LARAMIE, Wyo. (Nov. 4, 2021) – For the second time this season, the Wyoming volleyball team and San Jose State played in a five-set battle, only this time, it was SJSU that rallied to prevail for a five-set victory. Set scores went 25-14, 23-25, 19-25, 25-17 and 18-16.
In the fifth, the Cowgirls (13-12, 5-8 MW) faced match point as they trailed 14-11. However, Wyoming looked to gain the upper hand by incredibly staving off a Spartan win by scoring four straight points and going up 15-14. After back-to-back Spartan points, the Cowgirls tied the set at 16-16 on a Jackie McBride and KC McMahon block, but SJSU would respond with back-to-back kills to break the tie and take the match.
McBride made history Wednesday night, surpassing Erin Kirby (2011-14) on the all-time sets played list and has now played in a program record 482 during her illustrious Cowgirl career. McBride had an all-around solid match in the loss, as she tallied 11 kills and hit .357, while leading the way with five total blocks on the night.
Teresa Garza led the way for the Cowgirls in the loss with a career-high 13 kills. Garza also added seven digs. KC McMahon chipped in with nine kills to go along with eight digs and four total blocks (three solo, one assisted).
In the back row, Erika Jones led all players with 21 digs on the night. Jones also added three assists and a pair of service aces. Both Cowgirl setters tallied double-doubles against the Spartans. Abby Olsen dished-out 27 assists and had 10 digs to tally her fourth double-double of the season. Payton Chamberlain meanwhile, notched her second-ever double-double as she had 11 assists and 11 digs.
On the night, both teams hit well-below .200 as San Jose (16-7, 10-3 MW) hit .174 with the Cowgirls hitting just .129. SJSU had two more aces (6-4) then the Cowgirls digs and both teams had 10 total blocks in the contest.
Thursday was just game one of four consecutive home matches for the Cowgirls. UW will look to rally Saturday in a 6:30 p.m., contest as Nevada comes to Laramie.
-WYO-
