FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State volleyball team has won five straight matches after defeating Nevada in a five-set thriller at the Save Mart Center on Thursday.
The Bulldogs remain at the top of the conference standings alongside Colorado State with a 7-2 record in MW play and 11-9 overall.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The opening set was tight-knit, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Fresno State initially struggled with the Wolf Pack's aggressive offense but built momentum after a service error by Nevada allowed Ella Rud to land a kill, tying the game at 8-8. Kasey Purry's block, followed by an ace from Brooke Cowie, initiated a critical Fresno State scoring surge, allowing the Bulldogs to stay neck-and-neck with Nevada. The Wolf Pack narrowly claimed the set 30-28 after a late attack error by Fresno State.
The Bulldogs rebounded in the second set, establishing dominance early on. A block by Purry and an error from Nevada set Fresno State on a steady scoring path. Addison Haluska's effective serves and Ella Rud's two consecutive kills widened the lead, giving Fresno State a significant advantage. Dionii Fraga's defense added stability, as the Bulldogs comfortably closed out the set 25-15, evening the match at 1-1.
Early scoring from Nevada disrupted Fresno State's flow in the third set. Haluska scored a few critical points to close the gap mid-set, but Nevada's offensive consistency gave them the edge. Despite Rud's efforts with multiple kills, Nevada secured the set 25-19.
Fresno State dug deep to take the fourth set in a nail-biting finish. A kill from Jenna Legault and a subsequent block by Cowie initiated a critical Bulldog scoring run, pulling Fresno State ahead. With the Red Wave's energy fueling the team, Cowie delivered an ace that brought Fresno State to set point, which was ultimately clinched 29-27 after a service ace by Haluska.
In the decisive set, Fresno State seized control early, with Rud's block on Nevada's top attacker setting the tone. Fresno State held off Nevada's late push, and a final kill by Purry closed the set 15-12, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory.
NOTES
The Bulldogs are riding their longest winning streak since 2019 with five straight match victories.
Kasey Purry totaled 10.0 blocks against the Wolf Pack to tie the Bulldogs' season-high set by Mya Sellers against Boise State.
The Bulldogs' match against the Wolf Pack lasted two hours and 33 minutes, making it Fresno State's longest win of the season.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs are headed to Logan, Utah to face the Aggies of Utah State on Saturday at 12 p.m. PT.