Throughout the 2024 season, No. 12 Oregon (18-5, 10-4 Big Ten) has shown why it’s struggled to crack the top-10 with losses to teams such as Penn State, Wisconsin and Nebraska.
But Saturday’s 3-0 victory against No. 14 Minnesota (16-8, 9-5 Big Ten) is an example of how it’s proven why it’s a top-15 squad — it will always bounce back after each time it’s fallen.
Just two days prior, the Ducks suffered their second home loss of the season against No. 2 Nebraska in a sweep. Matthew Knight Arena welcomed 8,566 fans — a record crowd — but Oregon quickly discovered the gap between being the No. 12 team in the nation and the talent of a top-2 squad.
Saturday was a new day and a new opportunity to get a top-15 win. The Ducks delivered in their sweep, 25-14, 25-20, 25-21.
Oregon was energetic in its 8-2 start. Outside hitter Mimi Colyer tallied 52 attacks on Thursday against the Cornhuskers but this one began with a more balanced attack.
Set 1 was dominant for the Ducks and middle blocker Onye Ofoegbu, who starred with a perfect five kills on five attacks and three blocks in the period. Oregon held the Gophers to a .050 hitting percentage with nine attack errors.
The second set started with Minnesota keeping it closer. The Gophers, however, returned the advantage to the Ducks, which went on a 7-0 run to go up 12-7.
The Oregon front row was sharp throughout the match. The Ducks recorded 13 total blocks, including a triple block between Ofoegbu, Noemie Glover and Michelle Ohwobete that sparked the Set 2 run.
Minnesota came into the third set hot. Back-to-back service aces and a 4-0 start required Oregon head coach Matt Ulmer to call a quick timeout — eventually leading to a 4-0 run for his team.
Freshman outside hitter Bella Gamache subbed into the match and made an instant impact in Set 3. Gamache tacked on consecutive service aces for the Ducks — their fourth and the fifth of the afternoon and the first two of her career — to put them back up.
Oregon conceded one last Gophers run, partially because of 18 total kills from Julia Hanson, but the Ducks persevered to the finish line. Ohwobete capped off the match with one final kill.
Ofoegbu finished with 10 kills and seven blocks on .714 percent. Colyer contributed 10 kills but, again, had 32 attacks, while Mackenzie Morris and Cristin Cline also recorded two service aces.
A victory on Saturday continued Oregon’s perfect record following a loss this season. Next, the Ducks will face Northwestern at 6 p.m. at Matthew Knight on Friday before traveling to USC next Sunday.
