FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State volleyball team closed out the Central Cal Challenge with two Bulldogs, Addison Haluska and Ella Rud, named to the All-Tournament Team.
Fresno State dropped its final match of the weekend to CSU Bakersfield in a 3-2 nail-biter.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State started strong but couldn't hold the momentum in a tightly contested first set. The Bulldogs came back from a 6-3 deficit to tie the score multiple times, with notable plays by Kasey Purry and Addison Haluska. However, CSU Bakersfield's Sydney Dunning and Valentina Sarti Cipriani helped the Roadrunners edge out the Bulldogs in extra points, finishing the set 27-25.
Fresno State bounced back in the second set, starting with an early 5-3 lead. Strong kills from Ella Rud and consistent setting from Brooke Cowie kept the Bulldogs ahead. The Bulldogs capitalized on CSU Bakersfield's attack errors and secured the set 25-20, leveling the match.
The third set was dominated by CSU Bakersfield, who jumped to a quick 5-0 lead, aided by service aces multiple service aces. Fresno State struggled with attack errors, and despite a few standout moments from Purry and Cowie, the Bulldogs couldn't keep pace. The Roadrunners took the set convincingly at 25-15.
Set four was a nail-biter as both teams traded points throughout. Key blocks by Mya Sellers and a crucial ace by Sydney Gazzaniga gave the Bulldogs a slight edge. CSU Bakersfield's late push tied the game at 23-23, but Fresno State's Haluska and Rud stepped up to secure the set at 25-23, forcing a decisive fifth set.
The final set started in favor of CSU Bakersfield, who built a quick 3-0 lead. Despite a comeback attempt by the Bulldogs, with standout kills by Purry and Rud, the Roadrunners maintained control. A final push by Dunning and Sarti Cipriani sealed the set 15-12, and CSU Bakersfield took the match 3-2.
NOTES
Addison Haluska and Ella Rud were named to the All-Tournament team as the Bulldogs came in second place in the Central Cal Challenge.
Fresno State is now 1-2 at home this season with two more matches in this homestand.
The Bulldogs had a season-high 15.0 blocks against the Roadrunners with significant contributions from Mya Sellers and Addison Haluska.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
MVP - Alexa Edwards, Pacific
Emily Van Groningen, Pacific
Jenna Heller, Pacific
Addison Haluska, Fresno State
Ella Rud, Fresno State
Bridgette Smith, Sac State
Nene Hawkins, CSU Bakersfield
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will open conference play on the road with the Mountain West Tuesday Night Block Party, facing San Jose State at 6 p.m. at the Save Mart Center.