HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State came out strong in the first set, taking control early. A four-point surge put the Bulldogs ahead 10-5, thanks to key plays from Ella Rud and Addison Haluska. Fresno maintained their lead throughout the set, closing it with a decisive 25-18 win. Wyoming struggled with attack errors, which Fresno State capitalized on effectively as the Bulldogs out-hit the Cowgirls .400 to .233.
The Bulldogs mirrored their performance in the first set to start the second as they continued to apply pressure. A strong start saw the Bulldogs jump to an early lead, but Wyoming tied it up at 7-7. However, a series of attack errors by Wyoming and kills by Rud and Jenna Legault helped Fresno regain momentum, building a comfortable lead. Addison Haluska's service ace widened the gap, and Fresno State claimed the set 25-19.
Wyoming fought back in the third set by taking an early 5-2 lead. Despite a mid-set rally from Fresno State to tie the score at 13-13, the Cowgirls pulled away with strong blocking. Fresno State closed the gap but ultimately fell short, losing the set 22-25.
Set four was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging single-point leads. The Bulldogs got off to a good start, leading 3-0, but Wyoming's resilience showed as they tied it at 9-9. The Cowgirls found success through their middle blockers, taking advantage of Bulldog errors. Fresno State tied the score late at 21-21, but multiple kills allowed the Cowgirls to edge out a 25-23 win, forcing a fifth set.
The fifth set was a thrilling finish, with both teams battling for every point. Wyoming took an early 3-1 lead, but Fresno State responded with a critical 5-1 run to go ahead 6-5. The set remained tight throughout, but clutch plays from Kasey Purry and Addison Haluska gave Fresno State the edge. A key kill from Rud and a Wyoming attack error sealed the set and match for the Bulldogs at 16-14.
NOTES
Despite being out-killed by the Cowgirls 63-56, Fresno State led in hitting percentage with .233 as opposed to Wyoming's 191.
Fresno State has won two consecutive five set matches.
Brooke Cowie recorded her 10th double-double of the season with 47 assists and 13 digs.
UP NEXT
Fresno State is headed to Fort Collins for a Mountain West Championship rematch against the Colorado State Rams on Saturday at 12 p.m. PT.