Nevada volleyball picks up much needed win

RENO - The University of Nevada volleyball team snapped a season long four-match losing streak Friday night in the first round of the Molten Invitational by dismantling Texas Pan American 30-14, 30-21 and 30-22 before 329 fans at the Virginia Street Gym.

"It was an important win after a rough road trip and we needed that," Nevada coach Devin Scruggs said.

Teal Ericson powered the Wolf Pack with 13 kills and Allison Hernandez added eight kills and nine digs. Tristin Johnson, who led the team in digs for the first time this season, recorded a double-double with 31 assists and 12 digs.

"Thank goodness," Johnson said about ending the losing streak. "I do like to win. It's much more enjoyable. The team we played today wasn't as good as the teams we played last weekend. We kind of had to get over that and realize that we are good."

Johnson returned to the starting lineup after sitting out last weekend with a hamstring injury. The 2003 Fallon grad's hamstring didn't seem to bother her Friday as she racked up double figures in digs.

"We wanted her to get in a good rhythm tonight," Scruggs said about her senior setter.

Hernandez said it felt nice for Nevada to get a win after losing three in a row on the road. The sophomore outside hitter added that the team needs momentum going into its Western Athletic Conference season opener on Thursday against San Jose State.

"We were really quite and almost scared to make or take," Hernandez said about last weekend's tournament in Los Angeles. "We were playing not to lose and we needed to play to win. There's way more room for improvement."

Johnson agrees with her teammate about entering league on a high note.

"It would be very nice to win before that and be in a good mood," Johnson said.

Hernandez, who switched from libero to outside hitter during the road trip, said it's giving her power hitting teammates more rest. Both Carly Sorensen and Karly Sipherd played less than half of Friday's match.

"They switched it up mostly today to save Carly and give her a rest," Hernandez said. "We're deep in our defensive specialists and liberos."

Scruggs, though, felt her sophomore hitter was struggling at libero and could better serve the team as an outside hitter.

"Allison was struggling in the libero and she's a great outside hitter," Scruggs added. "I'm glad I get the opportunity to put her in there. She does a nice job."

The 10th-year coach is feeling more comfortable with her freshman players like KatiJo Matthews, Lauren Kelly, Sage Aune and Jorgan Staker.

"I've seen some good improvement," Scruggs said.

The Wolf Pack (5-5) play today against the Nevada Alumni at 11 a.m. before concluding the invitational on Sunday against Portland at noon.