In one of the more exciting and tension-filled matches in recent Oregon volleyball history, the No. 18 Ducks overcame a 2-0 deficit to top visiting Washington State 3-2 Friday evening at Matthew Knight Arena.
The victory was Oregon’s 12th straight over the Cougars.
After dropping the first two sets 25-21. 25-17, Oregon won the final three sets 25-8, 25-13, 15-12. Oregon was actually down 9-5, and later 11-8, in the decisive fifth set, but used a 6-0 run to pull away at the end. The match marked only the second time this year Oregon has played a full five sets.
Outside hitter Alaina Bergsma led Oregon’s offensive effort by hitting .277 and notching 18 kills. Liz Brenner hit .200 and had 15 kills, and Kat Fischer hit .242 and had 13. Meagan Ganzer was far and away Washington State’s best offensive player, tallying 22 kills and a .280 hitting percentage.
Despite being dominated during the first two sets, the Ducks outhit the Cougars .244 – .161 for the match,
Oregon will return to action at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow evening when they host No. 7 Washington.