(St. George, Utah – Sept. 9, 2023) - A thrilling five-set match saw Utah Tech come up just short falling to visiting Fresno State on Saturday afternoon at Burns Arena.

The Trailblazers (3-5) opened the match with a 25-18 win in set one with the Bulldogs (4-4) taking set two, 25-18. The Blazers answered back with a 25-22 win in the third set with the 'Dogs clawing their way back to win the fourth set, 27-25. The fifth and final set went back and forth with the Bulldogs pulling out a dramatic 17-15 win.

Utah Tech was led by 18 kills from Kennedi Knudsen while Kate Hardy chipped in 12 kills and Taylor Snow tacked on 11 kills.

Four Blazers finished with double-digit digs led by 23 from Emma Ricks while Mya Laufiso added 20, Taela Laufiso tacked on 13 and Knudsen recorded a double-double adding 12 digs.

Jumping out to a 14-13 lead in the opening set, the Blazers went on a 4-0 run capped by a kill from Knudsen to take a 18-13 lead. Back-to-back kills from Snow and Knudsen extended Utah Tech's lead to 23-17 and a kill and service ace by Knudsen gave the Trailblazers the opening set.

After the Bulldogs evened up the sets at one apiece with a seven-point win in set two, the Blazers answered back in the third set. A 5-0 run midway through the set put UT ahead 13-8 before the 'Dogs were able to close back within one at 22-21 after a 3-0 run. Back-to-back kills from Snow and Hardy closed out the third set.

The positive momentum continued into the fourth set with the Blazers jumping out to a 17-9 lead after a killl by Taela Laufiso and that carried on to match point after another kill from Laufiso put UT ahead 24-19. Fighting back from five straight match points, the 'Dogs tied up the set at 24 after an attack error and after a tie at 25, an ace and kill gave the Bulldogs the improbable set win and forced a deciding fifth set.

Utah Tech appeared to regain their momentum to open the fifth set with a kill by Knudsen pushing the Trailblazers ahead 8-3. An 11-3 run by the 'Dogs put Fresno State on brink of match point with a 14-11 lead. The Blazers roared back with four straight points to put Utah Tech back on the brink of taking the match leading 15-14 after blocks from Snow and Hannah Howard. The 'Dogs responded back with the final three straight points of the match with a pair of kills and a block by Jenna Legault to seal the win.

The Trailblazers held an advantage over the Bulldogs in hitting percentage (.171-.154), kills (63-51), service aces (8-7) and digs (83-79).

Utah Tech stays at home next weekend to take on Idaho (1-8) on Friday and Marshall (5-6) on Saturday.