Bulldogs continue hot streak with sweep over New Mexico

Thursday, October 3

Fresno, CA

6:00 PM PT

Fresno State

10-5, 3-0MW

New Mexico

5-10, 0-3MW

UNM

Fresno State

Photo by: Keith Kountz

Bulldogs continue hot streak with sweep over New Mexico

10/3/2019 9:30:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Photo Gallery (Keith Kountz)

By: Travis Blanshan / Assistant Director of Communications

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State volleyball team continued its hot play with its fifth straight sweep on Thursday evening at the Save Mart Center making quick work of visiting New Mexico.

Fresno State (10-5, 3-0 MW), who have won 15 straight sets dating back to Sept. 20 against UC Davis, claimed sets over New Mexico (5-10, 0-3 MW), 25-14, 25-22, 25-21.

Leading the way offensively for the Bulldogs in the contest was junior outside hitter Desiree Sukhov who finished with 18 kills and a .471 hitting percentage. The CSU Bakersfield transfer added seven digs, two service aces, two block assists and an assist.

Redshirt freshman outside hitter Lauren Sabbatini continued her strong play with nine kills and added two block assists and a dig. Senior setter Madelyn Halteman tallied 34 assists while junior libero Reagan Leonard tacked on 18 digs.

How It Happened
With the Lobos jumping out to an early 7-2 lead in the opening set, a 7-2 run by the 'Dogs tied it up at 9-9 before three straight points by the 'Dogs gave them the lead for good in the set. Picking up 11 of the next 16 points, the 'Dogs took a commanding 23-14 lead after a kill by Sukhov (watch) and closed out the set after another kill by Sukhov (watch).

Again facing an early deficit, New Mexico jumped out to a 14-11 lead in the second set. A kill by Sukhov (watch) ended the Lobos' momentum as the 'Dogs and Lobos were locked up at 21-21 after a service ace by redshirt freshman setter Julia Handy (watch). The set closed out on a 4-1 run by the 'Dogs who claimed the final point on a solo block by freshman middle blocker Grace Doyle (watch).

The third and final set again saw the 'Dogs battle back from a deficit as a kill by Doyle (watch) brought Fresno State to within five at 16-11. Cutting the deficit to 20-17 on a kill by Sabbatini, the Bulldogs closed out the set on a 8-2 run as the match ended on a kill by Sukhov (watch).

Notes

Fresno State runs its winning streak at home over New Mexico to four matches.
The 'Dogs are off to their second straight 3-0 start to Mountain West play.
It was the most kills Sukhov has had in a match since her 30-kill performance against Santa Clara on Sept. 6.
Fresno State improves to 8-1 on the season when winning the first set.
The 'Dogs, who lead the MW in services aces per set, tallied eight on Thursday and have now led their opponent in aces in 11 of 15 matches.

Up next
The Bulldogs are back in action at home on Saturday against UNLV (5-9, 1-2 MW) at 1 p.m. at the Save Mart Center. The Rebels defeated San Diego State in four sets in San Diego on Thursday evening. It is Junior Bulldog Kids Club Day as all kids (8^th grade and younger) who sign up for the Junior Bulldog Kids Club get in FREE! Also on Saturday, all Bulldog Volleyball Campers get in FREE if they are wearing their camp shirt! Finally, don't forget to check out the Junior Bulldog Kids Zone pregame which features a Bounce House, Face Painter, Meet reptiles with Reptile Ron, Bulldog Bingo, Pop-A-Shot, Cornhole, Jenga, Poster Making Station.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley"" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.

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