Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Portland
Platt Leads `Dogs With 10 Kills
9/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 19, 2009
LOS ANGELES - In the first meeting between Fresno State (7-4) and Portland (3-10) since 1985, the Bulldogs fell in three sets to the Pilots at the Galen Center on Saturday afternoon. Set scores were 24-26, 24-26 and 19-25.
Lacey Gera led the `Dogs in set one with four kills and Allanah Munson added 11 assists. Set one was close with 10 ties and six lead changes.
The `Dogs had the lead until Portland tied the set at 15 and the Pilots took their first lead of the match at 16-15.
The `Dogs went up again by two (22-20) off of a block by Brianna Clarke, but a Bulldog error followed by a Portland service ace tied the set at 22.
Two-straight Portland kills gave the Pilots set point (24-22). A kill by Baylee Platt and a kill by Gera tied the set at 24. Portland took the set though with a kill and block, 26-24.
Fresno State was down early in set two, which also saw 11 ties and four lead changes.
The `Dogs took a three point lead at 14-11 and 17-14. Tied at 17, Portland took the lead 18-17.
Kills by Platt gave the `Dogs the lead at 19-18 and then at 21-19. Portland tied the set at 21 and took the lead (23-22).
Tied at 23 and 24, Portland got a block to take the set 26-24 and a 2-0 lead in the match.
Fresno State hit a match-best .303 in set two.
In a must-need set three for the `Dogs, they came out swinging hard and took an early four point lead (8-4). With the `Dogs up 15-11, Portland went on a run to take an 18-17 lead and force a Fresno State timeout.
A kill by Kasey Van Grouw tied the set at 18. Back-to-back points by Portland gave the Pilots a two point lead (20-18).
Up 20-19, Portland went on a 5-0 run to take set three and the match.
Platt led the `Dogs with 10 kills. Clarke and Kelly Leonardo each added seven kills, respectively. As a team, the Bulldogs out-blocked Portland 9.5 to 9.0.
Fresno State takes on No. 15 USC (10-1) at 7 p.m. tonight at the Galen Center.
Fighting Spirit
This afternoon's `Fighting Spirit' goes to Brianna Clarke and Kelly Leonardo.
"We Are Your Team" - The Bulldogs conclude this weekend's play taking on USC at 7 p.m. at the Galen Center tonight. The Bulldogs return to the Save Mart Center on Thursday, Oct. 8 as they host Utah State at 7 p.m. It's Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night and all Fresno State faculty and staff receive FREE admission and can receive $2 admission for up to four guests. Tickets can be purchased through the Save Mart Center Box Office, by calling 559-485-TIXS or through ticketmaster.com.
