Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Marist
'Dogs Take 2nd, Duo on All-Invite Team
9/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
2011 Sacramento State Invitational
Final Records
1. Cal State Northridge: 3-0
2. Fresno State: 2-1
3. Sacramento State: 1-2
4. Marist: 0-3
All-Invitational Team
MVP - Mahina Haina - Cal State Northridge
Marissa Brand - Fresno State
Brianna Clarke - Fresno State
Cindy Ortiz - Cal State Northridge
Sydney Gedryn - Cal State Northridge
Breanne Menees - Sacramento State
Jessie Genger - Sacramento State
SACRAMENTO - Fresno State's 3-0 sweep of Marist and 3-0 loss to Cal State Northridge for a Saturday split in the state's capital propelled the Bulldogs to a second-place finish at the Sacramento State Invitational.
Junior Marissa Brand, who earned the team's Fighting Spirit Award for the weekend, and senior Brianna Clarke were named to the All-Tournament team for their performances over the three matches in the Hornet's Nest.
"We learned some really important lessons this weekend, which is what the preseason is all about," Netherby-Sewell said. "I was really proud that Marissa kept fighting even when we were down against Northridge. We rely heavily on Marissa and Bri to be consistent offensive and defensive contributors for us and they definitely deserved to be recognized for their play."
By pounding the Red Foxes early and often in the evening session to the sweep (25-22, 25-16 and 25-14) Fresno State finished the Invite with a 2-1 record, which also included Friday night's 3-1 resilient comeback victory over the host Hornets.
Against Marist, Brand and fellow junior Cecilia Agraz reached double-digits in kills, with 16 and 12 respectively, and Korrin Wild provided yet another solid defensive effort and match-high 17 digs.
"We really came together as a team and left it all on the floor to get that last win," Clarke said.
In the day's early match, Brand scored a match-best 15 kills and added nine digs as the Matadors swept the `Dogs in straight sets (25-15, 25-20 and 25-18). The Bulldogs' setters Barbara Alcantara and Christina Lee teamed up for 24 assists in the three-set contest.
"We were happy to get the two wins this weekend, but we will also learn from our loss," Clarke added. "We need to keep trusting each other and focus on the little things in practice because that's what will translate into our matches."
Netherby-Sewell was also impressed with the impact that Alcantara and sophomore Kristen Sciacca made to the team.
"Both Kristen and Ba had two good performances," she said. "Sciacca hit for a really high percentage and is getting better match-by-match. Ba just has so much potential to be a great leader, a great setter and a great competitor for us this year."
Fresno State (3-3) will continue its eight-match non-conference road trip next weekend in Seattle, Wash., when the Bulldogs face the Washington Huskies and Seattle University.
"So far this preseason we have played some tough teams and different styles of play," Netherby-Sewell said. "Washington will be one of the toughest we face this year. We need to be more in control of our own destiny and play our game of making perfect passes and serving aggressively. Seattle U will also be formidable. The preseason is all about getting ready for the WAC, and we will be ready."
"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 Sept. 22 when Bakersfield makes the trip north on Highway 99 for a non-conference match. Fresno State students receive free admission to all Bulldog volleyball matches and are eligible to win $500 to The Bulldog Shop by attending the match as part of the 2011 "Break the Bank" Challenge.
