FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State volleyball team earned its second win of the week at the Save Mart Center against the San Diego State Aztecs, 3-2.
This is Fresno State's fourth win in five sets this season, giving them an 8-9 overall record (4-2 MW).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State started strong in the first set, building momentum early with service aces by Kasey Purry and Brooke Cowie, pulling ahead 12-9. Ella Rud widened the gap with back-to-back service aces. The Bulldogs controlled the set from there, with Addison Haluska and Jenna Legault delivering multiple kills to maintain their lead. The set ended with Fresno State comfortably winning 25-18.
San Diego State came back with more aggression in the second set, going on a 5-point run and taking a 7-6 lead. Despite a response from Fresno State, the Aztecs maintained their advantage. Fresno fought back late with Haluska's kills but couldn't close the gap, as SDSU claimed the set 25-21.
Fresno State started the third set with energy, jumping to an early 5-2 lead behind Haluska and Rud. However, SDSU went on a scoring run midway through the set, thanks to the defensive and several errors from Fresno State. Both teams battled point for point, but San Diego State edged out Fresno State 25-23.
In the fourth set, the Bulldogs regained their rhythm. Rud opened the set with a serving run, including two aces, helping Fresno State take a 6-1 lead. San Diego State attempted to rally with a series of kills, but Haluska's dominance at the net ensured Fresno State's lead. Late kills from Rud and Purry sealed the set for Fresno State at 25-21, forcing a decisive fifth set.
The final set was tightly contested, with both teams trading points early. Fresno pulled ahead 7-4 after a block by Purry. San Diego State responded but errors, combined with Fresno State's sharp offense, allowed the Bulldogs to maintain their slim advantage. Haluska's final kill ended the set 15-12, giving Fresno State the win.
NOTES
Addison Haluska set a new career-high in kills with 29, a record she set earlier this week with 25 kills against UNLV.
Fresno State is now 4-2 in five-set matches.
Dionii Fraga led the team with 20 digs, and Kasey Purry led with four blocks assists and two solo blocks.