Thrilling Showdown: Vikings Battle Hard but Fall in Four Sets Against Flagstaff – Portland State University Athletics

PORTLAND STATE VOLLEYBALL UPDATE

The Portland State Vikings faced off against Northern Arizona, losing in a tough match. After dropping the first set 26-24, they bounced back to take the second set 25-20. However, NAU regained control, claiming the match 3-1 (26-24, 20-25, 25-17, 25-13) at the Lumberjacks’ home court.

This game was notable because the Vikings were the first to win a set against NAU at home this season. Before this match, NAU had dominated, winning all four of their home games without dropping a set.

In the first set, the Vikings found themselves down 20-13 but rallied to tie the score at 24. Unfortunately, a ball handling error gave NAU the edge, allowing them to snatch the first set. The Vikings then transitioned to a 5-1 formation in the second set, a strategic change that paid off, as they limited NAU’s scoring.

Ava Blascziek stepped up as the sole setter, contributing seven assists and five digs in the second set. On defense, Naomi White made her mark, helping the Vikings out-block NAU 3-0 during this frame.

The Vikings gained momentum with an impressive 8-1 run, turning a 15-17 deficit into a 23-18 lead, primarily due to forcing NAU into errors. Despite their improvement in the second set, the Lumberjacks turned up their game in the next two sets, dominating with improved hitting percentages.

Freshman Alivia Eikenberg stood out with a match-high 17 kills and her eighth double-double of the season. She’s on track to break the record for double-doubles by a PSU freshman, currently held at 13.

Portland State’s struggles continued as they fell to 2-8 when losing the first set this season. They have excelled when winning the first set, boasting a 4-1 record. As they prepare for their next match against Northern Colorado, the Vikings will need to harness their defensive strengths to respond effectively.

This season has been a rollercoaster for the Vikings, with ups and downs in performance. Patterns show that when they can establish control early, they often secure wins. They must find consistency moving forward.

Key Stats:

• Vikings are 10-8 in two-point sets this season.
• They average 1.43 blocks per set in conference play, down from 2.31 in non-conference matches.
• Freshman Ashley Repetti made her mark with her first career kills and digs.

For further stats and analysis, check out the Big Sky Conference official site.

As the Vikings gear up for a challenging road trip, observing their mix of strategy and adaptability will be key to their success as they face new opponents ahead.

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