Nov. 7, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State Bulldogs (6-15, 3-9 WAC) host the New Mexico State Aggies (18-7, 12-1 WAC) at the Save Mart Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. in a Western Athletic Conference showdown. The match will be aired live on Comcast Local 14 with Randy Rosenbloom and Brian Tsukimura calling the action from courtside.

This will be the second to last home match of the 2008 season for the Bulldogs but the first match of the week. The Aggies defeated Nevada on Thursday in a thrilling five sets in Reno. The two teams last met in the WAC opener in Las Cruces back on Sept. 18 with the Aggies sweeping the `Dogs.

Fresno State is currently in seventh place in the conference standings with four matches remaining. The Aggies are fighting for the WAC Championship with No. 7 Hawai'i. The Aggies are receiving votes in the AVCA top 25 poll.

Baylee Platt leads the `Dogs with 3.23 kills per set and Allanah Munson averages 9.57 assists per set. Sophomore libero Meghan Moss is just two digs away from 200 on the season.

Fighting Spirit Award
Head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell announced a new tradition at Fresno State, one that she brought with her from Hofstra. The award will be given to a player or group that shows consistent fighting spirit through adversity and challenge in a match. If no players show that ability, the award will not be given. That's how special this award is. The winner/s will be announced at the conclusion of each match on www.gobulldogs.com. For more information about the award check out the release on the website. The winners are posted below.
- Sept. 13: Kelly Leonardo
- Sept. 18: Lexi Watson
- Sept. 20: Team
- Sept. 25: Kelly Leonardo
- Sept. 27: Was not awarded
- Oct. 2: Meghan Moss
- Oct. 4: Kasey Van Grouw and Allanah Munson
- Oct. 11: Lacey Gera
- Oct. 16: Kelly Leonardo and Lauren Berger
- Oct. 18: Brianna Clarke
- Oct. 26: Lauren Berger and Allanah Munson
- Oct. 30: Megan Moss
- Nov. 1: Allanah Munson, Meghan Moss, Lacey Gera, Baylee Platt and Kelly Leonardo

Six Bulldogs in 100 Kill Club
Six Bulldogs have recorded 100 or more kills on the season: Kelly Leonardo (111), Lacey Gera (114), Kasey Van Grouw (116) and Lauren Berger (122) have all reached the 100 kill mark while freshmen Brianna Clarke (207) and Baylee Platt (229) both have over 200 kills a piece. In WAC play alone, Platt (144) and Clarke (101) lead the way for the 'Dogs.

Kelly Leonardo Blocking Into Record Books
Junior Kelly Leonardo has been a blocking sensation for the Bulldogs in her two-and-a-half years at Fresno State. With 225 total blocks, Leonardo is just shy of cracking into the top 10 career list in total blocks. Currently in the 10th spot is Kristen Fenton who had 236 blocks in her career from 2001-04.

It's 80's Theme Night at the Save Mart Center so wear your favorite 80's gear when you come to cheer on the `Dogs. Also, show your Friday football ticket vs. Nevada to get into the match free.

"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs continue WAC play at the Save Mart Center Saturday, November 8 against New Mexico State at 7 pm. It's 80's Theme Night and also show your Nevada football ticket at the Save Mart Center box office to receive FREE admission to the match. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.