The Oregon volleyball team opened its Pac-10 conference schedule at McArthur Court last week with losses to two top-10 teams, No. 3 UCLA and No. 7 USC.
Thursday against UCLA, the Ducks (10-2 overall, 0-2 Pac-10) went down early and never got up, losing in three games, 30-22, 30-13 and 30-20, while hitting only .015 for the match.
“We’re not aware of how good we are, and we don’t believe in ourselves as much as we should,” sophomore outside-hitter Mira Djuric said.
Friday the Ducks bounced back with a gutsy performance against USC, going up two games to one before losing in five, 30-24, 20-30, 30-25, 27-30 and 10-15.
Djuric led the Oregon attack with 22.5 points and 19 kills. Sophomore libero Katie Swoboda anchored the defense with 31 digs.
Despite losing both matches, coach Jim Moore was optimistic after Friday’s loss to USC.
“Its the seventh best team in the country and if we can be right there with them then we’re okay,” Moore said.
Next, Oregon hosts Oregon State (3-8 overall, 0-2 Pac-10) at 7 p.m. Friday.
– Kevin Hudson