No. 25 Oregon volleyball (10-7, 4-4) will return to Eugene this weekend for match-ups against No. 10 UCLA (15-3, 6-2) and No. 1 USC (20-0, 8-0).
Despite strong efforts from scoring leaders Martenne Bettendorf and Lindsey Vander Weide, Oregon struggled last weekend with a straight-set loss to Washington before a win over Washington State.
As head coach Jim Moore said earlier this season, the team’s difficulty has been seeing games to completion. The Ducks have no issue coming out strong, but they fail to finish off sets.
Overall, it’s going to be a tough weekend for Oregon, but it has talent to bring to the table. The key to winning these match-ups is defense. If the Ducks can put up blocks and make digs, they can contend with these two top-ten teams.
No. 25 Oregon
Players to watch: Martenne Bettendorf, Taylor Agost, Kacey Nady, Amanda Benson
Oregon must keep its defensive momentum rolling after it totaled 61 digs in four sets last match against Washington State. Blocks will also be key to contain the southern California offensive powerhouses. In the Washington State match, Nady led the way with six blocks; Bettendorf and Agost followed with five blocks each.
No. 10 UCLA
(15-3, 6-2 Pac-12)
Players to watch: Jordan Anderson, Claire Felix, Ryann Chandler
UCLA has a strong offensive line up with redshirt sophomore Chandler as the setter. Chandler recorded her third double-double of the season in UCLA’s sweep of Arizona State last weekend. Junior middle blocker Felix also played a key role, adding 11 kills and six blocks. Junior Anderson at outside hitter adds some power to the front row. Anderson is currently averaging 4.91 kills per set and adding more than five points per set. She also led the team in kills against Arizona State.
No. 1 USC
(20-0, 8-0 Pac-12)
Players to watch: Taylor Whittingham, Bricio, Ford
Junior Whittingham was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week for scoring 26 digs and seven assists against Arizona State last week. Her prowess in the back row could cause some trouble for Oregon’s deep corps of hitters.
On offense, USC’s Samantha Bricio will cause problems for the Ducks. Bricio recorded 25 points and 12 digs in just four sets last week for her 49th career double-double. The Mexico-native and two-time All-American has a wicked serve that Oregon defenders must watch out for; she notched three aces in her last match alone.
Follow Madison Layton on Twitter @MadisonLayton01
Oregon volleyball will have its hands full against top 10 teams this weekend
Madison Layton
October 22, 2015
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