Brooklyn, N.Y.—San José State used a balanced hitting attack Thursday as the Spartans won their first match of the Big Apple Tournament, 3-0, over host LIU in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Latahevai Lousi recorded her third double-double in four matches as she led the team with 11 kills and 12 digs. Makayla Lewis hit .304 for the match with 10 kills on 23 attempts and only three errors. Thaliana Grajeda hit a team-best .571 with eight kills on 14 attempts and no errors.
Ryann Thomison led the Spartan block with six block assists to go with her six kills. Grajeda had four blocks, while Lewis and Mamie Garard each had three.
The Spartans took an early 2-1 lead and maintained throughout the first set to win 25-23. The Sharks got as close as 24-23, but a Nelson kill gave SJSU the win.
LIU scored the first point of the second set before San José State again took the lead for good and won 25-11.
The two teams battled in the third set, with the Sharks taking an early 7-3 lead. SJSU never game up, even when trailing 21-19. The teams were tied at 24-24 before back-to-back kills by Lousi and Lewis gave San José State the win.
The Spartans improve to 5-5 on the season and play at Columbia Friday at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
San José State def. LIU 3-0 (25-23, 25-11, 26-24).
Kills – SJSU – Latahevai Lousi 11, Makayla Lewis 10; LIU – Karolina Nova 10.
Records – San José State 5-5; LIU 0-10.
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