FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State volleyball battled but came up short in a straight-set loss to Santa Clara on Friday night at the Save Mart Center (18-25, 23-25, 14-25). The Bulldogs dropped to 2-5 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State opened strong, jumping out to an early lead behind kills from Jenna Legault and Brooklyn Washington. Legault delivered back-to-back service aces midway through the set to keep the 'Dogs within striking distance. However, Santa Clara closed on a decisive run to take the opener, 25-18.
The Bulldogs put together their best frame of the night in a back-and-forth second set that saw six ties and two lead changes. Addison Williams and Washington combined for a pair of key blocks, while Legault paced the offense with kills on the outside. Fresno State rallied late to tie the set at 23-23, but Santa Clara finished with consecutive points to steal the set, 25-23.
The third set mirrored the first as Fresno State started well but couldn't sustain momentum. Legault and Williams each chipped in on the attack, and Olivia Lombardi anchored the defense with a team-high 17 digs. Still, the Broncos' efficiency at the net proved too much as Santa Clara sealed the sweep with a 25-14 win.
NOTES
Jenna Legault led all players with 18 kills, hitting .308, and added three service aces and three blocks for a match-high 22.5 points.
Gabby Lombardi dished out 31 assists and contributed defensively with a block and a dig.
Olivia Lombardi paced the back row with 17 digs.
Fresno State finished with 34 kills, 30 digs, and four team blocks.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will be back at the Save Mart Center on Sunday, facing the CSUN Matadors at 2 p.m. PT.