SDSU Tops San Jose St. in Volleyball Match

Playing in front of its largest home crowd of the season, San Diego State rallied for a 7-15, 8-15, 16-14, 15-11, 15-4 Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. women’s volleyball victory over San Jose State in a battle of undefeated and No. 1-ranked teams Monday night.

The Aztecs came into the match ranked No. 1 in the country by the NCAA and No. 2 by the Tachikara coaches poll. San Jose State was listed No. 1 in the Tachikara poll and No. 2 by the NCAA.

By the end of the night, 1,764 fans in Peterson Gym saw why the teams are regarded as the best in the nation. SDSU (3-0 in the PCAA) increased its school record for consecutive victories with its 21st. After taking a 14-10 lead in the third game, San Jose State (10-1, 2-1) lost four match-point opportunities. And in the meantime, San Diego State was relocating its lost offense.

San Jose State, playing a tenacious defense, pulled the Aztecs out of their high-powered offense most of the night. But SDSU rallied to score the final six points in Game 3, the last three coming on two kills and a block by middle blocker Kris Morton, who led all players with 24 kills.

The Aztecs rallied once again in Game 4. Trailing 11-9, SDSU scored the next five points, the game winner on a kill by Jackie Mendez. With its offense finally in full gear, the Aztecs dominated the final game.

“After Game 2 I told the team we had the largest crowd of the season, let’s at least win one game,” Aztec Coach Rudy Suwara said. “Right now, we know if we keep trying we’re going to win it.”