FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State volleyball team took down conference-leading Colorado State in four sets on Thursday at the Save Mart Center. With the win, the Bulldogs have clinched a spot in the 2024 Mountain West Championship tournament for the second straight season and the second time in program history.
Fresno State will be joined by Colorado State, San Jose State, Utah State and San Diego State in the tournament with one final spot up for grabs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State started strong with a kill from Addison Haluska, but errors disrupted the rhythm. Colorado State capitalized on a scoring run midway through the set, sparked by a service ace from. The Rams' Malaya Jones delivered key kills, extending their lead. Although Haluska and Ella Rud attempted to close the gap with kills, Colorado State's efficient hitting secured the set.
The Bulldogs found their footing in the second set. A service ace from Kasey Purry initiated a scoring surge that pushed Fresno State ahead. Rud and Haluska were relentless on the attack, with Haluska recording seven kills to fend off a late push by Colorado State. Stellar blocking from Brooke Cowie helped contain the Rams' offense, giving the Bulldogs their first-set victory.
Fresno State dominated the third set. A service ace from Jenna Legault ignited a five-point scoring streak that forced Colorado State into a timeout. Rud's consistent hitting, paired with Purry's blocking at the net, frustrated the Rams' offense. Despite a brief run by Colorado State, Fresno State maintained control, closing the set 25-17 with a decisive kill from Haluska.
The Bulldogs maintained momentum in the final set. Back-to-back service aces by Cowie sparked an early lead. Haluska's consistent attacks and solid defense from Cowie and Purry at the net kept the Rams at bay. Colorado State tried to rally late in the set, but Fresno State sealed the match with two consecutive kills from Haluska.
NOTES
Addison Haluska recorded 24 kills against the Rams tonight, making it her fifth match with over 20 kills and 22nd match of the season with over 10 kills.
Jayden Xiong made her debut as the Bulldogs' second libero, recording a service ace, a pair of digs and a .957 service percentage.
Jenna Legault totaled three service aces out of Fresno State's 10 on the night, tying her season high she set against GCU.