TUCSON, Ariz. – The Fresno State volleyball team rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat Texas A&M–Corpus Christi in five sets on Friday afternoon at the McKale Center at the University of Arizona, opening the 2025 season with a statement victory.
With the win, the Bulldogs start the year 1-0 while the Islanders drop to 0-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State opened with a kill from Addison Haluska, but early errors gave momentum to Texas A&M–Corpus Christi. The Islanders pulled away midway through the set behind strong serving from Virginia Van Der Werff and timely kills from Ally Saleh and Katelyn Krienke. Despite a service ace from Haluska and kills by Jenna Legault, Fresno State couldn't overcome the deficit, dropping the opener 25-18.
The Bulldogs responded with sharper execution in the second set, building a 14-9 lead on kills from Haluska, Legault, and Michon Sailors. The Islanders battled back, tying the frame at 17 with kills from Krienke and Logan Dyer. Fresno State fought off multiple set points, but A&M–Corpus Christi closed the set 25-22 to take a 2-0 match lead.
With their backs against the wall in the third set, the Bulldogs came alive. A service ace from Gabby Lombardi and a strong blocking presence from Mya Sellers and Legault shifted momentum. Haluska sparked a late surge, and Fresno State capitalized on Islander miscues to win 25-19 and stay alive.
Fresno State carried its momentum into the fourth set. Haluska continued her dominance at the net while Alivia Schneider and Brooklyn Washington added key kills. Strong defense from libero Olivia Lombardi, who tallied a team-high 26 digs in the match, helped contain the Islanders' attack. The Bulldogs held steady late and closed out the set 25-20 to even the match at two apiece.
The decisive fifth set belonged to Fresno State. Haluska delivered three early kills to give the Bulldogs control, while Sellers and Legault added blocks to extend the lead. Despite a late push from Krienke and the Islanders, Fresno State held firm, sealing the comeback with a 15-11 win to complete the five-set victory.
NOTES
Addison Haluska led all players with 22 kills, marking her 53rd career match with double-digit kills.
Olivia Lombardi anchored the back row in her Bulldog debut with a career-high 26 digs.
Gabby Lombardi dished out 43 assists and added two service aces in her first match as the Bulldogs' setter.
Fresno State's depth was evident as eight different players recorded kills in the match.
BY winning the first match of 2025, the Bulldogs snapped a four-year streak of falling in the season opener.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs return to the court tomorrow to face Alabama State at 10:30 a.m. PT in the McKale Center.