Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Cal Poly
New `Dogs Make Debut in Thriller
8/26/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 26, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. - The start of a new season featured a glimpse into a bright future for the Fresno State volleyball team even as the Bulldogs suffered a 3-2 loss Friday night to Big West contender Cal Poly, who received votes in the AVCA's preseason poll.
"We have never put a challenge out like that against such a good team and we did it with so many new people," Fresno State's fourth-year head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell said after the thriller before a crowd of 1,000 at the Save Mart Center.
With a slew of newcomers, including four who made their Bulldog debuts in the back-and-forth battle, and experienced veterans, the 'Dogs infused a passionate offensive mentality that gave the visiting Mustangs fits all night.
Junior Marissa Brand, a 2010 second-team All-WAC honoree and the WAC's double-double leader from a season ago, smashed 18 kills and added 12 digs to headline a box score that had three Bulldogs record double-doubles.
A pair of newcomers - setters Barbara Alcantara (21 assists and 12 digs) and Christina Lee (26 assists and 12 digs) - contributed to the potent Bulldog offense and inspired defense effort.
"Our hitters were really hitting the ball well tonight," Lee said. "This is my new home and it was fun out there. We have to put tonight behind us, focus on tomorrow and keep improving every day."
Other Bulldog debuts came as Lauren Albertson (seven kills) and Jaimee-Lee Morrow (seven kills and seven digs) also appeared for the first time in a Fresno State uniform while sophomore Kristen Sciacca (six kills) earned her first start and fellow sophomore Korrin Wild (29 digs and seven assists) filled the libero role with a career-high in digs.
Throughout the night, Fresno State (0-1) applied a steady, but relentless air assault - winning sets one and three before Cal Poly (1-0) rallied for the five-set victory.
By delivering such a strong opening night performance, the 'Dogs will look to build on the good and focus on sustaining momentum as they face Long Island (0-1) at noon and No. 20 San Diego (1-0) at 7 p.m. on Saturday to close the tournament.
During the evening match against the Toreros, who swept the Blackbirds 3-0 in other Fresno State Classic play on Friday, one Fresno State student could possibly win a $200 gift card to the Bulldog Shop as part of a new "Break the Bank" challenge and volleyball alumnae will be honored.
"We Are Your Team!" - Stay connected with Fresno State Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@FSAthletics) and watch the Bulldogs all season at the Save Mart Center. The Dogs host the Fresno State Classic Aug. 26-27. Tickets are always available on gamedays at the Save Mart Center box office.
