FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State volleyball team earned its third conference win of the season with a 3-1 victory over the UNLV Rebels at the Save Mart Center on Thursday.
The Bulldogs now advance to 3-2 in Mountain West play and 7-9 overall.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs started off slowly, giving UNLV an early 3-0 lead due to a service error and attack errors. However, Fresno State managed to close the gap, tying the score at 4-4 with a kill from Ella Rud. A pivotal moment occurred when Kasey Purry and Addison Haluska combined for a block, tying the set at 7-7. The Bulldogs then pulled ahead after a series of UNLV service errors, maintaining a small lead until they pushed forward with kills from Jenna Legault and Haluska to secure the set, 25-21.
The second set saw 13 ties as both teams traded points throughout. Fresno State trailed early but regained momentum with a block by Haluska and a service ace by Legault, bringing the score to 9-8. Later, The Bulldogs found themselves down 18-13, but Haluska's kills helped spark a comeback, tying the set at 21-21 after an ace from Dionii Fraga. Despite a late kill from Purry to fend off set point, UNLV clinched the set 28-26 after a Fresno State service error.
Set three was another intense battle, with 15 ties. Fresno State held a narrow lead early, thanks to kills by Haluska and Purry, but UNLV stayed close. Fresno went on a crucial four-point run, capitalizing on UNLV attack errors to take a 19-13 lead. UNLV fought back, eventually tying the score at 24-24. The Bulldogs showed resilience, with Haluska delivering clutch kills to stave off multiple set points. Haluska sealed the set with a service ace, giving the Bulldogs a 32-30 win.
Fresno State came out strong in the final set, with Haluska continuing her dominant play, supported by kills from Rud and Purry. The Bulldogs quickly built a commanding 15-9 lead after a series of service aces by Fraga. UNLV attempted a comeback, but Fresno State's defense, highlighted by blocks from Purry and Haluska, kept them at bay. Haluska's final kill closed the match, 25-18, securing a 3-1 victory for the Bulldogs.
NOTES
Addison Haluska broke her career-high in kills for the second time this season, totaling 25 kills and a .339 hitting her centage, her second-best of the year.
Haluska's 25 kills are the second-most from a Bulldog this season, behind Ella Rud's 29 kills against Santa Clara.
Brooke Cowie (42 assists & 14 digs) and Addison Haluska (25 kills & 14 digs) both earned double-doubles against the Rebels.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs celebrate Alumnae Day at the Save Mart Center as they face San Diego State on Saturday at 11 a.m. Fans who present a ticket to Fresno State Football's game against Washington State will receive free admission to the volleyball match.