FRESNO, Calif. – Utah State volleyball opened a four-match road trip on Thursday, falling to Fresno State, 3-0. 

The teams kept things close through the majority of the first set. After trailing by five, the Aggies used an 8-1 run to take the lead, but the Bulldogs closed out the set at 25-23. Fresno State jumped out to early leads in both the second and third sets, claiming 25-16 and 25-15 victories, respectively. 

For the Aggies, freshman outside hitter Hailey Cuff had a team-high eight kills, while junior opposite side hitter Bailey Downing hit a team-best .333 (6-2-12). Downing was also the top blocker for USU, recording five (1-4) on the night. In all, Utah State out-blocked Fresno State, 7-6. 

Fresno State's strength came off the serve, as the Bulldogs recorded 12 service aces. Utah State hit .059 (21-17-68) on the night, while the Bulldogs hit .232 (42-19-99). 

Utah State continues its week playing at San Diego State on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. (MT). 

Fans can follow the Aggie volleyball program on Twitter, @USUVolleyball, on Facebook at /USUVolleyball or on Instagram, @usuvolleyball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.