FRESNO, Calif. - Nevada won the first conference play of the season 3-2 against the Fresno State Bulldogs Thursday night. Multiple players of the Pack recorded double-digit numbers in different categories. 

Kayla Afoa led the squad with 18 kills in a .161 hitting percentage. Afoa also recorded 11 digs, one assist, and one service ace. 

The Honolulu, Hawaii native was follow by freshmen Gabby McLaughlin and Jordan Schwartz with 12 kills each. McLaughlin registered a .154, while Schwartz had a .321 hitting percentage. McLaughlin also recorded 18 digs and three block assists. 

Senior Kyla Waiters came in from the Pack bench and recorded 11 kills, one dig, and four block assists. 

Senior Andrea Alcaraz had another incredible game for the Pack after recording 41 assists, 16 digs, and three service aces. In the back row, Hikialani Kaohelaulii led the defense with 19 digs registered for the junior. 
 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Pack jumped ahead on the scoreboard after a 6-score run early on the set that forced the Bulldogs to call a timeout. Nevada continued with the lead until the 16-15 mark, where a service ace by Fresno State tied the game. The Bulldogs took the lead and closed the set 25-20 on a kill. 

The second set belonged to Nevada from the start. After putting a 9-3 lead, the Pack closed the set 25-22 to tie the game 1-1 on a kill by McLaughlin. 

The opposite happened in the third set, as Fresno State was able to reverse the score after a 7-4 lead for the Pack. The Bulldogs tied the game 7-7 on a kill to take the lead and close the set 25-22. 

The fourth set was a battle between both teams, with scores going back-and-forth up until the 16-16 mark, where the Pack was able to make a 2-score run to take the lead. Nevada saved the match on a kill by Jordan Schwartz and closed the set 25-22. 

In the final set, the Wolf Pack and the Bulldogs continued with the battle up until the 8-7 score for Nevada. Nevada took the lead and closed the set 15-12 to take the 3-2 win against Fresno State. 

NOT DONE YET!

Schwartz with another hammer closes the set and takes us to the decision set🙌#BattleBorn | #Together pic.twitter.com/IKxhwePiou

— Nevada Volleyball (@NevadaWVB) September 23, 2022

S5 | IT'S A BLOCK PARTY🥳#BattleBorn | #Together pic.twitter.com/ZKT0KEPvB3

— Nevada Volleyball (@NevadaWVB) September 23, 2022

UP NEXT

Next, Nevada will continue on the road to San Diego, Calif. for a match against San Diego State on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. Fans can follow the game through Live Stats. 

FOLLOW THE PACK

Stay up to date with all the matches by following the Pack on social media at @Nevadawvb (Twitter and Facebook) and @Nevada_Volleyball (Instagram).

TICKETS ARE STILL ON SALE 

The Pack will open their campaign at home Thursday, Sept. 29 against Utah State at 6 p.m. Season tickets are just $25 individually, and a four-pack of season tickets is priced at just $60. Wolf Pack fans may purchase their season tickets HERE.