Fresno State Athletics
`Dogs to Visit Aggies & Wolf Pack
9/29/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 29, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State is determined to return to Las Vegas for the 2010 Western Athletic Conference Volleyball Tournament and the 'Dogs will have two opportunities this week over a pair of WAC contests to make their mark.
`Dogs Visit Aggies, Wolf Pack on First WAC Road Trip of Season
The Fresno State volleyball team will start their first Western Athletic Conference road trip of the 2010 season when they visit Utah State (Sept. 30) and Nevada (Oct. 2) this week. The `Dogs opened the 2010 WAC season last week by falling to Idaho, but quickly responded with a resilient 3-2 victory over Boise State to move into a four-way tie for third in the WAC.
About the Utah State Aggies
The Utah State Aggies are 12-2 overall, 3-1 at home and 1-1 in conference play. Fresno State trails the all-time series with Utah State, 7-9.
About the Nevada Wolf Pack
The Nevada Wolf Pack are 6-7 on the season and 1-1 in conference play. The Bulldogs' head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell and assistant coach Alanna Jackson both attended and played volleyball for the Wolf Pack. Nevada's assistant coach Ruth Lawanson is a decorate former Bulldog, who helped the United States win the bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and became the first female student-athlete in Fresno State history to have her jersey retired. The all-time series between Fresno State and Nevada is tied at 18-18.
Bulldogs Move into Tie for Third in the WAC, Buck Broncos
Fresno State moved into a four-way tie for third place in the conference standings after a 1-1 record in the first week of WAC play highlighted by a thrilling 3-2 victory over Boise State. The `Dogs were picked to finish third during the upcoming 2010 WAC season in the Western Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, which marked the highest predicted finish in the poll since 2004. In 2009, the Bulldogs advanced to the WAC Tournament Semifinals.
WAC Tournament All-Session Tickets On Sale, Returns to Las Vegas
All-session tickets for the 2010 Western Athletic Conference Volleyball Tournament, which returns to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas Nov. 22-24, are on sale now for $45 through The Bulldog Ticket Office or online at www.gobulldogs.com. All tickets are for general admission seating. Single-session tickets will not be available for purchase until Nov. 22 and can only be purchased through the Orleans Arena. The top six schools in the 2010 final regular season WAC standings qualify for the single-elimination competition with the tournament champion earning an automatic bid into the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
`Dogs Impressive Statistics
• Brianna Clarke:
-1.40 blocks per game (14th in the nation)
-.375 hitting percentage (42nd in the nation)
• Marissa Brand:
-4 Double-Doubles (Tied for 4th in the WAC)
• Korrin Wild:
-4 Double-Doubles (Tied for 4th in the WAC)
Clarke Named to 2010 Preseason All-WAC Team
The WAC coaches honored Fresno State's Brianna Clarke as one of 12 student-athletes on the 2010 Preseason All-WAC team. Clarke, a native of Clovis, Calif. and Buchanan High School graduate, enters her junior year after two impressive seasons in a Bulldog uniform. She became the first `Dog since 2003-04 to earn back-to-back All-WAC honors as a member of the 2009 Second-Team All-WAC and 2008 All-WAC Freshman Team.
Netherby-Sewell Develops Strong Foundation for Bulldogs
In just over two years, Lauren Netherby-Sewell has developed a strong foundation for Fresno State volleyball as the program's fourth head coach. She directed the Bulldogs to the 2009 Western Athletic Conference Semifinals for the program's best performance since 2004. Netherby-Sewell emphasizes the strength of accountablity, a fighting spirit and a strong work ethic as critical elements for success on and off the floor.
Volleyball Team Earns AVCA Academic Award for 2009-10 Season
The American Volleyball Coaches Association recognized the Fresno State volleyball program as the only Western Athletic Conference volleyball team to earn their academic honor in 2009-10, averaging at least a 3.30 grade point average. The AVCA announced that 450 teams earned the AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2009-10 season. This award, which was initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors collegiate and high school volleyball teams that display excellence in the classroom.
Fresno State's Centennial Celebration in Full Swing
Founded in 1911, Fresno State will celebrate its 100th anniversary during the 2010-11 academic year. The campus community will hold several special events during the year and the Fresno State Athletics Department will host a Centennial event for each of its 19 sports. The Bulldog volleyball Centennial celebration will be Oct. 28 against longtime rival Nevada. The event will serve as a reunion for all former players.
"We Are Your Team!" -- The Fresno State Bulldog volleyball team takes their first Western Athletic Conference road trip next week when the `Dogs visit Utah State on Sept. 30 and Nevada on Oct. 2. 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.
