Oregon Volleyball’s Thrilling Comeback Victory Over Portland State
The Oregon volleyball team wrapped up its non-conference matches with a dramatic five-set victory against Portland State, winning 18-25, 25-12, 20-25, 25-13, 15-12. Freshman Alanah Clemente stood out with 19 kills, including the final two points for the Ducks. This win boosts Oregon’s record to 9-1 as they head into Big Ten play.
Clemente’s impressive performance included a hitting percentage of .378. She wasn’t alone in her success; Maria Tabacuks and Ksenija Tomic contributed 14 and 10 kills, respectively. Valentina Vaulet also made an impact with nine kills, nine digs, and four aces, showcasing her strength in serving during critical moments.
Defensively, freshman libero Natalie Fukumoto matched the highest digs of the match with 13, along with seven assists. Iva Sucurovic was a defensive powerhouse with five blocks, helping the Ducks achieve a team total of 10 blocks. Remarkably, they’ve hit double-digit blocks in seven of their first ten matches this season.
In the fifth set, the Ducks pulled ahead with a quick four-point streak, moving from a 4-all tie to an 8-5 lead. Sucurovic played a pivotal role during this stretch, demonstrating both offense and defense. As the game progressed, Portland State fought back, narrowing the lead. But the Ducks regrouped, with crucial kills from Vaulet and Clemente. Clemente sealed the match with her 18th kill, bringing the thrilling comeback to a close.
Interestingly, the Ducks have been strong in tight matches this season, showing resilience with a 2-1 record in five-set games. In the standout second set, Oregon’s strategic offense led to a perfect 25 points, demonstrating their attacking prowess with 20 kills and three aces.
As the Ducks prepare to kick off Big Ten competition against Illinois next Friday, they are looking to continue this momentum. With a powerful mix of talent and teamwork, they are set to make an impact in the upcoming matches.
For updates on Oregon Volleyball, check out their social media on Instagram and Twitter at @OregonVB.
