November 19, 2008

Fresno State (6-4, 3-3 WAC) vs San Jose State (6-5, 4-3 WAC)
Date: Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. PT
Site: Spartan Stadium (41,031); San Jose, Calif.
Radio: KMJ (AM 580); Dog Talk (5 p.m.) Countdown to Kickoff (6 p.m.)
Play-by-Play: Bill Woodward; Analyst: Jordan Christensen; Sideline: Ralph Wood
ESPN Deportes (1600 AM) in Spanish
Play-by-Play: Jess Gonzalez; Analysts: Sam Sosa and Doug Kessler
Television: ESPN2
Play-by-Play: Sean McDonough; Analyst: Chris Spielman: Sideline: Rob Stone

Dogs San Jose Bound
The Bulldogs head to arch-rival San Jose State for a WAC match-up. It’s the final game of the regular season for the Spartans, in search of their second bowl game in three years. The Bulldogs are looking for their ninth bowl game in the last 10 seasons and have two games remaining. The game will be nationally televised, the first time this rivalry has ever been shown to a national audience, and is the only national TV game on Friday.

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About San Jose State
Under veteran head coach Dick Tomey, the Spartans are bowl eligible for the second time in three years. San Jose State’s defense continues to be one of the WAC’s best, allowing just 318 yards per game and 21.4 points, second only to Boise State in both categories. Quarterback Kyle Reed leads the Spartan offensive attack. He has nine touchdowns passes this season. The Spartans are a dangerous kick return team, ranking No. 19 in the NCAA at 24.2 yards per return.

Against the Spartans
Thanks to a recent 12-game winning streak against the rival Spartans, the Bulldogs own a 36-33-3 lead in the all-time series, which began in 1921. The Spartans held the series lead since the early 1950s until 2003, when the Dogs regained the advantage. Fresno State has dominated the recent games, winning 13 of the last 14 games. The only win in that time was the last meeting at Spartan Stadium, Dec. 2, 2006, a 24-14 SJSU win. Prior to that the Bulldogs had won four straight games at San Jose dating back to 1997. Fresno State won last year 30-0 at Bulldog Stadium. Pat Hill is 10-1 against the rival Spartans.

ESPN Loves the Dogs
Fresno State will make its 60th national television appearance this decade when the Dogs play at San Jose State on ESPN2. ESPN/ABC televised eight consecutive Fresno State games on its network, the last four of the 2007 season and the first four games of the 2008 season. Fresno State is scheduled for seven nationally televised games on the ESPN networks in 2008, including three of the final four this month. In all, Fresno State will have played 12 of 16 games on the ESPN’s networks by the end of the 2008 season.

Best in the West This Decade
In the last seven years, Fresno State has established itself as one of the best college football programs on the West Coast. Here is a breakdown of the five schools with the most wins in the Western United States this decade (includes all Division 1-A teams in the Pacific, Mountain and Hawaiian Time Zones):
No Team, Wins
1. Boise State, 90
2. USC, 83
3. Fresno State, 73
3. Oregon, 73
5. Hawaii, 66

Bulldog Award Banquet Set
Fresno State will hold its annual awards banquet on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. at the Fresno Convention Center downtown. For ticket information contact the Bulldog football office at (559) 278-3015.

“Join the State - Fresno State!” - The `Dogs travel to San Jose State to take on the Spartans on Friday, November 21 at 6:30 pm. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. 

November 19, 2008

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FRESNO, Calif.- The Fresno State women’s basketball team plays its home opener on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Save Mart Center against UC Santa Barbara. The game can be heard live on 790 ESPN Radio, the Deuce with Guy Haberman calling the action.

Scouting the Gauchos
UCSB is 1-0 after defeating San Diego in its season and home opener, 75- 66. UCSB’s Lauren Pedersen led the team in the win with 27 points and seven rebounds. Last year UCSB finished the year 23-8 and 15-1 in the Big West Conference. They lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb is in her first season as coach but she returns 11 letterwinners and four starters off last years team.

Bulldogs vs. UCSB
Fresno State leads the overall series 18-8. The last time the two teams met was March 16, 2006 in the WNIT tournament at the Save Mart Center where the Bulldogs earned at 78-59 victory. Prior to that meeting the last time the teams met was December 12, 1993 at UCSB, where the Bulldogs fell 82-59.

The Week That Was
Fresno State won its fourth season opener in the last five years on Friday by beating Cal-State Bakersfield, 97-88. The Bulldogs had an explosive offensive attack as they shot 50 percent from the field and 56.5 percent from the 3-point line. Fresno State had five play¬ers in double figures led by Bailey Amundsen and Jaleesa Ross’ 17 points. Amundsen had a career-best 12 rebounds.

Home and Season Openers
Since 1971 the Bulldogs are 27-10 in home openers and 19-19 in season openers. Last year Fresno State lost a tough 83-79 game to nationally ranked Cal in its season an home opener.

Another Scorching Offensive Start from Behind the Arc
Last year the Bulldogs hit 10 3-pointers or more in 13 different games. Fresno State opened the 2008-09 season by hitting 13 of 23 3-pointers in a 97-88 win at Cal-State Bakersfield. The school record for most 3-pointers made in a game is 15.

Near the Century Mark
The Bulldog’s 97 points scored against Bakersfield was the most points scored by a Bulldog team since January 22, 2004 when Fresno State beat Rice 97-55. The 97 points scored by a Bulldog team is the most since January 28, 1993 when the `Dogs beat Wyo¬ming 99-70.

Career Nights to Open the Season
Several Fresno State Bulldogs recorded career highs or tied their career high in Friday’s win at Bakersfield. Bailey Amundsen had a career-high 12 rebounds while Marnique Arnold tied her career high of 11 points. Taja Edwards’ nine points and four assists was a career- best.

“Join the State - Fresno State"- The Fresno State women’s basketball team travels to Sacramento State on Sunday for a 2 p.m. tip off. The Bulldogs return to the Save Mart Center December 4 at 7 p.m. when they play host to TCU. For ticket information log onto gobulldogs.com

November 18, 2008

Final Stats

MORAGA, Calif. - In front of a raucous, hostile, and sellout crowd on national television, Fresno State battled throughout the late night madness to a 99-85 decision in favor of the Gaels. Four Bulldogs reached double figures in Fresno State’s road opener.

“All of our freshmen weren’t intimidated,” head coach Steve Cleveland said. “They played hard and gave us great minutes. They will be better as the season goes on and will be better because of this game.”

Freshman guard Paul George opened the scoring from the wing with his first collegiate three-pointer to give Fresno State an early 3-0 lead.

George, who recorded his first double-double with a career-high 25 points and 10 rebounds in the contest, silenced the Gael Force (Saint Mary’s student section) for a moment by going straight over the Gael defense for a one-handed slam dunk that will certainly be included in his highlight reel for the rest of his career.

Press Play to View the Dunk:

Another freshman starter, Mychal Ladd, also delivered his best night in a Bulldog uniform with a career-high 13 points, surpassing his previous mark of 10 points late in the first half.

Bryce Cartwright earned a career-high 21 minutes while defending one of the best point guards in the nation, sophomore Australian phenom Patrick Mills, and playing strong defense and running the offense.

Senior guard Dwight O’Neil split time between the point and wing while racking in 12 points and nine rebounds. Junior forward Sylvester Seay also put 12 points on the scoreboard as well as bringing nine rebounds off the boards.

The Bulldogs continued to compete on both ends of the floor with Saint Mary’s College (2-0) throughout the game. They trailed at halftime 55-42, but stayed within one point of the Gaels during the second half (44-43) to fall 99-85.

“To come and score 85 points against a very good defensive team feels good,” Cleveland said. “Our guys competed and didn’t back down.”

Mills recorded a game-high 27 points to lead Saint Mary’s in scoring. Mills is the only current collegiate basketball player to have played in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He directed Australia’s offense as their point guard and scored 20 points on Team USA. The Gaels’ Omar Samhan and Diamon Simpson both added double-doubles. Samhan boasted 18 points and 10 rebounds as Simpson had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Fresno State (1-1) returns home to Fresno for a couple days of practice before continuing their first road trip of the year with a trek down the Golden State to battle the San Diego State Aztecs at the Cox Arena on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. The game can be heard live on KMJ 580 AM radio and http://www.kmj580.com.

“Join the State - Fresno State!” - The `Dogs continue on the road as they travel to San Diego State on Saturday, November 22 at 1:00 pm. The `Dogs return to the Save Mart Center on Tuesday, November 25 as they host Seattle University at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS.

November 18, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - Paul George knows how to make a statement.

George’s dunk during the Saint Mary’s game late Monday night (and early Tuesday morning) just landed as the No. 1 play on Sportscenter’s Top 10 “Plays of the Day” during the 8 p.m. PT show. The play also opened the preview highlights to the broadcast.

George, a freshman from Lancaster, Calif., recorded career-highs in points (25), rebounds (10), minutes (37), field goals (9), field goal attempts (16), three-pointers (2), three-point attempts (5), free throws (5) and free throw attempts (7) while tying career-highs in blocks (2) and assists (1) during the Nov. 17 game.

George has averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in his first pair of games as a Bulldog.

The dunk was broadcast live nationally on ESPN, as part of ESPN’s College Hoops Tip-Off 24-hour marathon of games and special season features. Play-by-play announcer Terry Gannon, analyst Stephen Bardo, and a sellout Gael-dominated crowd were left in awe as the freshman slashed straight to the basket, went vertical and completed a one-handed slam dunk on a pair of Gael defenders (Mickey McConnell and all-time Saint Mary’s block leader Diamon Simpson). The emphatic dunk sent a pulse through the intimate McKeon Pavilion.

George is one of two freshman starters (along with fellow guard Mychal Ladd) and truly embraces the dynamic of changing the momentum in a game by playing his role as a shooter and defender with the ability to drive to the hoop.

As of 9:13 p.m., the YouTube video of the dunk at 3,664 hits. If you didn’t stay up for the late-night game or want to watch it again, click the play button below to see the dunk.

The Bulldogs have two days of practice this week in Fresno before continuing their first road trip of the 2008-09 season by visiting San Diego State for a Nov. 22 Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. in the Cox Arena.

“Join the State - Fresno State!” -The `Dogs continue on the road as they travel to San Diego State on Saturday, November 22 at 1:00 pm. The `Dogs return to the Save Mart Center on Tuesday, November 25 as they host Seattle University at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com. 

November 16, 2008

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This Week in Fresno State Men’s Basketball

Fresno State (1-0) at Saint Mary’s College (1-0)
Date: Monday, November 17, 2008 (Tip Off: 11:00 p.m.)
Site: McKeon Pavilion (3,500); Moraga, Calif.
Radio: KMJ 580 AM (Paul Loeffler/Randy Rosenbloom)
TV: ESPN (Terry Gannon/Stephen Bardo)
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Fresno State (1-0) at San Diego State (1-0)
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2008 (Tip Off: 2:00 p.m.)
Site: Cox Arena (12,414); San Diego, Calif.
Radio: KMJ 580 AM (Paul Loeffler/Randy Rosenbloom)
TV: None

`Dogs Travel Up and Down Golden State on First 2008-09 Road Trip
The Fresno State Bulldogs will take their first road trip of the 2008-09 season as they visit Saint Mary’s College (Nov. 17) and San Diego State (Nov. 22). The `Dogs have won three of their past four road openers. The contest with Gaels will mark the latest known start time (local to site) in school history with the tip set for 11 p.m. The game is part of the ESPN College Hoops Tip-Off special 24-hour marathon of college basketball programming. Later in the week, Fresno State will travel on their longest scheduled bus trip of the season during the trek down to play the Aztecs.

About the Gaels
Saint Mary’s is 1-0 after their season and home opening 86-55 win over Seattle Pacific. The Gaels return four starters (eight letterwinners) from a squad that finished 25-7 and fresh off a trip the NCAA Tournament in 2008. Head Coach Randy Bennett (UCSD, `86) is in his eighth season at the helm of the Gaels and sports a 128-90 career record. Senior forward Diamon Simpson (13.4 ppg and 9.6 rpg) and sophomore guard Patrick Mills (14.8 ppg, 3.4 apg, and 1.8 spg) will highlight the talented roster. The Gaels are 37-6 overall and 16-2 at home in non-conference play during the last five years.

Against the GaelsFresno State trails the overall series with Saint Mary’s College by two games, 18-16. The `Dogs have won 7 of the last 10 match-ups. This is the first meeting in Moraga, Calif. since 1997 when the `Dogs edged Saint Mary’s 83-81. The teams last met on Jan. 8, 2008 in the Save Mart Center when the Gaels defeated Fresno State 77-68.

About the Aztecs
San Diego State is 1-0 after their season and home opening 59-40 win over UCSD. The Aztecs return all five starters (eight letterwinners) from a team that went 20-13 while earning a spot in the National Invitational Tournament. Steve Fisher will look to reach 350 career wins in his 18th year of collegiate head coaching. Senior forwards Lorrenzo Wade, Kyle Spain, and Ryan Amoroso will compete to add to their totals from 2007-08 when they each averaged more than 10 points per game.

Against the Aztecs
Fresno State trails the overall series with San Diego State, 51-44. The `Dogs have won 14 of the past 17 contests, but the Aztecs have won the past two games. The Bulldogs last battled the Aztecs in San Diego in 2001. The teams last met on Nov. 11, 2008 when the `Dogs hosted the Pape Slam as San Diego State won 89-72.

Freshmen Make Immediate Impact
Freshmen guards Paul George (Lancaster, Calif.) and Mychal Ladd (Seattle, Wash.) quickly earned spots in the Bulldogs’ starting line-up. In their collegiate debut, George netted 14 points and five rebounds while Ladd added 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. The pair of freshmen also enjoy lighting up the scoreboard with sharp shooting, momentum-changing dunks and fast break situations. As the foundation of the Bulldogs’ future, George and Ladd will become household names very quickly.

“Join the State - Fresno State!” - The `Dogs travel to take on Saint Mary’s on Monday, November 17 in a nationally televised game on ESPN at 11:00 pm. The `Dogs return to the Save Mart Center on Tuesday, November 25th as they host Seattle at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS.

November 15, 2008

Final Stats

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Tom Brandstater ran for two touchdowns, including the game winner in the fourth quarter, as Fresno State held off New Mexico State 24-17 on Saturday.

Fresno State (6-4, 3-3) became bowl eligible by holding New Mexico State (3-7, 1-5) scoreless in the second half and limiting the Aggies to -9 rushing yards.

Brandstater completed 14 of 20 passes for 146 yards and scored both of Fresno State’s offensive touchdowns on quarterback sneaks. Tailback Anthony Harding added 101 yards on 23 carries.

Chase Holbrook completed 27 of 38 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown but was sacked five times. Receiver A.J. Harris caught nine passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.

The Aggies have now dropped five straight since a surprising 3-2 start.

Brandstater’s second 1-yard touchdown of the game snapped a 17-17 halftime tie and gave the Bulldogs their first lead since early in the second quarter.

New Mexico State drove to the Fresno State 19-yard line on its final possession before Jon Monga sacked Holbrook on fourth-and-6. The Bulldogs took over and successfully ran out the clock, downing a punt inside the Aggies 5 as time expired.

Fresno State limited the Aggies to 183 yards of total offense. The -9 rushing yards for New Mexico State is a Bulldogs school record.

With two road games remaining, Fresno State finished 2-3 this season at Bulldog Stadium. It was the Bulldogs’ first losing record at home since 1994.

Fresno State and New Mexico State were tied 17-17 halftime after the Bulldogs blew a scoring chance in the final seconds.

With 6 seconds left, the Aggies stuffed Harding for no gain from just outside the 1 after New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme called consecutive timeouts to scope out Fresno State’s play selection.

Big special teams plays on both sides resulted in first-half touchdowns.

After Brandstater’s 1-yard sneak tied the game at 10-10 with 12 minutes left in the second quarter, Sharrod Davis put Fresno State ahead by stripping the football away from Marcus Anderson and returning it for a score.

Davis spun around Anderson, took away the football and raced into the end zone for a 17-10 Bulldogs lead. The 25-yard fumble recovery gave Fresno State 14 points in a nine-second span.

New Mexico State came right back to tie the score at 17-17 on Holbrook’s 17-yard touchdown pass to Harris with 6:22 left before halftime.

Chris Williams’ 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown put New Mexico State ahead 10-3 with 1:05 left in the first quarter. Williams made a nifty move at midfield to elude kicker Ryan Goessling and scored without getting touched.

Goessling and New Mexico State’s Kyle Hughes traded field goals to begin the scoring.

Fresno State vs. New Mexico State
Bulldog Stadium
Postgame Notes and Quotes
Nov. 15, 2008

Record-setting Day for the Defense
For a much maligned Bulldog defense, Saturday’s game was just what the doctor ordered. The Dogs held New Mexico State to a Fresno State school record negative 9 rushing yards in the game. The previous record was 38 yards by San Diego State in a game at Bulldog Stadium in 2002. The Dogs held New Mexico State to a total of 183 yards, the fewest by a Bulldog opponent since Sept. 1, 2007 when Sacramento State had just 104 yards. Fresno State held the Aggies to 196 total yards under their season average. The Aggies had 192 passing yards, their second-lowest total of the season. The Aggie offense accounted for just 10 points in the game, scoring one of the touchdowns on a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Quick Scores
The Bulldogs used nine seconds to score their first two touchdowns of the game. Tom Brandstater scored at the 12 minute mark of the second quarter on a 1 yard quarterback sneak. On the ensuing kickoff, Bulldog cornerback Sharrod Davis stripped Marcus Anderson of the ball and scored his first career touchdown at the 11:51 mark of the quarter for an elapsed time of nine seconds.

Davis Big Play
The Dogs have not had much success creating turnovers this season, but Sharrod Davis’ heads-up play on a New Mexico State kick return was a big play. Davis stripped Marcus Anderson of the ball and took the ball 25 yards for a touchdown that gave the Dogs a 17-10 lead. It was the second fumble return for a TD this season by the Dogs. The first was by Ben Jacobs for 29 yards against Toledo. It was the first time in his Bulldog career Davis got possession of a football.

Bell, Pacheco Back in the Line-up
Junior center Richard Pacheco and sophomore safety Lorne Bell returned to the starting line-up for the first time since the season opener against Rutgers. Pacheco started in place of Devan Cunningham, who was out with an injury, and Bell started in place of Jake Jorde.

Living in the Backfield
Fresno State had season highs for sacks (5) and tackles for losses (9) this season. The Bulldogs entered the game with eight total sacks through the first nine games. Jon Monga, with a career-high three sacks for 23 yards, led the charge. Sophomore Chris Carter has two sacks for 11 yards. Mark Roberts, Kyle Knox, Nick Bates and Chase McEntee also spent time in the Aggie backfield bringing down ball carriers.

Woodward Honored
Long-time Fresno State broadcaster Bill Woodward was honored during ceremonies. Bill Woodward, the radio voice of the Bulldogs on KMJ Radio since 1969, called his last home broadcast today. After 37 years, he’s retiring from the broadcast booth, but he will remain a constant voice on the KMJ sports airways. To honor Bill today, Fresno State presented him a commemorative College World Series poster signed by the 2008 National Championship Bulldogs and a framed Fresno State football jersey with the No. 37, for his years of service. In addition, the broadcast booth at Bulldog Stadium was named the Bill Woodward Booth.

Notables
The Dogs have six wins and are now bowl eligible, the ninth time in the last 10 seasons the Bulldog have been bowl eligible ... The Dogs honored 14 seniors who made their final appearance in Bulldog Stadium ... Fresno State held the Aggies to 107 total yards in the first half of the game, the second-lowest total of the season. New Mexico State had 93 yards in the first half earlier this season against Boise State. They entered the game averaging 379.1 total yards and a WAC-best 308.3 passing yards per game. NMSU had 93 passing yards in the first half ... Six of New Mexico State’s 10 drives ended with less than 30 yards and five were four plays or less ... the Bulldogs had 36,193 fans at today’s game and finished the season with an average of 37,864 fans, better than last year’s total of 36,290 fans ... Tom Brandstater’s two rushing touchdowns set a career-high. He has four on the season and seven in his career. He’s accounted for 53 touchdowns combined (46 passing, 7 rushing) in his career ... Anthony Harding had his second 100-yard rushing game of the season and tied his career-high with 23 rushing attempts. The Dogs are 3-1 this season when a back runs for more than 100 yards in a game ... Fresno State closes the season with consecutive Friday road games on ESPN2, beginning next week against San Jose State and the following Friday at No. 9 Boise State.

Quotes
Head Coach Pat Hill:
“We this was a big win. They all are this time of the year. We are a battered team but we played hard. We were only able to suit up 54 guys for the game, but that’s what we have. Some guys tried to play hurt, like Lonyae Miller, but he wasn’t ready. I don’t know when we will get him back to full strength. We have some other guys we’d like to get back, but right now I don’t know when we will, so whoever puts on that red helmet needs to be ready to play.”

“I have to give a lot of credit to our defense and Dan Brown. To hold a team to minus 9 yards is a pretty darned good. They are not a team that likes to run the ball, but no matter how you cut it, that was a good effort. It certainly will help the stats (laughs).”

“We still have a lot to play for. We are bowl eligible and right now I don’t know what that means for us, but we have a big game next week against a very talented San Jose State team. We know that will be a tough game. We have a short week to get ready for it and I hope we can get some guys back but we’ll see.”

“That game was an NFL style football game. It was tough yards, a pounding type game. Anthony Harding and Jamaal Rashad both pounded it hard to today. I thought Tom (Brandstater) played well. He managed the game well and showed his toughness playing on that ankle. We have some guys who played with great effort. I was very pleased with our effort tonight.”

“I want to thank our fans for coming out tonight. Having over 36,000 fans is pretty good. We are glad they are sticking with us and I hope we can finish this season the way we would like we can set our fans up for another bowl game and that would be great.”

“Join the State - Fresno State!” - The Dogs travel to San Jose State to take on the Spartans on Friday, November 21, at 6:30 pm. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. 

November 15, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - Bill Woodward has been calling Bulldog athletic events for 37 years.

And Fresno State made sure to give Woodward win as he called his final home game at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs bested New Mexico State 24-17 in the final home game of the 2008 season.

“It goes by so fast,” said Woodward. “The 37 years were great.”

Amidst the other celebrations at Bulldog Stadium Saturday, including Senior Day and Band Day, Fresno State fans set aside time to honor the “Voice of the Bulldogs” before the game got underway.

Director of Athletics, Thomas Boeh, former head football coach Jim Sweeney, and current men’s basketball coach Steve Cleveland, gathered at midfield to honor Woodward before the game.

The trio presented the longtime sportscaster with an autographed College World Series framed commemorative poster, a No. 37 football jersey (for the years Woodward spent at the microphone for the Bulldogs), and a special plaque after the coin toss.

“It’s exciting,” said Woodward. “It’s something that takes awhile to sink in, but it hasn’t yet.”

Woodward’s career with the Bulldogs goes back to the days prior to Bulldog Stadium.

“When I started we were going up the steps at Ratcliffe and now we are at this beautiful stadium,” he said. “I can remember the first game we played here when there was a rabbit running around the field petrified.”

Although Woodward’s 37 years will never be forgotten, to ensure his undeniable stamp on Bulldog athletics, Fresno State named the radio booth the “Bill Woodward Booth” in his honor.

“Bill Woodward has been synonymous with Fresno State athletics for nearly 40 years,” said football coach Pat Hill. “His voice brought home so many great Bulldogs memories to fans. We are proud of Bill. He’s the consummate Bulldog.”

Cleveland agreed.

“The main thing about Bill is that he has so much passion for the program,” the men’s basketball coach. “He was more than a play-by-play guy or radio personality. He truly cared about the young men in our program. He cared as much as the coaches. It’s been great working with Bill through the years. I’ve known him a long time and we have many great memories together.”

Woodward will call the Bulldogs’ remaining road games against San Jose State and Boise State. He will also call any postseason bowl action, as the Bulldogs are now bowl eligible.

Join the state - Fresno State! 

November 14, 2008

LOS ANGELES - Fresno State soccer run at the NCAA title was cut short after No. 1 seed UCLA beat the `Dogs 5-0. The Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA Tournament after Elora Martinez scored a game winning goal in double overtime against Utah State at the WAC Tournament. The `Dogs ended the season 11-9-2.

The Bulldog defense got tested right out of the gate. The Bruins took control and attacked the `Dogs goal right away.

The Bruins took an early 2-0 lead after McCall Zerboni scored back to back goals. All-WAC tournament MVP Ali Sill got a shot off along with All-WAC tournament team selection Elora Martinez. Revel retired the half with two saves. The Bruins outshot the Bulldogs 10-2.

In the second half the Bulldog defense was challenged from the first whistle. Fresno State held off the Bruin attack, but Zerboni scored her third goal of the night for a hat trick.

The Bruins scored two more goals by Kara Lang and Lauren Cheney.

The Bulldogs ended the game with five shots and Revel had 10 saves. Revel ended the season with 111 saves which lands her in fifth place in Fresno State history.

The Bulldogs finish the season with their second WAC Tournament Championship. The `Dogs made the NCAA Tournament for the third time in school history.The Bulldogs started the season 3-7 and at the beginning of WAC play turned it around and finished the second half of the season 9-2-2.

Fresno State had six players earn All-WAC honors and four named to the WAC All-Tournament team.

Seniors Selena Gill, Nicole Gutierrez, and Ali Sill graduate with more wins than any other class with 47. The three captains helped the `Dogs reach the NCAA Tournament as freshmen and seniors. Sill graduates as the career assist leader in Fresno State history.

The young Bulldog team gained experience after playing a tough UCLA program that will carry over to the 2009 season. The `Dogs return 20 student-athletes next year.

November 14, 2008

Box Score

Bakersfield, Calif. - The Fresno State women’s basketball team fought off a furious second half Cal-State Bakersfield rally to win its season opener 97-88 on Friday night at the Icardo Center.

“It was a great game for us to play,” Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins said. “I am very impressed with Bakersfield’s effort and the players they have. The crowd was great and it makes for the start of a neat rivalry here in the Valley for years to come.”

The Bulldogs had four players in double figures led by Bailey Amundsen and Jaleesa Ross’ 17 points. Joh-Teena Filipe had 16 points while Hayley Munro had 13 points and Marnique Arnold added 11.

“That is great,” Wiggins said on his teams balance scoring. “We need to be that team and have four, five, six people that can do that for us on any given night. That will be a very healthy trend for us.”

The Bulldogs out rebounded the Roadrunners 48-29 and Amundsen grabbed a career-best 12 while Filipe had seven. Fresno State shot 50 percent from the field and was 13-23 from the 3-point line.

Fresno State led by as many as 18 points in the first half at 46-28 with four minutes left in the first half. Fresno State led 52-39 at halftime and in the first 10 minutes of the second half Bakersfield took its first lead of the game at 61-59 with 12:06 to play.

That would be the only lead of the game for Bakersfield as Munro tied the game at 61 and Ross hit a 3-pointer to give Fresno State the lead for good at 64-61 with 11:35 to play.

Clinging to a 76-73 lead, Filipe scored nine of the Bulldogs next 13 points to give Fresno State an 89-79 lead with 3:58 to play in the game.

“When they took the lead on us in the second half we fought back,” Wiggins said. “We really had a great game environment with an adverse crowd.”

The Bulldogs shot 58 percent in the first half (18-31) and was 9-14 from the 3-point line. Amundsen was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field in the first half for 16 points.

Fresno State returns to the floor on November 20 when they host Big West power UC Santa Barbara at 7 p.m. in the Save Mart Center. The game will be heard live on 790 ESPN Radio, the Deuce.

“Join the State - Fresno State"- The Fresno State women’s basketball team returns to the floor on November 20 against UCSB. For ticket information click on the tickets link at the top of the page. 

November 14, 2008

Final Stats

FRESNO, Calif. (AP)-- Sylvester Seay scored 17 points in his Fresno State debut as the Bulldogs used a quick second-half start to defeat Sacramento State 77-65 on Friday night in both teams’ season opener.

Seay, a transfer from Arizona State, scored eight of his points during a 13-0 Fresno State run to begin the second half. The surge put the Bulldogs ahead 50-31.

“We played aggressively on defense tonight and this team continues to get better,” head coach Steve Cleveland said. “This is a very unselfish team and I like how we attacked the ball.”

Loren Leath scored a game-high 21 points for Sacramento State in its first game under new coach Brian Katz. The senior went 5 of 7 from three-point range.

Freshman Paul George added 14 points for Fresno State (1-0), highlighted by four rim-rattling dunks, including a one-hander in traffic after he drove the baseline. Dwight O’Neil had 10 points, seven rebounds and a career-high seven assists. As a team, the Bullodgs slammed down seven dunks on the night.

Sacramento State (0-1) failed to score in the first 6:39 of the second half before Jared Stigall ended the drought with a three-pointer.

After another Stigall three brought the Hornets to within 54-39 with 11:54 left, Fresno State responded by initiating three consecutive fast breaks.

O’Neil stole the ball in the backcourt and passed to George for an alley-oop dunk. O’Neil made another steal and passed to Mychal Ladd for a dunk. George then dunked off a long rebound and pass from Bryce Cartwright, putting the Bulldogs up by 21 points and forcing Sacramento State to call timeout with 10:09 left.

“Dunks change momentum,” George said when asked of their impact. “It’s fun for us and to have the crowd get into the game.”

O’Neil credited the swarming defensive pressure for creating the high-flying theatrics.

“It all starts with defense,” O’Neil said. “I can pass them the ball when we apply pressure.”

Fresno State led by as many as 26 points, 71-45, before the Hornets closed the deficit in the final minutes with Leath getting hot from the outside.

Mike Edwards, one of 12 junior college transfers recruited by Katz, added 10 points for Sacramento State. All came in the first half.

The Bulldogs outshot Sacramento State from the field, 54.9 to 37.9 percent. Fresno State swatted 11 Hornet shots, including three by Seay, compared to one for Sacramento State.

“Join the State - Fresno State!” - The `Dogs travel to take on Saint Mary’s on Monday, November 17 in a nationally televised game on ESPN at 11:00 pm. The `Dogs return to the Save Mart Center on Tuesday, November 25th as they host Seattle at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS.

November 14, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - One of the most improbable and incredible college sports championships ever is captured in the new book, Underdogs to Wonderdogs: Fresno State’s Road to Omaha and the College World Series Championship.

With 200 full-color photos packed into 168 letter-sized pages, this hardcover edition chronicles Fresno State’s 2008 season from start to furious finish. Penned by Paul Loeffler, the team’s longtime radio announcer, Underdogs to Wonderdogs also includes:

• Riveting radio play-by-play excerpts in boldface red type
• Telling quotes from players and coaches, captured throughout the magical season
• A foreword written by all-time saves leader Brandon Burke
• Comments from more than 30 other voices, including ESPN personalities Chris Berman and Erin Andrews, Fresno State president Dr. John Welty, former coach Bob Bennett, and several coaches from teams the Bulldogs eliminated.

Ordering is underway now by CLICKING HERE

The only book on the 2008 College World Series champions to be officially licensed and endorsed by Fresno State, Underdogs to Wonderdogs will hit shelves in late December 2008. It is available for preorder now by phone at (559)233-6633. The cover price of $34.95 is reduced to $29.95 for anyone ordering by November 30.

Q&A with author Paul Loeffler

1- What can readers look forward to when reading the book?
I think there’s a little something for everyone. If you’re one of those people who flips through and looks at all the pictures first, I think you’ll love it. We have 200 color photos capturing everything from the exhilaration of the dogpile in Omaha to a 10-year-old Tommy Mendonca practicing his lefty swing on the family farm in Turlock. If you already know the main points of the story and are looking for a little more depth, you’ll appreciate the stories behind the story, like how a painful point in Clayton Allison’s past helped him forget about the pain in his shoulder and propel his team to the CWS championship series. When you glance at a photo of the starters kneeling in prayer before the final game, you can look over and read what was said in that poignant moment. And if you find yourself starting to get tired of reading my perspective on the whole thing, you can jump ahead to the final chapter to see what about three dozen other people thought of the Wonderdogs’ incredible journey.

2- What did you learn about the team when doing research for the book that you may have not known before hand?
Quite a bit. As a baseball nut, the nuggets I enjoyed the most related to strategic moments in key games. Up in the radio booth, I just call what I see unfold on the diamond. I can’t hear what Mike Batesole is telling a hitter when he pulls him aside. But to be able to go back and learn the secret to Steve Susdorf’s success against San Jose State or who made the call for Brandon Burke’s clutch pickoff move against Nevada, that was a real treat for me. I think everyone wanted to know what Justin Wilson said to Danny Muno after his error in the CWS championship game, and that topic is explored too, with corroboration from both players. One thing that really sticks with me is a great quote from Brandon Burke’s mother that helped him keep his focus on the mound in all those pressure-packed situations.

3- What was it like calling the national championship game?
It was the most exciting and yet surreal moment of my broadcasting career. I remember listening to Bill Woodward call the games from Omaha in 1988 and 1991, and when I started calling the games for KMJ in 2001, I imagined what it might be like to follow the team all the way to the College World Series. The way they did it was better than anything I could have imagined. It was a great privilege to be there and have the responsibility of describing the action for all the folks listening back home. It was the perfect exclamation point to their against-all-odds story. I’ve listened to a few of the calls from that game, and I can hear in my own voice how delightedly dumbfounded I was by some of the unpredictable turns that game took. I was watching it unfold in front of my eyes, but I was still having a hard time believing it wasn’t a dream. It’s still hard to fathom sometimes how significant their accomplishment really is. Writing the book made it seem a little more real. I do remember getting back to the hotel that night feeling completely drained, as if I’d expended every ounce of energy I had.

4- What impressed you the most about the 2008 Bulldog Baseball team?
The unwavering trust that existed between those 25 players. That was the key. That’s what allowed them to accomplish the unthinkable. To go from an RPI of 89 to the last team standing over the course of a month? That is unheard of! It is without a doubt one of the greatest underdog stories of all time, and it was fun in putting the book together to see some of the events and comments throughout the season that kind of foreshadowed the magic to come. They were so comfortable as a team, felt so much security and trust, that they were able to reduce the game to its purest form. No pressure, just play and have fun. As Coach Batesole puts it, they were like “sixth graders going out to recess,” and I guess that dreaded bell never did ring.

5- What do you want readers to get from reading the book?
For Fresno State alumni and fans, I hope the book allows them to relive the magic over and over again, and hopefully learn a little more about the team and the Bulldog baseball family along the way. For those who aren’t as familiar with the story, I hope it gives them an appreciation not just of how singularly significant this championship was in the context of college sports history, but also of how special the tradition of Fresno State baseball is. I think there are quite a few human elements to the narrative that will underscore what this meant to everyone involved, from the players and coaches to their families, fans, and the San Joaquin Valley as a whole. In general, I hope to give the readers the kind of connection with the characters involved that will make them want to follow the story from start to finish.

6- What did you enjoy most about the Bulldogs run to Omaha?
That’s a tough one. There were so many incredible moments on the diamond, from Hedstrom’s grand slam in Tempe to Ahmady’s double play against North Carolina, to Jake Hower’s turn in the spotlight, to the superhuman efforts of Wilson and Detwiler in the final game. It was really special to see the players and coaches experience that ultimate reward, and to see so many of them share it with their families there in Omaha. I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say it lifted up the entire Valley, and there’s no question it inspired underdogs everywhere. Just to know that the longest of longshots really is possible is a powerful thing, and I feel tremendously blessed to have witnessed so much of it in person.

November 13, 2008

Los Angeles, Calif. - Fresno State soccer has turned a 3-7 start to their season into an appearance at the NCAA Tournament after beating Utah State in double overtime of the WAC tournament championship last weekend in Reno, Nev.

The team left around 8:30 on Thursday morning and stopped for lunch in Valencia, Calif. The `Dogs arrived on the UCLA campus around 1:30 about an hour early for practice. The team got the chance to check out the UCLA campus and wondering around. Several players ran into friends from home, who attends UCLA.

The team hit the field around 2:30 for an hour long practice.

The Bulldogs have made two appearances in the tournament, one back in 1999 and again in 2005. Seniors Ali Sill, Nicole Gutierrez, and Selena Gill were freshmen when the `Dogs made their last post season run.

The second half of the season the `Dogs have gone 9-1-2 and won the last five games. The defense has allowed only two goals since the beginning of the conference play.

Several players were asked: “What are you most excited about playing in the NCAA Tournament?”

Selena Gill: “Being able to have the opportunity to play good teams that are ranked.”

Megan Ashjian: “Getting to play the team that is ranked No. 2 in the country.”

Nicole Duff: “It is an amazing experience and an honor to represent Fresno State. It is going to be fun playing with the some of the best schools in the country. “

Ali Sill: “It is exciting to know that we are among the top 64 teams in the nation, it is really exciting to be playing.”

The Bulldogs face No. 2 seeded UCLA in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament Nov. 14 at 5:30 at Drake Stadium. 

November 13, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State begins its quest of defending its 2007-08 WAC championship on Friday when they play at Cal-State Bakersfield.

Bulldogs vs. Cal-State Bakersfield
This is the second meeting between the two schools. Last year the two teams met in Fresno where the Bulldogs handed the Roadrunners their worst loss in school history as Fresno State won, 93-50. The Fresno State win was the largest margin of victory for a Bulldog team since an 86-38 win over Cal-State Northridge on December 20, 1996. The win was also the third biggest win in the last 16 years.

Recapping the Exhibition Games
Fresno State defeated Fresno Pacific 74-57 and the Melbourne Roos 76-51 in its two exhibition games. LaShay Fears averaged 19 points a game in the two contests. Jaleesa Ross and Bailey Amundsen each averaged 13 points in the two contests.

Home and Season Openers
Since 1971 the Bulldogs are 27-10 in home openers and 18-19 in season openers. Last year Fresno State lost a tough 83-79 game to nationally ranked Cal in its season and home opener.

`Dogs Rank Second in Attendance Among California Schools
Fresno State finished the 2007-08 season ranked second in attendance among all Division I California schools. Stanford was No. 1 at 4,009 fans a contest while Fresno State averaged 2,458 fans. Cal was third at 2,363 with UCLA fourth at 1,675 and USC fifth at 1,316 fans.

Bulldogs Garner Preseason Honors
After excellent freshmen seasons Jaleesa Ross and Hayley Munro garnered preseason All-WAC honors as voted on by the coaches and media. Ross was voted to the First Team Preseason All-WAC team by the coaches and media while Munro garnered the recognition by the coaches.

Dog’s Picked Second in Preseason WAC poll
After winning the program’s first ever conference championship in 2007-08, the Bulldogs were picked second by the coaches and media in the WAC for 2008-09 behind Boise State.

Hot Shooting
Fresno State is set to be another hot shooting team from the perimeter. Last year the team hit a school record 262 3-pointers and attempted a school record 762 three’s. Jaleesa Ross tied the single season 3-point record by hitting 89 last season. Ross has hit a 3-pointer in 23 straight games dating back to last season. Bailey Amundsen had a stretch where she hit a 3-pointer in 17 straight games. The `Dogs were third in the nation in 3-pointers made per game.

Love at Home
The Bulldogs have recorded an impressive 42-7 record at the Save Mart Center under Adrian Wiggins and are currently riding a 10-game home winning streak. Last year the Bulldogs went 11-3 and in 2005-06 the Dogs boasted a school-best 15-1 record. This year the Dogs went 10-3 at home and boasted a perfect 8-0 mark in WAC Play.

“Join the State - Fresno State” Fresno State plays its home opener on November 20 against UCSB.