FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State volleyball team kept the Red Wave on the edge of their seats by reverse-sweeping the Boise State Broncos to earn its first conference win of 2024.
The Bulldogs are now 1-1 in Mountain West play and 5-8 overall.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs came out strong in the opening set but couldn't hold off the Broncos. The set remained tight throughout, with Fresno taking an early 12-9 lead. However, Boise State managed to stay close and went on a small run to tie the game at 15-15. Fresno struggled to maintain momentum late in the set, allowing Boise State to go on a 4-1 scoring run, securing the first set 25-23.
The second set was a rough outing for the Bulldogs, as they fell behind early and couldn't recover. Boise State opened with a 10-5 lead, thanks to strong serving and consistent attacking. Fresno State couldn't it's their rhythm, and multiple errors allowed Boise to widen the gap to 20-11. Despite defensive efforts, Fresno State dropped the set 25-17.
The 'Dogs turned things around in the third set, taking control early with a 12-6 lead, anchored by excellent play from Addison Haluska and Jenna Legault. A 5-1 scoring run midway through the set extended Fresno State's lead to 18-11. Boise State tried to rally, but the Bulldog's defense held strong, closing out the set 25-17 to keep the match alive.
With the momentum now on their side, the Bulldogs carried their energy into the fourth set. After a back-and-forth start, Fresno used a key 6-0 run to take a commanding 19-16 lead, highlighted by key blocks from Mya Sellers. Boise State made a push to close the gap, but Fresno State remained composed and took the set 25-20 to force a decisive fifth set.
The Bulldogs started strong in the final set, jumping to a 7-2 lead thanks to multiple errors from Boise and aggressive kills from Legault. The Broncos attempted to make a comeback, but Fresno's defense, led by Dionii Fraga's digs, kept them at bay. Fresno State won the set 15-10, completing the comeback and securing the match 3-2.
NOTES
Dionii Fraga led the match with 31 digs, a career-high for the sophomore and the fifth most digs in a five-set match in program history.
Addison Haluska led with 21 kills on the court, a career-high, and only her second match with 20+ kills.
The Bulldogs combined for 16.0 team blocks, led by sophomore Mya Sellers with nine block assists and one solo block.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs are hitting the road to visit Wyoming and Colorado State next week. Both matches can be streamed live on the Mountain West Network.