has 2.64 - needs 2.89 for top 10.
Kelly Leonardo - block solos - currently has 55, needs 59 for top 10.
Kelly Leonardo - block assists - currently No. 4 at 272 - needs 301 for No. 3.
Kelly Leonardo - total blocks - currently No. 6 with 326 - needs 335 for No. 5.
Kelly Leonardo - blocks per set - currently has 0.87 - needs 0.89 for top 10.
Allanah Munson - total assists - currently ranks No. 8 with 1,587 - needs 2,015 for No. 9.
Allanah Munson - assists per set - currently ranks No. 8 with 8.59.
'Dogs Amongst the Top in Attendance in the Nation
The Fresno State volleyball team ranks 17th in the nation in average attendance with 1,871 a match. In eight home matches on the year, the Bulldogs have brought 14,967 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.
'Dogs in the National Rankings
The eighth week of the NCAA team and individual standings are out and the 'Dogs rank high in many national and regional categories both in team and individual standings. In the national standings, the Bulldogs are 68th in blocks per set (2.30). Individually, Brianna Clarke is 29th in blocks per set (1.29). Within the region, The 'Dogs rank No. 13 in blocks per set, No. 11 in aces per set (1.32) and 15th in W-L percentage (.522). Individually in the region, Clarke is No. 5 in blocks per set, Allanah Munson is No. 14 in aces per set (0.32) and Kelly Mason is No. 18 in digs per set (3.75).
"We Are Your Team" - On Monday, November 9, the Nevada Wolf Pack will be at the Save Mart Center to face your Fresno State Volleyball team. Game time has been set for 6 p.m. and High School Volleyball teams are encouraged to attend! On Thursday, November 12, the Lady Techsters will be in town for "Take a Kid to the Game" Night. All kids (8th grade and below) will receive free admission when accompanying a paid adult. Tickets can be purchased through the Save Mart Center Box Office, by calling 559-485-TIXS or through ticketmaster.com.
