For the first time since 1989, the Oregon women’s volleyball team did something that was thought to be impossible given the team’s long history of losing – beat a top-ten opponent on the road. The Ducks also clinched their first winning season since 1990 and made themselves eligible for the NCAA tournament.
Oregon (15-3 overall, 5-3 Pac-10) and No. 8 Cal (14-5, 3-5) came into the match Thursday night in Berkeley, Calif. carrying completely opposite momentum. The Duck’s improved level of play compared to recent years showed as they won the match in four games, 30-28, 13-30, 35-33 and 30-25.
“This is huge,” coach Jim Moore said. “This win changes everything.”
While the Golden Bears came into the match riding a three-game losing streak, the Ducks were on the other end of the spectrum, having won their past three matches.
With the momentum in their favor, the Ducks jumped out to an early lead and led most of the way in game 1, eventually winning 30-28.
All the energy and enthusiasm seemed to disappear for game 2 as Oregon quickly self-destructed and was reminiscent of the team that only won one conference game last year, losing the game 13-30.
The Ducks could barely put anything past the Bears’ defense, which resulted in being out-hit substantially, registering a .000 hitting percentage compared to Cal’s .536.
Days after winning Pac-10 player of the week for her performance against the Arizona schools, freshman middle blocker Sonja Newcombe didn’t play to that level against Cal, as she was held to a .038 hitting percentage and committed 10 errors. Sophomore hitter Mira Djuric led the Ducks statistically, hitting .375 while tallying 12 kills for the match.
After the break, Oregon came out with an early 4-1 lead in game 3 and appeared ready to take the game with a 23-17 lead. The Bears rallied to tie the score at 29 and the two teams exchanged the lead, with the Ducks finally winning the epic game 35-33.
“You can’t describe the character these kids showed in winning this match,” Moore said. “Cal destroyed us in game 2 and we stepped up to the challenge.”
Cal fans looked stunned in game 4 as Oregon pulled away with a 24-20 lead and went on to win 30-25, sealing their fourth-straight Pac-10 win.
Oregon hopes to continue its unprecedented Pac-10 success when it faces No. 3 Stanford tonight at 7 p.m..
[email protected]