Earlier this season when the Ducks faced the Utes, Oregon squeaked by with a 15-11 fifth-set win on senior Martenne Bettendorf’s walk-off kill. The second time around, the Ducks — fresh off a two losing streak — won’t have the home-court advantage and will have to find a new groove.
The outcome of Oregon’s Oct. 30 rematch with Utah could go either way. After its loss to the No. 1 USC last weekend, Oregon holds a 10-9 overall, 4-6 Pac-12 record, while Utah is 7-14 overall and 1-9 in conference.
Here’s what to watch for in Friday’s match:
Oregon hitters vs. Utah back row defense
Oregon has the advantage of having four strong hitters who typically score at least five kills per match; two regularly record double-digit kills. Bettendorf, the Ducks’ second-leading scorer, has put up 202 kills so far this season, 24 of which she scored against UCLA last week.
Freshman Lindsey Vander Weide has also dominated the front row.  Vander Weide leads Oregon with 209 kills.
To combat Oregon’s strong front row, Utah boasts libero Tess Sutton. The junior added 24 digs to the Utes’ total in their last match against Oregon, and 19 against Cal on Oct. 18. Outside hitter Adora Anae, who had 25 digs against Cal, will back Sutton.
Utah hitting vs. Oregon blocking
The sophomore powerhouse Anae also scored a career-high 27 kills against Cal. She was also one of 36 players named to the U.S. Collegiate National Team after she tallied 208 kills in her 2014 season. The Hawaii-native will likely prove to be a challenge for the Oregon front row once again.
Oregon’s saving grace against Anae is a tall front line. Against Washington State on Oct. 18, Oregon totaled 12.5 team blocks in just four sets. Bettendorf and freshman Sumeet Gill have been key to Oregon’s strong blocking game and will need to pay special attention to Anae in order to contain Utah.
Friday’s match will begin at 7 p.m in Salt Lake City and be followed by a Sunday match against Colorado.
Follow Madison Layton on Twitter @MadisonLayton01