Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Nevada
Brand Headlines Four Set Battle with Pack
10/2/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
FRESNO, Calif. - - Sophomore outside hitter Marissa Brand helped spark a late comeback bid with one of the best performances of her career, but the Bulldogs couldn't complete the push in a hard-fought 3-1 loss at Nevada on Saturday night.
Fresno State (6-9, 1-3 WAC) continued to battle for every point and outlasted the Wolf Pack to force a fourth set behind a gutsy 31-29 victory in set three.
"We finally showed up at the end of set two," head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell said of the team's performance. "Set three and four were an absolute battle. I was so happy to see we have that battle in us. It needs to happen faster. We will not allow anything less. It's fight or nothing."
Brand led the `Dogs with a team-high in both kills (23) and digs (16) during her fifth double-double of the season. Junior Brianna Clarke added 13 kills and five blocks while senior Lauren Berger also converted 11 kills.
"Our middles were dependable," Netherby-Sewell added. "Marissa was a champion all night. She had blockers committing on her and still found a way. We need more of that fight and way less flight."
Senior libero Kelly Mason recorded 14 digs and freshman Erin Stock returned to the starting setting role and tied her career-high by dishing out 47 assists.
Netherby-Sewell commended Nevada's passionate crowd for creating a fun and electric environment behind the power of the Wolf Pack's 90-piece marching band.
"Nevada's crowd was brutal, but it was a fun environment," Netherby-Sewell also noted.
Nevada improved to 8-8 on the season and 2-1 against WAC opponents.
The Bulldogs return home and continue WAC play by hosting a pair of matches in the Save Mart Center next week when Louisiana Tech (Oct. 7) and New Mexico State (Oct. 9) visit Fresno.
"We Are Your Team!" -- The Bulldogs return home to play Louisiana Tech on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. and New Mexico State on Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/youth and free for Fresno State students with their ID card.
