Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Idaho State
`Dogs Sweep Idaho State
8/25/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 25, 2012
EL PASO, Texas - The Fresno State volleyball team bounced back from its first loss of the season to sweep Idaho State in the final match of the El Paso Sports Commission Invite. The Bulldogs won three-straight sets (25-20, 24-14, 25-21) to improve to 2-1 on the season.
"We talked about keeping our offense simple and playing our game," said head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell. "Our offense is dominant when we are passing to target. We worked on our passing game and from there we let the offense take over."
After suffering a loss to the Pac-12's Arizona State earlier in the day, the `Dogs regrouped and came out determined to play Bulldog volleyball and earn their second victory of the season.
"We saw how we can play last night, so we took this morning as a lesson and wanted to bounce back playing our game," said all-tournament selection Korrin Wild. "We talked about it, corrected our errors and moved forward to the next match. It was important to learn from our mistakes and move on to what's next."
The Bulldog offense jumped ahead in the first set with a 7-2 run to take an early lead. The Bengals fought back with a 4-0 run to come within three points of the `Dogs.
"We were more focused on the opponent rather than focusing on our errors or mistakes," added Wild. "We were always looking forward and at the other side of the net looking to see where to attack next offensively."
Halfway through the opening set the `Dogs took control with several big plays from junior Korrin Wild and redshirt junior Marissa Brand, who together combined for 11 kills. Wild converted 6-of-9 (.667) attempts for Bulldog points. Fresno State hit .400 in the first set and took a 1-0 lead after taking the set 25-20.
The `Dogs again came out and took an early lead to start the set. Idaho State rallied back to tie the set 4-4, but the Bulldogs went on a 5-1 run taking the lead 9-5 and regaining control.
Wild came up with numerous big plays that fired up the Bulldog's bench. She hit .625 in the second set converting 6-of-8 attacking attempts. She ended the match with a team-high 15 kills and hitting .458.
"Korrin stabilized our passing, gave us a little something on defense, she served tough and smart," Netherby-Sewell said. "More importantly her attacking game changed dramatically from the match before."
Freshman Zana Bowens served up three aces for the `Dogs, which guided an 8-1 run giving Fresno State a 23-13 lead. On the set point, Wild recorded a service ace giving the Bulldogs a 25-14 win and 2-0 lead heading into the third set.
The third set was back and forth until 6-1 run gave Fresno State a six-point lead. The Bengals attempted to chip away at the Bulldogs lead, but the `Dogs offense couldn't be stopped.
Sophomore Maci Murdock, an all-tournament selection, came up with the kill for the match point giving the `Dogs their second win of 2012. Murdock finished the final set with five kills and hitting .833.
Senior Barbara Alcantara served up 40 assists for the Bulldog offense. As a team, Fresno State recorded five service aces. For the third game in a row, Brand was a dig shy of a double-double recording 10 kills and nine digs.
"If we continue to play like this, we're going to be a very good team," said Netherby-Sewell.
The Fighting Spirit Award went to the entire team for the match. The Bulldogs hit the road again next week for the Omni Hotel Invite hosted by Colorado Aug. 31 - Sept. 1.
"Discover Fresno State Volleyball!"-- Catch the action on 790 ESPN The Deuce, which is the flagship radio station for Bulldog Volleyball. Remember to vote every day for Fresno State at www.ESPN.com/CollegeColorsDay and wear your Bulldog red on Aug. 31 for College Colors Day.
