Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Keith Kountz/Fresno St/NCAA Phot
Bulldog newcomers making their mark
12/9/2019 3:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Stability and experience lead to a bright future for the Fresno State volleyball team heading into the 2020 season. Welcoming back 12 returners, including nine players who just finished their first year as Bulldogs, the program is primed to take the next step forward to becoming a force in the Mountain West.
With only five returners on the roster this season, there was room for newcomers to step up and make their mark on the program. Among the newcomers were Desiree Sukhov, who joined the 'Dogs after spending her previous two seasons at CSU Bakersfield. Sukhov immediately took on a dominant role leading the team with 344 kills and averaged 3.95 kills per set overall. Sukhov tallied 219 digs, second on the team, and 30 service aces. Her outstanding season earned her the honor of Mountain West Newcomer of the Year.
"I was in such shock receiving the good news, I had no idea it was coming," said Sukhov in response to receiving Mountain West Newcomer of the Year. "It felt great to be able to represent my school well this season, and the pride I take in being a Bulldog. I am so happy to be a part of this program and I am so fortunate to have the coaching staff and a great team of girls to be able to kill it with."
Due to the high number of newcomers, the players were able to develop and learn together with most being new to the Mountain West and some to collegiate volleyball. The Dogs were able to gain valuable experience with one another on and off the court this fall. After having an entire season under their belt, the team will be stronger and more prepared heading into next year.
Grace Doyle, a true freshman, was a vital player this season leading the team in blocks with a total of 86. Doyle tallied 32 service aces, good for second on the team, and 131 kills.
"With us having so many newcomers, it was challenging to figure out how each one of us played individually and to adjust to having new teammates, said Doyle. "I think that will be an advantage for us next season due to the fact that most of our team will be returning next fall and we will have a better idea of what to expect from our game play."
Another true freshman, Amaria Kelley, made her breakout performance at Colorado State with nine kills and two blocks. Kelley continued to be a key player in the lineup for the remainder of the season. She racked up 148 kills, third on the team, along with 26 blocks.
"I think that through all the knowledge learned from this season, it will really set the foundation and standard going into the 2020 season," added Kelley. "Having the time to get to know each player and how to interact on and off the court is important."
The team is eager to get back into the gym during the spring and work diligently to prepare for the season ahead. Having almost a full roster heading into the spring allows the 'Dogs to strengthen their team skills as well as their individual skill sets. The team has a great opportunity to build on the progress made this fall.
"The spring comes with great opportunity for each individual player and for the team as a whole," said Sukhov. "I am so excited to dive right into our training. I believe we will develop into a strong group for this next season. I am excited to play strong volleyball with my 'Dogs and I am grateful for the opportunities in store for us. I want to make next year memorable, while setting good habits and standards of our program for years to come after."
Winners of two of their final three matches of the season, the 'Dogs will look to build off that momentum as they head into offseason training before returning to the court this spring.
"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 visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateVB
Instagram: FresnoStatevball
Facebook: FresnoStateVB
With only five returners on the roster this season, there was room for newcomers to step up and make their mark on the program. Among the newcomers were Desiree Sukhov, who joined the 'Dogs after spending her previous two seasons at CSU Bakersfield. Sukhov immediately took on a dominant role leading the team with 344 kills and averaged 3.95 kills per set overall. Sukhov tallied 219 digs, second on the team, and 30 service aces. Her outstanding season earned her the honor of Mountain West Newcomer of the Year.
"I was in such shock receiving the good news, I had no idea it was coming," said Sukhov in response to receiving Mountain West Newcomer of the Year. "It felt great to be able to represent my school well this season, and the pride I take in being a Bulldog. I am so happy to be a part of this program and I am so fortunate to have the coaching staff and a great team of girls to be able to kill it with."
Due to the high number of newcomers, the players were able to develop and learn together with most being new to the Mountain West and some to collegiate volleyball. The Dogs were able to gain valuable experience with one another on and off the court this fall. After having an entire season under their belt, the team will be stronger and more prepared heading into next year.
Grace Doyle, a true freshman, was a vital player this season leading the team in blocks with a total of 86. Doyle tallied 32 service aces, good for second on the team, and 131 kills.
"With us having so many newcomers, it was challenging to figure out how each one of us played individually and to adjust to having new teammates, said Doyle. "I think that will be an advantage for us next season due to the fact that most of our team will be returning next fall and we will have a better idea of what to expect from our game play."
Another true freshman, Amaria Kelley, made her breakout performance at Colorado State with nine kills and two blocks. Kelley continued to be a key player in the lineup for the remainder of the season. She racked up 148 kills, third on the team, along with 26 blocks.
"I think that through all the knowledge learned from this season, it will really set the foundation and standard going into the 2020 season," added Kelley. "Having the time to get to know each player and how to interact on and off the court is important."
The team is eager to get back into the gym during the spring and work diligently to prepare for the season ahead. Having almost a full roster heading into the spring allows the 'Dogs to strengthen their team skills as well as their individual skill sets. The team has a great opportunity to build on the progress made this fall.
"The spring comes with great opportunity for each individual player and for the team as a whole," said Sukhov. "I am so excited to dive right into our training. I believe we will develop into a strong group for this next season. I am excited to play strong volleyball with my 'Dogs and I am grateful for the opportunities in store for us. I want to make next year memorable, while setting good habits and standards of our program for years to come after."
Winners of two of their final three matches of the season, the 'Dogs will look to build off that momentum as they head into offseason training before returning to the court this spring.
"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 visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateVB
Instagram: FresnoStatevball
Facebook: FresnoStateVB
Players Mentioned
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