Fresno State Athletics
'Dogs Open WAC at Pack
9/23/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 23, 2011
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RENO, Nev. - The storylines for two schools' final Western Athletic Conference opener are rich with intrigue for a contest featuring Fresno State and Nevada - who both depart for the Mountain West Conference next season.
But the business to be addressed on both sides of the floor will take center court Saturday night showdown in Reno, Nev., at 7 p.m. between the familiar foes.
Head Coaches Facing Alma Maters
Fresno State head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell is in her fourth year as the Bulldogs' head coach and will get a seventh shot to pick up a very elusive first regular season win over her alma mater - Nevada.
While Netherby-Sewell led the `Dogs to a five-set thriller of a 3-2 victory in the 2009 WAC Tournament that catapulted Fresno State into the semifinals, Nevada has won all six previous matches in four sets during her tenure.
Meanwhile, on the other bench, former Bulldog All-American Ruth Lawanson is guiding the Blue and Silver against her own alma mater. She was the first Fresno State volleyball student-athlete to have her jersey (15) retired, led the `Dogs to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1984 and won the 1992 bronze medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games.
After playing professionally oversees, Lawanson served as an assistant coach under former Fresno State coach Lindy Vivas and took over for former Nevada coach Devin Scruggs - who was Netherby-Sewell's college head coach - this offseason following a year as an assistant in Reno.
The world of volleyball is definitely a small world.
"FROM THE START"
A point of emphasis for the Bulldogs as they move into Western Athletic Conference play is to start strong right from the first serve.
Through the first 12 matches this season, Fresno State is:
• 4-8 in opening sets
• 3-1 in matches when they win the opening set
• 2-6 in matches when they lose the opening set
• Have six more service aces than their opponents
• 2-0 in four-set matches
(Remember: Nevada has won the past six regular season matches - all in four sets)
Assistant coach Ed Jackson sported a bright yellow Nike shirt with the text "FROM THE START" in navy blue, big, bold and all caps to help deliver the message during Friday night's practice.
Meet Your `Dogs: Jaimee-Lee Morrow
While most Bulldog fans have noticed the Fresno State women's basketball teams Australian connection, head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell added Jaimee-Lee Morrow - a native of Mooroolbark, Australia - to the roster for the 2011 season.
Morrow, a 5-11 freshman outside hitter for the Bulldogs, has played in 10 of the `Dogs 12 matches this year and already sports 49 kills.
In Fresno State's 3-1 win versus CSU Bakersfield on Thursday night, Morrow landed a career-high 11 kills as she helped a revamped Fresno State rotation recover from losing 2010 All-WAC honoree Marissa Brand to injury during the second day of the UNLV Classic.
Morrow and the rest of her Bulldog teammates arrived in Reno, Nev., on Friday afternoon and practice in the Pack's Virginia Street Gym on Friday evening.
Fresno State (5-7) opens WAC play against Nevada on Saturday night at 7 p.m. Make sure to follow @FSAthletics on Twitter for score updates live from Reno.
GoBulldogs.com recently asked Morrow about her life on and off the volleyball court.
GoBulldogs: If you could play any other sport what would it be?
Jaimee-Lee Morrow: Tennis
GB: If you could play against (beat) any team in the nation who would it be and why?
JM: Penn State
GB: What is your dream job?
JM: A professional volleyball player
GB: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
JM: Germany
GB: What is the best thing about Bulldog volleyball?
JM: Great players, great coaches, great community
GB: What song would you pick as your theme song?
JM: If I Die Young- The Band Perry
GB: If your life was a book what would the title be?
JM: Me.
GB: What is your favorite quote?
JM: "The day you stop making excuses for yourself is day you start to become a champion."
GB: Who are your celebrity crushes?
JM: Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Gosling, Chris Hemsworth and Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass
GB: If you had to pick one word to describe yourself what would it be? JM: Fun and humorous
GB: What is your favorite movie?
JM: P.S. I Love You and Step Brothers
What was your favorite board game growing up?
JM: Monopoly
"We Are Your Team!" -> Stay connected with Fresno State Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@FSAthletics). The next chance to see the 'Dogs at home is Oct. 6 when they take on Louisiana Tech.
