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SF State women’s volleyball came out victorious against Pacific West Conference powerhouse Fresno Pacific University, Tuesday, protecting The Swamp against the Sunbirds in their season home opener.

In what was a neck and neck game throughout, with neither team ever leading by more than five points, the Gator women flexed their muscles with a three–set sweep of the visiting Sunbirds.  According to head coach Jill Muhe, the win was just what the doctor ordered.  “It’s always fun to come home and win, especially to take it in three sets like that.”

Highlighting the game was a breakout performance from freshman opposite hitter, Chantelle Williams. Williams put in an impressive performance on the right side of the Gators offense, collecting 10 kills in 21 total attempts.

In Williams’s opinion, it was a product of the team coming together.  “My performance relates to what the team does. Our setters were great out there, and everyone was doing their job,” Williams said.

Being new to the team did not show on the court for Williams, who kept her composure throughout the game. After the game ended, the experience set in for her. “The first home-game atmosphere was so crazy, and it feels great after all the hard work and double days.”

Senior captain, Jessica Nicerio put in an energetic performance, diving to the floor several times in attempt to keep the ball in play.

“That’s normal for me,” said Nicerio, who recorded a team high 14 digs.  “I play with the mentality that I can and should get to every ball.”

According to Muhe, the whole team lives by that mentality. “That’s the norm for us. The standard. That’s SF State Volleyball.

Coach and players alike were happy to win at home.

“Getting this first win feels amazing,” Nicerio said, “Me and Jac [Jaclyn Clark] try to be great leaders out there and this is the perfect start.”

“The hardest things to do is beat a team three straight sets. We are going to build on this win and improve going forward,” Muhe said.

The win was also halted the Gators’ four game losing streak to start the season.  The squad will look to carry the momentum from this first victory into their next match Friday, Sept. 11 in Oakland against Holy Names University. The team’s next home match is on Saturday, Sept. 12 against Dominican University of California, the last non-conference game of the season.

It’s going to continue being all business for the Gators, according to Junior outside hitter Taylor Brownlee, who recorded 8 kills.

“We do what we need to do to win.”