Oregon’s shocking 3-1 victory over then-No. 1 Penn State@@http://www.salem-news.com/articles/august262011/uo-volleyball-penn-state.php@@ in the Ducks’ season-opener last month marked a triumphant return to play for a team still smarting from an NCAA Tournament snub last fall. In its matches since the Penn State upset, Oregon has proved its 2011 team is more than just a flash in the pan.
Although it was edged 3-2 by No.9 Minnesota a few days after beating the Nittany Lions, Oregon won its next six matches, all by shutout, and won against Arizona and Arizona State to start Pac-12 play.@@http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=205245699@@
A key reason for Oregon’s surprising early season success is Alaina Bergsma. @@http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=204880765@@A transfer from Loyola Marmount, Bergmsa has done an admirable job filling the shoes of Heather Meyers, @@http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1147310@@hitting .303 and scoring a team-high 161 kills.
The Oregon Daily Emerald recently caught up with Bergsma to discuss the Penn State win, what it’s like to be a student-athlete at the University of Oregon, and her upcoming appearance in the Miss Oregon pageant.
ODE: Where does the Penn State win rank among your top moments playing volleyball?
AB: That’s right up there. That and our win against Washington last year just because it was time we beat Washington at home, but definitely one of my favorite games to play in.
The loss of Heather Meyers from your team last year left a pretty big void. Have you tried to increase your leadership to try and replace what she brought?
Definitely. I worked really hard in the offseason to try to get physically where I needed to be for this season and to be it, to be the go-to hitter, and I think it’s been going well. I think I’ve been able, I even literally took her position on the court, so I’ve definitely been trying to step into that role.
I know you had some physical issues, a hip injury, a few years back. Were you ever at full health last year?
I was getting really close. They said it takes almost a full year after surgery and December made the full year. So kind of, I think I was really close the whole time, and that’s partly why I was only playing in three rotations. I played half the time. This year I get to play the whole time and keep it going.
How have you improved as a player from last season?
I’m more explosive hitting and I think I’m also more of a leader on the court than I was able to be last year, and I feel like I have way more endurance. I can keep jumping for an extended amount.
What is your favorite thing to do in Eugene?
Eat. I love going to all of the different restaurants.
Any one in particular?
I really like the Pizza Research Institute. That’s a really fun place.
What’s your favorite non-food activity in Eugene?
I like going to the Saturday Market. I know it’s not year-round, but I go pretty regularly every Saturday when it is.
If you could change one thing about the University, what would it be?
I think I would have more cultural diversity.
What’s your favorite thing about going to school here?
Our fans. I love being in a college town where people care.
Something else that’s interesting is that I’m currently Miss Lane County USA and am competing for Miss Oregon USA.
How did that come about?
One of my good friends in high school went to UTEP for volleyball and won Miss Texas and so she convinced me. Thanksgiving weekend, after the Oregon State match, I’ll head up to Portland and compete for Miss Oregon USA.
Are you taking some ribbing for teammates for doing this, or is everyone pretty excited for you doing this?
Umm, yes! But at the same time, they’re excited for me and they definitely wish me the best of luck.
So that wouldn’t be a bad weekend, to beat Oregon State in the Civil War and then win Miss Oregon?
That would be a fabulous weekend!