University of Oregon
10-9, 4-6Pac-12
USC
22-0, 10-0Pac-12
Top-Ranked Trojans Too Much for Ducks
10/25/15 | Women's Volleyball
EUGENE, Ore. – No. 25 Oregon volleyball fell at the hands of top-ranked USC in three sets on Sunday, 25-18, 25-18, 25-16.
How it Happened: The Ducks looked to be up to the task early in each of the first two sets, jumping out to a 4-1 lead in the opener and staying with the Trojans for the first portion of the second set. However USC showed its strength with debilitating runs in each. A 7-1 run put the Trojans up 17-11 in the second while an 8-1 run gave them an 18-10 advantage in the second.
The Trojans were led by Samantha Bricio who finished with a match high 15 kills along with four service aces.
The Ducks found production from freshman middle blocker Sumeet Gill, who led the team with a career high eight kills and .727 hitting efficiency. The hitting percentage was the highest of any Duck this season while taking a minimum of 10 attempts. Oregon head coach Jim Moore went deep into his bench as 12 members of the squad saw action on Sunday and all five freshman recorded at least one kill in the match
What it Means: Oregon is now halfway through the Pac-12 season with a 4-6 record, now 10-9 overall. As the Ducks embark on the back end of their journey through the toughest conference in the nation, they will need five more wins to remain above .500 overall and eligible for the NCAA tournament.
Notes and Numbers: Sumeet Gill's .727 hitting is the highest since Serena Warner hit .917 against Washington State last season on Nov. 9...Amanda Benson led the team with 15 digs.
Quoteworthy:
Head Coach Jim Moore
On playing the best team in the nation...
"That's as good as they can play. They put tons of pressure on us. We came out ready, and we got an early lead, but when pressure is applied, they played great."
On going deep into the bench...
"It's trying to find somebody who will do exactly what you are asking for, and somebody that will play. Haley doesn't have heat, but she is smart and she needed to have an opportunity to be out there. August was in there because I thought she came in and picked us up at the end of the second set. Her choices are good and she brought life to us."
Up Next: Oregon will travel for matches at Utah, Friday, at 7 p.m. PT and at Colorado, Saturday at 6 p.m. PT.
