ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Fresno State volleyball team extended its winning streak to four straight matches with a 3-1 win over New Mexico on the road.
The Bulldogs now have a 10-9 overall record and are 6-2 in conference play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State came out strong, quickly jumping to a 5-1 lead, propelled by errors from New Mexico and a service ace from Ella Rud. Kasey Purry's dominant play at the net, with multiple kills, kept Fresno State ahead. Though New Mexico fought back with a few well-placed kills, Fresno State's defense, led by Addison Haluska and Mya Sellers with strong blocks, kept them in control. A kill from Haluska closed out the set for the Bulldogs, 25-22.
New Mexico regrouped in the second set, capitalizing on Fresno State errors to gain a slight edge as New Mexico pushed to a 16-14 lead. Despite Fresno State's efforts to rally, led by Purry and Rud, New Mexico held firm. The Lobos' defense stepped up, securing the set for New Mexico, 25-21.
The third set was highly competitive, with both teams exchanging points. Brooke Cowie set the pace, distributing the ball effectively, leading to crucial kills by Rud and Haluska. A service ace by Cowie extended Fresno State's lead to 17-11. New Mexico closed the gap to 24-22, but a decisive block by Haluska ended the set in favor of Fresno State.
In a dramatic fourth set, both teams fought fiercely, trading points back and forth. Fresno State pulled ahead with a series of kills from Haluska and Purry. At 29-29, a service ace by Ella Rud gave Fresno State the lead, and a final attack error by New Mexico sealed the win for the Bulldogs, 3-1.
NOTES
The Bulldogs are on their longest winning streak of the season at four.
Addison Haluska collected 24 kills, her third most of the season.
Fresno State combined for 67 kills today, the most of the season.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs return home on Thursday to face Nevada at the Save Mart Center at 6 p.m. PT.