Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
USC
'Dogs Show Progress Against No. 7 USC
9/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 17, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - The second tournament of the 2010 season hosted by the Fresno State volleyball team began tonight in the Save Mart Center and the `Dogs went face to face with the No. 7 USC Trojans. After a competitive three sets, the `Dogs fell 3-0 to the USC volleyball team.
"We played a good match tonight against a great team," head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell said of the `Dogs performance. "But we weren't hungry enough."
This marked the Bulldogs' second straight match against an opponent in the top ten of the AVCA rankings and the third match against a team ranked in the top 20 this season. Netherby-Sewell developed the tough competition schedule to prepare the `Dogs to compete at an elite level in the Western Region.
"I feel like we have a good line up," Netherby-Sewell added. "Overall we are playing at a better level."
The first set began with a close battle in points between the two California teams but was won by the Trojans by a 25-14 margin. Freshman Korrin Wild from Sanger, Calif., led the `Dogs in the set with five attacks and two kills.
"Korrin really showed her desire tonight and performed very well," said Netherby-Sewell about the starting freshman.
The second set was another competitive battle between the two teams. The `Dogs took a 9-8 lead in during the beginning of the set before USC pulled away for a 25-16 set two victory. Sophomore Marissa Brand stepped up with three kills in the middle set.
"We played great tonight," said freshman Korrin Wild. "But we need to be more aggressive at the end of each set."
The third set was neck and neck the entire way, however the `Dogs were edged 25-21.
Throughout the match, the Bulldogs showed more aggressiveness and improved their score against the seventh-ranked team in the country.
Senior Kelly Mason, one of the team's captains, delivered a strong performance tonight and converted challenging digs in each set.
"We really enjoyed playing such a high ranked team," said Mason. "But we agree that we need to find that hunger and come out more aggressive tomorrow."
Fresno State is now 3-6 on the season while USC extended their season-opening win streak to eight consecutive matches for an 8-0 record. The Trojans were led by Alex Jupiter's match-high 14 kills and Falyn Fonoimoana's .800 hitting percentage (eight kills on 10 attacks). Earlier this season, USC downed then fourth-ranked and 14-time defending Western Athletic Conference champion Hawai'i.
The `Dogs will take over the Save Mart Center again tomorrow at noon when they go head-to-head against Sacramento State and wrap the Fresno State Invitational by hosting a 7 p.m. date with CSU Bakersfield.
Fresno State Invitational
Sept. 17 - Day 1:
Sacramento State 3, CSU Bakersfield 0
USC 3, Fresno State 0
Sept. 18 - Day 2:
10 a.m. - CSU Bakersfield vs. No. 7 USC
Noon - Fresno State vs. Sacramento State
5 p.m. - No. 7 USC vs. Sacramento State
7 p.m. - Fresno State vs. CSU Bakersfield (ESPN 790 AM)
"We Are Your Team!" - The Bulldogs return to the Save Mart Center for the Fresno State Invitational on Sept. 17-18, 2010. The `Dogs will face No. 8 USC, Sacramento State and Cal State Bakersfield in the two-day tournament. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/youth and free for Fresno State students. For more information, continue visiting www.gobulldogs.com.
