SAN DIEGO – The San Diego State volleyball team closes out its regular-season schedule this week with a pair of key Mountain West matches at Nevada and San José State. The Aztecs will battle the Wolf Pack on Thursday, Nov. 17, starting at 6 p.m. PT, before heading to the Bay Area for a clash with the Spartans on Saturday, Nov. 19, beginning at 2 p.m.
In addition to live stats, both contests will be streamed live via the Mountain West Network on GoAztecs.com. Saturday's SDSU-SJSU clash will also be televised on NBC Sports Bay Area.
San Diego State wrapped up its 2022 home slate with a split of two matches, sweeping past Fresno State (25-14, 25-23, 25-18) on Nov. 7, before suffering a reversal of fortune three days later, falling to conference leader UNLV (19-25, 12-25, 23-25), as the Rebels spoiled the Scarlet and Black's Senior Night festivities.
With their results, the Aztecs (8-19, 6-10 MW) find themselves in a tie for seventh place in the conference standings with Boise State, one match behind a pair of fifth-place squads in New Mexico and Nevada, as the top six teams qualify for the Mountain West Championship, Nov. 23-25, in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Entering the week, middle blocker Julia Haynie ranks fifth in the conference for all matches with a .353 hitting percentage, while fellow middle Elly Schraeder has climbed into sixth with 1.10 blocks per set.
SERIES RECORD VS. NEVADA
> The Aztecs boast a 14-6 record vs. the Wolf Pack in 20 all-time meetings dating back to 2011.
> SDSU has won the last three encounters against Nevada after logging a four-set triumph at home on Sept. 24 (25-16, 25-22, 20-25, 26-24).
> In that contest, the Aztecs received double-digit kills from three players to go with solid back-row support to snap a season-long nine-match losing streak.
> Madison Corf led all players with a career-best 22 kills, while Mikela Labno launched 14 put-aways, followed closely by Kayla Rivera's season-high 13 non-returnables.
> Despite 26 hitting errors, the Scarlet and Black kept up the barrage, posting season bests in kills (71) and attempts (156) while hitting at a .295 clip to spark their victory.
> Not to be outdone, the SDSU defense held firm, limiting Nevada to just 39 kills and a .203 efficiency after notching a season-high 77 digs. Individually, McKenna Douglas established a career best with 26 digs, while Ellie Geoghegan added 13 scoops of her own.
> The Aztec charge also included Noa Miller (7 digs), who dished out 31 assists despite sharing the setter duties with Kennedy Feuerborn (15 assists) and Sarena Gonzalez (9 assists, 4 digs).
> Despite 20 kills in the fourth and final frame, SDSU trailed by as many as five points at 15-10 after a ball-handling error. In addition, the Aztecs faced the possibility of letting a 2-0 lead in sets evaporate after the Wolf Pack grabbed a 23-19 lead. Moments later, the Scarlet and Black was gifted two points on a Nevada service error and a wayward attack sandwiched around a Corf kill.
> SDSU returned the favor with its own mishandled ball shortly thereafter, which gave the visitors a 24-22 edge. However, the Aztecs flashed their resiliency by closing with four straight points to secure the win. First, the Wolf Pack committed an attack error, while Rivera and Julia Haynie soon followed with consecutive kills to vault in front. Then Douglas stepped up a delivered a match-clinching ace as the Aztec bench erupted in jubilation.
SERIES RECORD VS. SAN JOSÉ STATE
> Despite dropping four straight to the Spartans, the Aztecs still lead the all-time series 22-16 in 38 varsity meetings since 1977.
> The Aztecs sport a 12-6 record against SJSU in San Diego, a 7-10 mark in San Jose and a 3-0 ledger on a neutral court.
> Since San José State joined the Mountain West in 2013, SDSU is 7-9 against the Spartans, including a 3-5 mark in San Jose.
> In the conference opener for both teams on Sept. 22, the Aztecs were dealt a four-set defeat by San José State in San Diego (18-25, 25-18, 21-25, 10-25).
> Neither side hit the ball particularly well, as the Spartans finished with a .195 efficiency for the match, while SDSU mustered a .098 clip. Although SJSU totaled two fewer attack errors (24-26), the visitors maintained a 47-39 advantage in kills and a 16-12 edge in team blocks to help fuel their victory.
> Individually, the Aztecs were led by Madison Corf's 10 kills, while Heipua Tautua'a flirted with a rare triple-double, amassing nine put-aways and nine digs to go with a career-high seven blocks, including a pair of solo stops.
> In addition, Kat Cooper (.429) and Kayla Rivera launched seven non-returnables apiece, while Elly Schraeder fell one block short of a personal-best after posting eight rejections, including a solo stuff.
SDSU IN MW RANKINGS
> Entering the weekend, Julia Haynie is slotted fifth in the conference with a .369 hitting percentage in MW action and has compiled a .353 efficiency for all matches, where she also ranks fifth.
> Elly Schraeder has vaulted into the third position for MW matches with 1.21 blocks per set and ranks 10th with a .343 hitting percentage. For all contests, the SDSU sophomore is sixth in the conference with 1.10 rejections per frame.
> Ellie Geoghegan occupies the seventh spot with 3.39 digs per set in league matches and ranks 10th in the conference with 317 digs for the season.
> Noa Miller is also slotted 10th in the league with 5.69 assists per sets against MW competition.
> Miller's six service aces against UC San Diego on Aug. 27 is tied for the second-highest total in the Mountain West this season and marks the most by an SDSU player since Ashlynn Dunbar served up six of her own vs. Colorado State on Sept. 27, 2018. Dunbar also finished with seven service aces against CSU Bakersfield in the 2018 season opener.
> McKenna Douglas' 26-dig effort vs. Nevada on Sept. 24 is tops for a four-set MW match this season.
> Madison Corf's .667 hitting percentage (15-1-21) vs. Fresno State on Nov. 7 marks the fourth-best efficiency in the conference this season (min. 12 kills).
> Meanwhile, Kayla Rivera's .647 hitting percentage (12-1-17) vs. Pepperdine on Sept. 3 is tied for the seventh-best clip in the league this year.
> Schraeder's nine overall blocks vs. Army West Point is tied for the seventh-best figure in the MW this season and represents the most by an SDSU competitor since Lexie Hamrick's 11 rejections against UTEP on Sept. 15, 2018.
> Corf's 22 kills vs. Nevada is tied for the fifth-highest total in a four-set match this year, while her 21 put-aways against Air Force are tied for eighth in a four-set contest.
> Collectively, the Aztecs' 71 kills against Nevada is tied for the fourth-highest figure in the league this season and represents the most in a four-set match.
> In addition, SDSU's 67 kills against UC San Diego is tied for the fourth-highest total in the MW for a four-set match this year.
> The Aztecs' 14 team blocks vs. Army is tied for the 12th-highest total in the conference.
HAYNIE ON THE RISE
> Middle blocker Julia Haynie has started 14 of 16 conference matches thus far, posting a .369 hitting percentage in that span.
> The Aztec senior has powered down 75 kills in 157 attempts with just 17 errors against league opponents.
> Haynie has also recorded 28 total blocks in MW play, including four solo stops.
> In a road match at New Mexico on Oct. 20, Haynie set a career high with a .769 hitting percentage after launching 10 kills in 13 swings without an error. She also established a season best with 7 total blocks vs. the Lobos.
> The Temecula, California, product has recorded multiple blocks in five of her last eight matches and nine for the season.
> With two matches remaining, Haynie has already set a personal single-season high with 104 kills after launching 103 non-returnables in 2021.
> For the season, she ranks fifth in the Mountain West with a .353 efficiency and is currently third on the squad with 36 total blocks.
SCHRAEDER STYLIN'
> Middle blocker Elly Schraeder has ramped up her production over the last seven matches, averaging 1.50 blocks and 1.85 kills per set while hitting at a .400 clip.
> The SDSU sophomore has powered down 48 kills in 95 attempts during that stretch with just 10 errors.
> Additionally, Schraeder has totaled at least four blocks in those seven outings.
> Against Fresno State on Nov. 7, the Athol, Idaho, native established season highs of nine kills and a .667 hitting percentage, committing one error in 12 swings. She also set a collegiate best with three digs vs. the Bulldogs.
> Not to be outdone, Schraeder tied her career-high with eight block assists against Boise State on Nov. 7.
> For the season, Schraeder ranks sixth in the MW for all matches with 1.10 blocks per set but has moved into the third spot during MW play with 1.21 blocks per frame.
NEWCOMERS SHINE
> Seven of eight Aztec newcomers have seen action for the Scarlet and Black this season, with several providing key contributions through 27 matches.
> Freshman Madison Corf has started 21 of 27 matches and leads the team with 2.63 kills per set and 242 kills overall. The former AVCA Prep All-American set a career high with 22 put-aways in SDSU's 3-1 triumph over Nevada on Sept. 24, which is tied for MW's fifth-highest total in a four-set match this year. Corf has recorded double-digit kills in 10 matches thus far, tying Kayla Rivera for the team lead. Against Fresno State on Nov. 7, the Kansas City, Missouri native set a collegiate best with a .667 hitting percentage, blasting 15 kills in 21 attempts with just one error. Corf also logged her first collegiate double-double with 15 kills and 11 digs vs. Colorado State on Oct. 15.
> A senior transfer from Georgia, Kayla Rivera has started 25 of 27 matches for SDSU and has climbed into the second spot on the team in kills (241) and kills per set (2.41) while holding down the No. 2 position in total blocks (75.0) and blocks per set (0.75). The Aztec opposite hitter blasted double-digit kills in six straight matches, including 13 put-aways in consecutive outings vs. Wyoming and Boise State to equal a career high. Against the Cowgirls, Rivera accounted for the final two points of the match with a kill and solo block in the fourth set, leading the Aztecs to their first victory over Wyoming on the road since 2012. Earlier, the Ventura, California, native was named to the all-tournament team at the Pepperdine ASICS Classic after posting 29 kills and a .313 hitting percentage, including a career-best .647 clip (12-1-17) vs. the host Waves. She also powered down 13 kills against Nevada and a collegiate-best seven block assists vs. Army West Point at the SDSU Invitational.
> Freshman defensive specialist Ellie Geoghegan has taken over the team lead with 317 overall digs, which ranks 10th in the MW. The Manhattan Beach product has surpassed the double-digit plateau in that category in eight of her last 10 matches and on 15 occasions overall, highlighted by a season-high 24 scoops at New Mexico on Oct. 20. She also contributed 23 scoops vs. Air Force two days later, earning MW Defensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. Geoghegan has also recorded 24 of her 28 service aces for the season in her last 18 appearances, including a career-best four vs. Fresno State on Nov. 7.
> In her first season on The Mesa after transferring from USD, sophomore middle blocker Elly Schraeder has started all 26 matches she has played, leading the team with 100 total blocks and 1.10 blocks per set, the latter of which ranks sixth in the Mountain West. The Athol, Idaho, native has flashed her versatility over the past seven matches, combining for 48 kills (1.85/set) and 39 blocks (1.50/set). Against Fresno State on Nov. 7, she posted a season-best . 667 hitting percentage (min. 7 kills), blasting collegiate-best nine kills on 12 attempts against one error to go with four blocks, including a solo stop. The previous week, she helped the Scarlet and Black defeat Wyoming on the road for the first time since 2012 after notching eight additional put-aways while contributing seven blocks, including a solo stuff. Earlier in the season vs. Army on Aug. 27, Schraeder registered a career-high nine blocks, including a solo stop, while hitting .375 on eight kills in 16 swings with just two errors.
> A starter in 10 of 22 appearances, freshman middle blocker Kat Cooper ranks fourth on the team with 32 total blocks and 0.48 blocks per set. A former AVCA Prep All-American, Cooper enjoyed a breakout performance against UC San Diego at the SDSU Invitational when she hit .600 on seven kills in 10 attempts against just one error while adding five blocks (1 solo) and five digs. Earlier that day, the Springdale, Arkansas, native recorded five additional blocks (1 solo) vs. Army West Point. In the Mountain West opener against San José State, Cooper matched her season best with seven kills, posting a .429 efficiency with one error in 14 swings.
> Freshman setter Sarena Gonzalez ranks second on the squad with 4.69 assists per set. A starter in 11 of 27 matches, the Temecula product has dished at least 20 assists in seven appearances, including a season-high 31 helpers at Wyoming on Oct 29, as the Aztecs defeated the Cowgirls in Laramie for the first time since 2012. In addition, Gonzalez has 92 digs (1.02/set) and 10 aces (0.11/set) to her credit, including a season-best eight digs at Colorado State on Oct. 27. She also spun three aces on consecutive serves in the fourth set against Maryland at the Aztec Classic on Sept. 9.
> Despite missing 17 matches this season, freshman libero McKenna Douglas ranks second on the Aztecs with 3.03 digs per set. The Phoenix, Arizona, native averaged 3.14 digs per frame in a six-match span from Sept. 22-Oct. 8, highlighted by a career-high 26 scoops vs. Nevada. In SDSU's 3-0 triumph at Fresno State on Sept. 27, Douglas served up a collegiate-best five aces, helping the Scarlet and Black record its first road sweep over the Bulldogs since 1996.
ODDS & ENDS
> With its four-set triumph over Wyoming on Oct. 29, San Diego State recorded the 900th victory in program history. Dating back to 1976, the Aztecs own an all-time record of 902-658 in almost 47 seasons of varsity volleyball competition.
> Against the Cowgirls, the Aztecs posted more team blocks than their opponent (12.0 to 5.0) for just the fourth time this season, improving to 3-1 in that statistical situation.
> Five of SDSU's eight wins this year have been registered on a Saturday.
> Elly Schraeder has totaled at least four blocks in seven straight matches and has come up with at least one rejection in nine consecutive appearances.
> Noa Miller has served up at least one ace in four straight matches and eight of her last nine contests, including three apiece vs. Boise State and Utah State at home.
> Heipua Tautua'a leads the Scarlet and Black with five double-doubles on the year.
> Ellie Geoghegan has recorded double-digit dig totals in eight of her last 10 matches, including a career-high 24 scoops at New Mexico on Oct. 20. She also set a collegiate best with four aces vs. Fresno State on Nov. 7.
> All eight of the Aztecs' victories have been recorded with SDSU maintaining the statistical advantage in kills and hitting percentage.
> San Diego State is 5-0 this season when holding a 2-1 lead after three sets.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
> Nevada (13-14, 7-9 MW) is tied with New Mexico for fifth place in the Mountain West standings after splitting a pair of road matches last week. The Wolf Pack toppled Boise State in four sets on Nov. 10 (22-25, 25-20, 25-21, 27-25) before suffering a sweep at Utah State by identical set scores two days later (16-25, 16-25, 16-25). Nevada has played just seven home matches this season, posting a 4-3 record, compared to a 9-11 mark in road/neutral contests. Offensively, the Wolf Pack are led by sixth-year senior Kayla Afoa, who ranks fourth in the MW for all matches with 3.72 kills per set, while freshman and fellow outside hitter Gabby McLaughlin is slotted 11th in the conference with 3.08 put-aways per frame. In addition, McLaughlin (0.36/set) and Afoa (0.32/set) also find themselves among the league leaders in service aces, ranking third and ninth, respectively. In addition, freshman Kia Kaohelaulii occupies the third spot in the conference with 4.04 digs per set, while senior setter Ashley Alcaraz ranks sixth with 7.18 assists per sets. At the net, Nevada sports two middles who find themselves in the MW top 10 in blocks, including freshman Jordan Schwartz (7th, 1.09/set) and fellow classmate Bella Snyder (9th, 1.05/set). As a team, the Wolf Pack rank second in the conference in digs (15.67/set), third in opponent hitting percentage (.196) and fourth in service aces (1.50/set). However, Nevada is just seventh in blocks (2.26/set) and ranks last in hitting percentage (.160) and kills (11.35/set). The Wolf Pack are coached by Lee Nelson, who is in his eighth season on the Reno campus after spending three years as an assistant at Miami (Fla.) from 2012-14. Prior to his stint with the Hurricanes, Nelson was the associate head coach of the men's program at UC Santa Barbara. His career record stands at 85-135.
> San José State (19-7, 13-3 MW) tied a program record with 13 Mountain West victories after defeating Boise State on the road last Saturday in four sets (27-25, 22-25, 25-21,25-15). The Spartans rebounded with that victory over the Broncos after dropping a tough five-set decision at Utah State two days earlier (21-25, 25-18, 25-22, 22-25, 20-22). Prior to Saturday's clash with the Aztecs, SJSU will play host to Fresno State on Thursday night. The Spartans boast an unblemished 8-0 mark at home so far this season and are a combined 11-7 on the road. Offensively, San José State is led by senior Amethyst Harper, who ranks eighth in the conference with an average of 3.26 kills per set, while sophomore and fellow outside hitter Blaire Fleming (2.99) and senior opposite hitter Haylee Nelson (2.70) are also averaging over two put-aways per frame. Along the back row, senior Sarah Smevog ranks second in the MW with 4.12 digs per set, while junior middle blocker Jiana Dawson occupies the eighth and ninth spots, respectively, in blocks (1.08/set) and hitting percentage (.332). Not to be outdone, junior setter Mia Schafer finds herself among the MW leaders this week, topping the conference in service aces (0.38/set) while ranking eighth in assists (6.04/set). Collectively, the Spartans lead the league in assists (13.21/set) and kills (14.08/set), which rank 18th and 14th in nation, respectively. In addition, SJSU is slotted in the top half of the MW in other categories, including service aces (2nd, 1.75/set), hitting percentage (3rd, .246), blocks (3rd, 2.30/set) and digs (5th, 13.06/set). Head coach Trent Kersten is in his third year at the helm of the Spartan program after spending five years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at TCU from 2015-19. During his tenure with the Horned Frogs staff, Kersten's 2019 recruiting class was ranked fifth in the country by Volleyball Magazine and sixth by Prep Volleyball. Kersten played three seasons at UCLA, where he ranked among the nation's top 15 in hitting percentage (.387) and blocks (1.08/set) as a senior in 2015.
Aztecs Set for Two Key MW Road Matches This Week
